Supplemental and Recycled Fiber - Fiber Fundamentals

Paper and board products are made from fibers from a variety of sources. Virgin and recycled cellulose fibers from wood are the two main sources. Different fiber types are often blended together in order to produce a sheet with the desired properties. This course will discuss the characteristics of supplemental and recycled fibers that are used to produce paper and board products.

•Describe virgin, recycled, and non-wood fibers •Describe the difference between hardwood and softwood fibers •Describe how non-wood plant fibers and synthetic fibers are used in paper and board products •List and describe the three main sources of recycled fiber •Identify the recycled products that can be made from the five main waste paper grades •Describe the types of contaminants found in waste paper •Describe the main differences between recycled wood fibers and virgin wood fibers