NAPM course teaches paper properties, environmental issues and estimating

Only a few places remain on the National Association of Paper Merchants' (NAPM) annual Paper Appreciation Course, to be held on 12 September.

Spaces on the course are limited to 12 and the day is aimed at helping delegates better understand various paper grade characteristics and their applications.

"Our Paper Appreciation Course is unique in that it focuses on the benefits that paper and its attributes bring to the end-uses," said NAPM director Tim Bowler.

"So whilst we discuss the many elements of paper production, at each stage we describe what that part of the process does for the paper, for example, formation, opacity, thickness, stiffness, and so on. We teach papermaking from the consumers’ angle."

Held this year at James Cropper’s Burneside Mill in Kendal, Cumbria, the day will involve practical demos to illustrate paper’s versatility, an explanation of the principles of papermaking, discussion of environmental issues, and an introduction to paper price estimating.

The morning’s talks will be led by John Watson, managing director of safer-cutting company Martor UK and former director of Frogmore Paper Mill. The talks will be followed by an afternoon tour of the James Cropper's mill and paper machines.

"This is a great opportunity to visit one of the few remaining printings and writings mills left in the UK," said Bowler.

The day costs £170 plus VAT for NAPM members and £180 plus VAT for non-members. This includes refreshments, lunch and course notes.