Paper101 is an independent informational website dedicated to paper in all its forms.
We publish clear, practical and thoroughly researched guides covering paper sizes, papermaking materials, printing, storage, conservation, recycling, crafts and the physical properties of paper. Our aim is to answer ordinary questions properly, whether someone is choosing paper for a printer, identifying an unusual fibre, preparing a book for production, preserving an old document or simply trying to understand how paper works.
Paper101 is operated by the Materials Journalism Foundation, an independent organisation established to improve public knowledge of materials, manufacturing and the physical objects that shape everyday life.
What We Cover
Paper is often treated as a simple, interchangeable product. In reality, its composition, weight, grain, finish, dimensions and method of manufacture can significantly affect how it prints, folds, ages, tears, absorbs moisture and performs in practical use.
Paper101 examines these differences in detail.
Our coverage includes:
- International and regional paper sizes
- Printing and publishing formats
- Paper made from wood, cotton, hemp, bamboo, agricultural residues and other fibres
- Specialist and paper-like materials
- Papermaking methods and terminology
- Recycling, composting and environmental claims
- Book, document and artwork preservation
- Paper crafts, modelling and practical techniques
- Common problems involving ink, printers, storage, moisture and ageing
We aim to produce useful reference material rather than superficial definitions. Articles are written to answer the question expressed by their title and to give readers enough context to make informed decisions.
Our Editorial Approach
Paper101 is built around accuracy, clarity and practical usefulness.
Where a subject is governed by a recognised standard, we seek to identify and explain that standard. Where terminology varies between industries, countries or manufacturers, we make those differences clear rather than presenting one usage as universal.
Our articles may draw on:
- International and national standards
- Government and public-sector guidance
- Universities and research institutions
- Libraries, archives and conservation bodies
- Paper manufacturers and technical data sheets
- Printing, publishing and packaging organisations
- Peer-reviewed research
- Museums and established cultural institutions
Commercial sources may be used when they provide relevant technical information, but marketing claims are not treated as independent evidence.
We distinguish between confirmed facts, common industry practice and conclusions that depend on the particular product, manufacturer or application.
Experience and Practical Knowledge
Many questions about paper cannot be answered through definitions alone.
A paper that appears suitable according to its weight may still perform poorly because of its coating, stiffness, grain direction or surface treatment. A material advertised as paper may contain very little cellulose. A conservation technique that is safe for a modern print may permanently damage a historic document.
For this reason, Paper101 articles place technical information within its practical context. We explain what readers should check, which variables matter and when professional advice may be necessary.
Where appropriate, our guides include measurements, comparison tables, buying criteria, handling instructions, production considerations and warnings about common mistakes.
Accuracy and Corrections
We make every reasonable effort to ensure that Paper101 is accurate at the time of publication.
Articles may be reviewed and updated as standards, products, research or accepted practices change. Publication and revision information may be displayed on individual pages.
Readers who identify a possible error, unclear explanation or outdated source are encouraged to contact us through the Paper101 contact page. Substantive corrections will be made as promptly as reasonably possible.
Minor spelling, formatting and typographical changes may be made without a separate correction notice. Material changes to the meaning of an article may be acknowledged on the relevant page.
Independence
Paper101 is editorially independent.
Our coverage is not determined by paper manufacturers, retailers, printers or advertisers. We do not accept payment in exchange for presenting a marketing claim as an independent conclusion.
Where an article contains affiliate links, sponsorship or another relevant commercial relationship, this should be clearly disclosed. Commercial relationships do not purchase favourable editorial coverage.
Environmental Claims
The environmental impact of paper is complex.
Claims such as recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, tree-free, plastic-free, sustainable and carbon-neutral can have different meanings depending on the product, manufacturing process and disposal system involved.
Paper101 aims to examine these claims carefully. We avoid assuming that one material is always environmentally preferable to another without considering its source, production, durability, transport, recyclability and likely end of life.
Certification schemes and manufacturer claims are explained in context rather than treated as complete guarantees.
Medical, Legal and Conservation Information
Paper101 provides general informational material.
Some topics, particularly mould, contaminated documents, valuable archives, historic books and industrial fibres, can involve health, legal or conservation risks. Our articles are not a substitute for advice from an appropriately qualified professional.
Readers should avoid treatments that could cause irreversible damage to valuable or culturally significant objects.
The Materials Journalism Foundation
The Materials Journalism Foundation supports accessible public-interest journalism about materials, objects, production and manufacturing.
Its purpose is to make specialist knowledge easier to understand without stripping away the details that make that knowledge useful.
Through projects such as Paper101, the Foundation seeks to create durable reference resources that help readers understand what products are made from, how they are produced, how they behave and how they should be used, maintained or disposed of.
Contact Paper101
Questions, corrections, source suggestions and editorial enquiries can be submitted through our contact page.
Please include the title or URL of the relevant article when reporting a possible error.