Volume 2, Number 2
Jul 1989

Uncoated Freesheet Production

The April 1989 Pulp & Paper carries a "Grade Profile" for uncoated freesheet, which is defined as paper that contains no more than 10%. mechanical pulp, often none. A synonym of "freesheet" is "wood-free." This excludes uncoated groundwood, cotton fiber, bristols, and thin paper. it includes printing and writing paper, and some Miscellaneous papers like colored school paper. Production has increased by over 59%. since 1982, and predictions for the future are just as rosy. Computers and copiers are the major reason for the increase in demand.

The shortage of uncoated freesheet appears to be easing and price increases slowing, except for cut-size papers.

Ten producers account for about 75% of the total capacity in this country, over 12 million short tons. Actual production is close below that.