How Paper Is Made in an Era Driven by Sustainability

25 November 2024

Ever wondered how the paper you use daily is made? A lot goes on behind the scenes to ensure that it’s produced in the most sustainable and environmentally-friendly way possible. Every year, we plant 200 million trees in our plantations in Riau Province, Sumatra, Indonesia, which are then transported to our mills to be turned into paper. At PaperOne™, we are transparent about our papermaking process, so our customers really get to see the wood for the trees!

A Responsible Approach to Papermaking

Every step of our papermaking process is aligned with strict sustainability standards. On top of being eco-certified, such as holding the PEFC Sustainable Forest Management certification, we are also committed to a 1-for-1 goal of conserving one hectare of forest for every hectare of plantation. Without ever compromising the quality of our paper, PaperOne’s dedication to responsible production is clear—from the very beginning.

Step 1: Pulping

Our process begins with pulping, where we source wood fibres from sustainably managed plantations before reducing them to pulp. Though unusable in papermaking, the bark removed from the trees and its byproducts are utilised as fuel to produce electricity for factories and villages. We also filter and reuse the water used to wash the logs to reduce water wastage. During this stage, our water recycling and sophisticated processing plants are great assets in helping us to minimise environmental impact.

Stage 2: Papermaking

Next comes papermaking, the heart of our operations. Once the wood is processed into pulp, we put the fibres through a large papermaking machine, where up to 50% of the water content is squeezed out. Nothing goes to waste as up to 90% of water in this entire manufacturing process is recycled! In the final step of this stage, the sheets are dried at temperatures of around 100°C. By conserving resources, we are consistently aligned with our goal of creating paper that is as eco-friendly as it is high-quality.

Stage 3: Finishing

Finally, the paper is carefully treated and prepared for distribution in the finishing stage. The paper sheets, which undergo coating and drying, are cut into sheets tailored to our customers’ needs, before being packaged and shipped to them. By using state-of-the-art equipment, we make sure that the finished products meet both our quality standards and environmental goals, where every ream of paper has super high whiteness and thickness, designed for dual-sided high-speed printing, and perfectly suited for everyday use.

A Better Tomorrow, One Sheet at a Time

For us, sustainability isn’t just a vertical stream of activity in our business model. It is our business model. Choosing PaperOne is more than just selecting high-quality paper. It’s about supporting a brand that is committed to sustainability at every stage of production.

With responsible forestry, water conservation, and minimal waste at the forefront of our efforts, we are consistently reinforcing our commitment to being a force of good for the community, climate, and customers. Next time you pick up a sheet of PaperOne, remember that each page is part of a bigger story—one of environmental responsibility and a commitment to a sustainable future.