| Paper Glossary
Listed below are common papermaking terms
and their definitions that you may encounter on this web site or from other sources:
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (n.)
Scientifically designed and field-tested forestry techniques used to protect water quality
and the forest environment during management activities; commonly referred to as BMPs.
BIODIVERSITY or BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
(n.)
The variety and complexity of species present and interacting in an ecosystem and the
relative abundance of each.
BRITISH THERMAL UNIT (n.)
The amount of energy, in the form of heat, which will raise the temperature of one pound
of water one degree Fahrenheit; commonly referred to as a BTU.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT (n.)
Monies invested by a business in its manufacturing plant or equipment that is anticipated
to have an extensive usable life before being replaced; capital projects generally are
significant business expenses, requiring long-term planning and financing.
CELLULOSE (n.)
A complex carbohydrate that constitutes the chief part of the cell walls of higher plants
and yields fiber for many products (see: LIGNIN).
COMMERCIAL FOREST LAND (n.)
A forested area bearing, or capable of bearing, merchantable timber and not withdrawn from
utilization by local, state or federal law.
CORD (n.)
Four-foot long logs stacked four-feet high and eight-feet long; a 128 cubic feet
containing, on average, 79 cubic feet of wood and 49 cubic feet of bark and air space.
ENVIRONMENT (n.)
The sum of all external conditions and influences that affect the development and survival
of an organism or group of organisms.
FIBROUS (adj.)
Made of fibers; a fiber is one of the thin (generally microscopic) strands which comprise
plant tissue.
FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (n.)
Generally includes three manufacturing industries: paper and allied products, lumber and
wood products, furniture; plus the timber producer (logging) industry.
FORESTRY (n.)
The principles utilized in the management, use and enjoyment of forests. Forestry includes
a broad range of activities, such as managing timber, fish, wildlife, range, watersheds
and recreation. A forester is a professional who is educated in the principles and
practices of forestry.
FOSSIL FUEL (n.)
Coal, petroleum, natural gas and related energy resources that formed under the
Earth’s surface over millions of years.
GROUNDWATER (n.)
Water that infiltrates into the soil and is stored in underground reservoirs called
aquifers.
HABITAT (n.)
An area that provides an animal or plant with adequate food, water, shelter and living
space in a suitable arrangement.
HARDWOOD (n.)
A deciduous or broad-leaf tree; also applies to the wood from such species (see:
SOFTWOOD).
LANDFILL (n.)
A specially engineered site for disposal of solid waste, designed to confine the refuse to
the smallest practical area and reduce it to the smallest practical volume.
LIGNIN (n.)
The noncarbohydrate portion of the cell wall of plants. It is removed from wood fiber
during the pulp manufacturing process, leaving cellulose for papermaking. Lignin
by-products have found important uses as dispersing agents, oil well drilling mud
additives and as a commercial source of vanillin.
MEGAWATT (n.)
One million watts (one thousand kilowatts).
MULTIPLE-USE MANAGEMENT (n.)
The practice of managing forest resources for a variety of benefits and positive outcomes,
including environmental and water quality protection, plant and wildlife habitat,
recreation and aesthetics, and wood fiber for commercial uses.
NUTRIENT (n.)
A nourishing substance needed for growth and development in living organisms.
POLLUTION (n.)
Any introduced gas, liquid or solid that makes a resource less useful or unfit for a
specific purpose.
POLLUTION PREVENTION (n.)
Proactive steps or programs initiated to prevent the occurrence of pollution; for example,
the Wisconsin paper industry’s Pollution Prevention Partnership (P3).
PULPWOOD (n.)
Timber harvested to be made into pulp for paper manufacturing; generally measured in cords
or cubic feet.
RECYCLE (v.)
A multi-phased process which includes removal, separation and/or diversion of materials
from the waste stream and their use as raw materials in the manufacturing process; for
example, recycled wastepaper utilized by the paper industry.
REFORESTATION (v.)
The renewal of forests by planting seeds or seedlings, or by fostering natural
regeneration of tree species that do not need to be seeded or planted by hand.
RENEWABLE ENERGY (n.)
Energy produced from fuels or resources that are perpetual or replenish endlessly (i.e.,
within a human lifetime or less); for example, wood, solar, wind, hydro. Also includes
waste-source fuels, such as the paper industry’s utilization of spent pulping
liquors, bark and waste wood, saw dust, refuse and auto/truck tires.
RENEWABLE RESOURCE (n.)
A naturally occurring resource, such as a forest, with the capacity to be replenished
through ecological cycles and/or sound management practices.
RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT ZONE (n.)
Land and vegetation adjacent to water (lake, river or stream) where management activities
are modified and specific BMPs (Best Management Practices) are utilized to protect water
quality, foliage, fish and other aquatic resources.
SAWLOGS (n.)
Timber that is cut for saw mills and made into lumber, furniture and other wood products;
generally measured in board feet (piece of wood 12 inches square and one inch thick).
SILVICULTURE (n.)
The science and art of cultivating forest crops based on the study of the life history and
general characteristics of forest trees. A silviculturalist is a person who practices
silviculture.
SOFTWOOD (n.)
A coniferous or evergreen tree bearing needles rather than broad leaves; also applies to
the wood from such species (see: HARDWOOD).
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT (v.)
Managing a renewable resource, such as forests, to meet the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
WOOD PULP (n.)
Fibrous material prepared from wood or recovered waste paper for use in manufacturing
paper or cellulose products. |
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