What is Paper 101?
Paper 101 is a free course taught by specification representatives and other paper
professionals within xpedx, North America's largest marketer and distributor of printing papers
and graphics supplies. Classes are hosted at a variety of venues, but are most often held on-
site at the agencies, print shops and universities within an xpedx "spec rep's" territory.

Paper 101 is offered throughout the year and can be customized to target a group's level of
experience. Participants learn about the art and science of paper specification and how their
choices as specifiers impact their projects - for better or for worse.

For information about classes forming near you, contact your local Spec Rep or Click Here for a
complete class schedule list.

A summary of the course follows below:

PaperMaking
Mankind has depended on paper since it began its evolution from a fine art in China some two
thousand years ago, as a world-wide industry. Although technology has sped up the process
and improved paper properties, the essence of making paper remains the same. Learn about
the history and science of papermaking in Paper 101.

Paper Properties
Paper properties are the qualities that determine a sheet’s suitability for a particular job. There
are approximately 20 defined paper properties. All impact buyers’ choices and ensure there will
be a variety of sheets to enhance every project. Paper 101 explores properties that have the most
impact: formation, brightness, whiteness, grain direction, opacity, and basis weight, as well as
bulk and caliper, related properties which are often confused. It also explores digital and web
papers, which have a unique set of properties.

Paper Categories
Newsprint will never be Parchment. Safety can’t be Pressure Sensitive. Bond and Writing will not
grow up to become Text and Cover. Paper 101 explores the differences between uncoated and
coated sheets and identifies their respective uses. It also looks at paper finishes, and what they
bring to the party as to print quality and design aesthetics.

Bindery
Binding is as important to a finished product as the concept, design and printing because the
way a piece is bound makes an impression on the reader. Paper 101 explains why designers
should consider bindery first, not last, and explores the many options that exist to keep it all
together.

Envelopes
Never underestimate the power of envelopes – they are design opportunities waiting to be
seized. Not only do envelopes make the first impression, they often dictate whether a client’s
message gets read at all. Paper 101 takes participants down converted and pre-converted
paths, and provides the tools needed to tell a seam from a flap.

Environment
From forestry to manufacturing, the paper industry has a tremendous capacity to impact the
environment. Opportunities abound – to either be good stewards of Earth’s natural resources, or
not. Paper 101 addresses the cultivation and protection of forestlands. It explores the
ramifications of the papermaking process, from the energy consumed in manufacturing to the
disposal of waste, including important information about recycled paper.

Paper Specification
Paper can be classy or sassy, playful or serious, high-tech or organic. Color, texture and finish
all trigger an emotional response. Successfully combining these elements can cause a printed
piece to reach out to be read while an unsuccessful pairing can fall flat. Paper 101 teaches the
art of specification. While it will never replace a face-to-face with an xpedx spec rep, the course
will help participants understand paper’s power.