Paper quality is a technical term that determines the content structure, physical properties, and suitability for use of the paper used in printed materials. In the publishing industry, the term “paper” refers to the cellulose content, fillers, whiteness, and surface texture used in paper production. 

Its surface is rough, it wears out easily, and it is not suitable for long-term use. Short-lived printed materials (test books, advertising brochures, promotional publications, publicly distributed materials, etc.) are typically printed on this pulp. It is preferred for content where functionality takes precedence over aesthetics.

Basic Types of Paper

1. Paper Pulp

Paper pulp is a type of paper that contains high-purity cellulose, has a high degree of whiteness, and has a smooth surface. It is generally suitable for offset printing. This type of paper is preferred for works that require long-term use and aesthetic quality. 

Reference books, encyclopedias, academic publications, art books, and prestigious literary works are printed using this paper. Its smooth surface allows both text and visual content to be printed clearly. However, its disadvantage is that it is more expensive than other types of paper.

2. Pulp Paper

2. pulp paper is a medium-quality paper with a lower whiteness level than 1. pulp paper, containing more filler material and having a matte surface. 

It has a medium level of surface roughness and a structure that reduces eye strain during reading. Due to these characteristics, it is widely used in educational books, novels, cultural and artistic publications, and newspapers. It is one of the most preferred types of paper in the industry in terms of price-performance balance.

3. Pulp Paper

3. Pulp paper is the lowest quality type of pulp, characterized by a very low cellulose content, a high filler content, and typically a yellowish color. It is designed for low-cost printing needs.Its surface is rough, it wears out easily, and it is not suitable for long-term use. Short-lived printed materials (test books, advertising brochures, promotional publications, publicly distributed materials, etc.) are typically printed on this paper. It is preferred for content where functionality takes precedence over aesthetics.

Technical Criteria

Technical criteria such as pulp quality, ISO whiteness value, grammage (g/m²), thickness, and opacity (light transmittance) are used to determine the quality of paper. In high-quality pulp, these values are more stable, and the risk of post-printing deformation (spreading, ink bleeding, curling, etc.) is lower.

Publishing Practices

Publishers determine the type of pulp based on the type of work to be printed, the purchasing power of the target audience, the distribution model, and aesthetic expectations. Some popular books are released with different pulp options, offering readers a choice between price and quality. For example, the same novel can be published in both 1st pulp (special edition) and 2nd pulp (standard edition) formats.

Additionally, the recyclability of paper from an environmental sustainability perspective is now a factor considered in pulp quality selection. Paper made from recycled pulp is gaining increasing importance within the framework of ecological publishing practices.