Understanding Carbonless Paper: Composition, Working Principle, and Applications

Introduction

Carbonless paper, also known as NCR paper (No Carbon Required), is a type of chemically coated paper that enables the transfer of information through pressure—without the need for carbon sheets. It is commonly used for creating instant copies in multi-part forms.

The basic structure of carbonless paper includes three layers:

CB (Coated Back): This is the top sheet, coated on the back with microcapsules containing colorless dye.

CFB (Coated Front and Back): This is the middle sheet, coated with microcapsules on the back and color-developing agents on the front.

CF (Coated Front): This is the bottom sheet, coated on the front with a color-developer, typically clay or resin.

How Carbonless Paper Works

The working principle of carbonless paper is based on a chemical reaction. When pressure is applied—through writing or printing—the microcapsules on the CB or CFB sheets rupture. The released colorless dye reacts with the color developer on the CF or CFB layer to form a visible mark. The resulting image is usually blue or black and is clear and long-lasting.

Key Features of Carbonless Paper

Ink-Free Copying: No need for toner or ink, making the process cleaner and more efficient than traditional carbon paper.

Multi-Ply Duplication: A single press can produce 2 to 5 copies simultaneously.

Stable and Long-Lasting Image: The output remains legible over time, provided it’s stored in dark and dry environments.

Environmentally Friendly: Reduces toner usage and waste. However, some carbonless coatings may contain phenolic compounds, which should be responsibly recycled.

Applications of Carbonless Paper

• Business and Office Use
• Invoices
• Receipts
• Delivery notes
• Contracts
• Application forms
• Registration documents
• Industrial and Logistics
• Warehouse outbound slips
• Freight tracking labels
• Production tracking sheets
• Public Services
• Government forms
• Tax documentation
• Medical prescriptions
• Lab test reports
• Shipping manifests

Why Choose China Paper’s Carbonless Paper?

China Paper offers high-quality, stable, and efficient carbonless paper solutions. Our products are:

Manufactured with advanced coating techniques

Compatible with various printing formats

Trusted by customers in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond

Thanks to its reliability and ease of use, China Paper’s carbonless paper remains the go-to choice for multi-copy documentation needs in fast-paced environments like logistics, finance, education, and healthcare.

FAQs About Carbonless Paper

1. What’s the typical color of images produced by carbonless paper?

Usually blue or black, depending on the dye-developer formulation.

2. How many copies can carbonless paper generate at once?

Typically 2 to 5 copies, depending on the ply and pressure used.

3. Is carbonless paper recyclable?

Yes, but sheets with phenolic coatings should be handled according to local environmental regulations.

4. Can carbonless paper be printed using laser printers?

Most carbonless papers are designed for dot matrix or impact printers. Laser printing may damage the coating unless specially formulated.

5. What grammage is available in China Paper's carbonless paper?

We offer carbonless paper from 48gsm to 80gsm, in white, pink, yellow, blue, and green.