Paper engineering involves creating paper products for various industries by studying forestry, biology, and chemical sciences. Engineers may work on developing environmentally friendly and efficient papermaking methods, evaluating raw materials, and creating customized products. A degree in paper engineering or a related field is required, and additional training may be needed for specialized fields. The job can involve interacting with people from various academic backgrounds and developing non-destructive tools for examining specimens.
Paper engineering is the science behind the development of paper products ranging from food wrappers to cardboard boxes. Specialists in this field study topics in forestry and biology, chemical sciences, and related areas so they can create paper products that are appropriate for a wide variety of industries. Paper companies may employ engineers in their R&D departments and there are some more exotic applications for this area of expertise as well. Paper engineers may work on topics such as the preservation of ancient documents, the forensics of tracing paper to a crime scene, or the invention of edible papers.
The science of papermaking is complex. Humans have produced paper products from a variety of materials for thousands of years in numerous cultures. Paper engineering can involve the study of historical and modern papermaking. Engineers may want to develop more efficient or environmentally friendly papermaking methods, such as using techniques such as renewable sources of fibers and adding recycled materials. They can also work on topics such as stronger paper, papers that take dyes more fully, and other issues.
This work may include evaluating trees and other sources of raw material for pulp production to determine which provides the best source and how they can be used most effectively. The next step in paper engineering involves developing processing methods to create pulp. Engineers need to consider how a product will be used and may need to think about other concerns, such as the environmental impact of pulp manufacturing. They also work on finished paper products, including customized products for clients such as pharmaceutical companies and publishing houses.
Paper engineering careers can be very variable. You usually need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in biochemical engineering, paper engineering, or a related field, and some positions require advanced degrees. Researchers may work in laboratory and manufacturing environments on product development and quality control. Some engineers may travel to promote products and conduct research or to meet with customers to discuss products under development.
Individuals who wish to apply paper engineering to fields such as conservation, forensics, and archeology may need additional training in these fields. This job can be dynamic and can provide an opportunity to interact with people from a variety of academic backgrounds. Part of this aspect of paper engineering may include the development of nondestructive and noninvasive tools for examining and evaluating specimens, since destroying a specimen may be undesirable.
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