Paper conversion refers to the process used to convert plain paper into other products. Raw material can be either in a roll or sheet form. According to Paper Point, a paper-converting machine takes one paper form and makes it into another paper product.

 For example, the machine can produce paperboard air filter frames, boxes, and a full range of similar products. Operations involved in paper converting can include die-cutting, sheeting, folding, coating, roll slitting, or flexography. Let’s see exactly how paper conversion works.

The Most Common Paper Converting Process

The paper conversion process includes the following steps:

• Collecting raw fibers
• Melting fibers into pulp
• Straining, bleaching, flattening, and then drying the pulp into a paper roll
• Cutting the paper roll into manageable sizes
• Cutting and shaping them in the preferred sizes and shapes

Each procedure slightly differs from the other. Separately, the most common paper converting processes include:

• Roll slitting: suppose you want a narrower roll, then the converter can cut it accurately to your specific width
• Sheeting: or turning the roll of paper into sheets of paper. It would help if you knew what size of paper sheets you need so that they can be produced to your exact specifications
• Flexographic printing: it’s used in various applications to print a design, logo, instructions, or other information on air filter frames, folding cartons, containers, cups, or food wrappers.
• Coating: it converts paper into something suitable for an application, such as creating tags or labels. 
• Laminating is similar to coating. The process takes ordinary paper and transforms it into something more special. It’s usually by request when you need decorative packaging.

The Benefits of Paper Conversion

Without a doubt, the paper converting and printing industry remains a considerable player in the global economy. Despite the evolution and growth of the digital world, paper products have remained an essential part of our daily lives. The significant part of the paper converting and printing industry is that it has made considerable advancements toward improving the ecological impression and environmental footprint.

In addition to significantly reducing the intake of fossil fuels during the process, the industry is creating methods for reusing the utilized paper items into new products and materials.

A paper-converting machine can turn a raw paper roll into countless different end products. From custom paperboard air filter frames to envelopes, paper food packaging, or cups, a paper converter can develop custom paper solutions to your exact needs and specifications.

Moreover, paper accounts for more than 50% of all recyclables collected in the United States by weight. More than forty-four million tons of paperboard and paper were recovered in 2020. According to the EPA, the recycling rate was 65%, while only 9% of the total plastic has been recycled.

Besides being biodegradable, paper has always been the most recyclable material on the market. 

Thinking about how the paper converting process can affect the environment, it’s one way to boost your confidence about using paper products in your home or business. Not to mention paper is highly customizable and less expensive than plastic materials. So if you choose to use products made from the paper-converting machine, you probably improve the environment more than you could ever think of while satisfying your customers as well.