Most paper is made from either woodchips or recycled wood fibre. The fibres of wood are separated using one of two different pulping processes, depending on which sort of paper is being made.

Mechanical Process

Where low quality pulp is required, the wood fibres are separated by mechanical pressure. This is how newsprint (used for newspapers) and packaging paper is made.

Chemical Process

When high quality pulp is required, chemicals are used to dissolve a material called lignin, which binds the fibres together. This is how printing and writing paper is made.

Facts and Figures

Imports account for about one third of paper used in Australia. Exports are fairly small in comparison.

Types of paper produced in Australia for either our own use, or for export to other countries

• Printing or writing paper
• Newsprint
• Tissues
• Packaging paper