The paper chase for perfection

• Source: Global Times
• [14:26 June 22 2010]
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By Mao Jiayu

Visitors to the low-carbon area in the Chinese Pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai may have noticed a pile of yellow papers and tissues prominently on display. But unlike regular paper made from trees, these exhibits are entirely made from straw. And the reason they are yellow and not white is because this paper has no bleach or whitening agent added to it during production.

The yellow paper is provided by the Shandong Tranlin Group, a paper mill based in Liaocheng, Shandong Province. Earlier this year, the company's management applied to the Shanghai Expo organizers to be the event's licensed paper producer. "There were a number of producers registering online, so we just wanted to have a try," said Wang Jianmin, Senior Consultant of Shandong Tranlin Group. "And then three days later, we got a phone call from the organizing committee of the Shanghai Expo. They said they had chosen us as the sole licensed producer because they were attracted by our low-carbon products."

The Chinese Pavilion chose to display this straw paper as a way of introducing visitors to a low-carbon lifestyle now attainable through new technology. Although white paper is considered "cleaner" by many people, Tranlin claims that the duller color of yellow paper actually protects the eyes. In Japan, for example, paper manufacturers are not allowed to produce paper any brighter than 65 degrees. The paper produced by Tranlin is distinctive in that it feels rougher than regular paper. Notebooks, napkins and tissues are on display at the pavilion and can also be purchased as souvenirs. Tranlin has also applied for patents to start production in Europe and the US.