Mar 10 2010

Glossary of Terms for
Paper and Printing

"E"

ECF

Elemental Chlorine Free. Paper pulp bleached without the use of elemental chlorine but instead using some chlorine dioxide, along with non-chlorine agents such as oxygen. Pulps using ECF methods contain up to 0.5kg of AOX per tonne of air-dried pulp.

ELECTRONIC PRINTING

Photocopiers, ink jet and laser printers and other printing methods that create images using electrostatic charges or ink sprays rather than a printing plate.

ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY

A printing process that uses principles of electricity and electrically charged particles to create images - such as, photocopiers and laser printers.

ELEMENTAL CHLORINE FREE (ECF)

ECF papers are made exclusively with pulp that uses chlorine dioxide, but not elemental chlorine gas, rather than elemental chlorine gas as a bleaching agent. This virtually eliminates the discharge of detectable dioxins in the effluent of pulp manufacturing facilities.

EMAS

Eco-Management and Audit Scheme. The European Union's regulated environmental management system. Similar to ISO14001 but also requires public reporting.

EMBOSSED FINISH

The overall design or pattern impressed in paper when passed between metal rolls engraved with the desired pattern. Produced on a special embossing machine after the paper has dried to create finishes such as linen.

EMBOSSING

The use of pressure and a metal die to create a raised letter or image on paper.

EMS

Environmental Management System. A business process that ensures that environmental matters are addressed through a documented system.

EMULSION

Photosensitive coating on repro films.

ENCAPSULATION

Output protected by sealing usually with a clear laminate on both sides and with an edge seal, so that no area is exposed to moisture.

ENGRAVING

Developed by goldsmiths in the 15th century to transfer metal etchings onto parchment, requires hand tooling or photochemically etching a design into a metal die. The die is covered with an opaque ink and wiped clean, leaving ink only in the "cut-in" design. Paper is then pressed between the etched die and a mirror-image counter die, transferring ink onto the sheet and creating an elegant raised impression.

ENVELOPE

Paper can be folded and glued into envelopes of various sizes and shapes.

EPS

Encapsulated PostScript. A file format usually containing object graphics. Also facilitates the exchange of PostScript graphic files between applications.

ESPARTO

A coarse grass from Southern Spain and Northern Africa, employed principally by English and Scottish papermakers. Papers made from Esparto have a good writing and printing surface, are opaque and of good bulking properties. They are largely used for lithographic printing, for book production and as body papers for coating.

EUGROPA RECYCLED MARK

Similar to the NAPM scheme but only requires 50% of fibre to be recycled. Europe wide.

EUROPEAN ECO-LABEL

European Union scheme to promote 'green' products, including paper. It uses a stringent life cycle analysis to identify where a product might harm the environment (manufacture, distribution, disposal etc.) taking into account various factors such as energy usage and emissions.