Unit 1

Question 1

What are paper and board made from?

Answer 1

Cellulose fibres from plants.

Question 2

What is bagasse?

Answer 2

Shredded sugarcane used to make paper

Question 3

What is the most common source of cellulose fibres?

Answer 3

Wood

Question 4

Why is softwood often used for paper production?

Answer 4

Because it has long and strong fibres.

Question 5

What is added to paper pulp to break down lignin?

Answer 5

Acetic acid or other chemicals.

Question 6

What are common fillers used in paper production?

Answer 6

Clay and calcium carbonate.

Question 7

What is ‘wood free’ pulp?

Answer 7

Pulp with lignin removed after cooking.

Question 8

How much water is needed to make one A4 sheet of 80gsm paper?

Answer 8

At least 500ml.

Question 9

Name three key properties that affect paper choice.

Answer 9

Whiteness, opacity, strength.

Question 10

What is sizing used for in paper making?

Answer 10

To control absorbency and improve printability.

Question 11

What’s the difference between internal and surface sizing?

Answer 11

Internal is mixed in the pulp; surface is sprayed on the sheet.

Question 12

What are the main coatings for paper?

Answer 12

Clay and polyethylene (PE).

Question 13

What is the effect of coating on paper?

Answer 13

Brighter, sharper prints and increased strength.

Question 14

Which finish is dull and smooth?

Answer 14

Matte

Question 15

What finish has the highest shine?

Answer 15

Gloss

Question 16

What factors affect tear resistance?

Answer 16

Fibre bonding, fibre strength/length, and filler content.

Question 17

What test is used for measuring tear strength?

Answer 17

Elmendorf tear test.

Question 18

What is die cutting?

Answer 18

Cutting, scoring, creasing, and perforating paper/board with a shaped die.

Question 19

What are ejection rubbers for in die cutting?

Answer 19

To push the cut piece out of the die.

Question 20

What is scoring?

Answer 20

Partially cutting the surface for precise folding.

Question 21

What is the difference between folding and creasing?

Answer 21

Creasing crushes fibres; folding makes a shape.

Question 22

What are perforations used for?

Answer 22

To allow easy folding or tearing.

Question 23

What is calendering in paper making?

Answer 23

Rolling paper to adjust thickness and surface finish.

Question 24

Why might UV varnish be added to paper?

Answer 24

For added surface finish or texture.

Question 25

Which paper type absorbs ink more: coated or uncoated?

Answer 25

Uncoated.

Question 26

What is the key difference between paper and board?

Answer 26

Paper is under 220gsm; board is over 220gsm.

Question 27

What unit is used to measure paper weight?

Answer 27

Grams per square metre (GSM).

Question 28

What unit is used to measure board thickness?

Answer 28

Microns (μm), where 1000μm = 1mm.

Question 29

What series defines international paper sizes?

Answer 29

ISO 216 – A, B, and C series.

Question 30

What are A, B, and C series used for?

Answer 30

A = general printing, B = industry, C = envelopes.

Question 31

Why use SRA paper for printing posters?

Answer 31

It allows bleed and trimming; A-series is too small.

Question 32

What is the weight range for tissue paper?

Answer 32

10–35gsm.

Question 33

What is the heaviest material listed in the unit?

Answer 33

Mountboard: 500–2500gsm.

Question 34

What makes corrugated card strong?

Answer 34

Its fluted structure and layered liners.

Question 35

What is a weakness of corrugated card?

Answer 35

Loses strength when wet and doesn’t stack well.

Question 36

What gives tracing paper its transparency?

Answer 36

Acid treatment removes impurities and adds grease resistance.

Question 37

What paper is best for marker pens and why?

Answer 37

Bleed proof paper – ink doesn’t soak through.

Question 38

What is cartridge paper used for?

Answer 38

Sketching and drawing with pencils, pens, inks.

Question 39

Why is watercolour paper good for painting?

Answer 39

High absorbency, little sizing, and keeps shape when wet.

Question 40

How does photo paper differ from normal paper?

Answer 40

It has special coatings for inkjet, laser, or light-based printing.

Question 41

What is mount board used for?

Answer 41

Framing photos and making final models.

Question 42

Why is bleached card used for premium packaging?

Answer 42

High whiteness, good printability, smooth surface.

Question 43

What is duplex board mainly used for?

Answer 43

Food packaging and folding cartons.

Question 44

What does foil-lining add to board?

Answer 44

Barrier to light, air, moisture, and bacteria.

Question 45

What makes Tetra-Pak hard to recycle?

Answer 45

Multiple layers (paper, polyethylene, foil) that require special processing.

Question 46

What’s special about the Tetra Rex® range?

Answer 46

100% plant-based, including sugarcane-derived bio-polymers.

Question 47

What is metal effect card and one use?

Answer 47

Card with bonded metallic foil; used for cake boards or luxury packaging.

Question 48

What is moulded pulp typically used for?

Answer 48

Eco-friendly packaging, e.g. egg boxes.

Question 49

Why is uncoated board easier to recycle?

Answer 49

It contains fewer added materials (like foil or PE coatings).

Question 50

Which paper types are most absorbent?

Answer 50

Watercolour paper and uncoated paper.

Question 51

What’s the difference between paper and board?

Answer 51

Paper is under 220gsm; board is over 220gsm.

Question 52

What is GSM used for?

Answer 52

Measuring paper weight.

Question 53

What is tracing paper used for?

Answer 53

Overlaying or transferring images.

Question 54

What is Vegware?

Answer 54

A company that makes plant-based, compostable food packaging.

Question 55

What type of materials does Vegware use?

Answer 55

Renewable, plant-based materials like bagasse (sugarcane waste), PLA (corn-starch-based bioplastic), and FSC-certified paperboard.

Question 56

What is PLA and why is it used?

Answer 56

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a compostable bioplastic made from corn starch; it replaces traditional plastic in food-safe linings.

Question 57

How long does Vegware take to compost in industrial conditions?

Answer 57

Around 12 weeks.

Question 58

What are the performance characteristics of Vegware products?

Answer 58

Oil-resistant, water-resistant, heatproof, and have printable surfaces.

Question 59

Where are Vegware products typically used?

Answer 59

In the food service and takeaway industries – for items like coffee cups, cutlery, trays, sandwich boxes, and containers.

Question 60

What are the advantages of using Vegware packaging?

Answer 60

• Made from renewable resources • Fully compostable • Reduces plastic waste • Eco-friendly branding • Ideal for festivals, cafes, and closed-loop systems

Question 61

What are the limitations of Vegware products?

Answer 61

•Needs industrial composting facilities (not home compostable) •Can’t be recycled with conventional plastic or paper •May be more expensive than standard packaging

Question 62

What design considerations are important for Vegware packaging?

Answer 62

• Clear labelling for compostable disposal • Secure and leak-resistant for food • Lightweight but durable structure

Question 63

How does Vegware support sustainable systems?

Answer 63

It fits into closed-loop waste systems where packaging and food waste can be composted together.