Evaluation of printability of paper substrates with agro-residues for graphic products

The overall quality of the graphic product depends largely on the origin of the raw materials for pulp and paper, the type of ink, the technology used to print the product, and the printing conditions. Each printing technology is more or less suitable for a particular type of printing substrate, depending on how the ink is transferred to the substrate. Although the Chinese used other raw materials for papermaking almost 2, 000 years ago, wood is now the most important raw material for the production of pulp and paper. As forest areas become smaller and fewer trees are available as raw material for cellulose fibers, the production of paper and graphic products has focused heavily on the use of alternative, non-wood raw materials. Alternative cellulose fibers for papermaking from agro-residues are the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution that aims to reduce the consumption of wood raw materials by replacing them with alternative plant biomass. The objective of this study was to evaluate the printability of paper substrates for a specific graphic product where wood fibers are partially replaced by alternative fibers from cereal straw. Papers with a straw fiber content of 30% were produced under laboratory conditions and printed using digital and conventional printing techniques. The evaluation of the printability of paper substrates with agro-residues was based on the determination of the quality of ink acceptance on the previously printed ink, which is the basis for multicolor reproductions in the graphic industry.