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One ton of traditional
Indian handmade paper, produced from cotton rag waste, saves
an estimated 277 Eucalyptus or 462 bamboo trees that would
be required to make the same quantity of conventional mill
made paper. Surprising, but it is true.
Handmade paper is not
new to India. China claims to be the first country to have
produced handmade paper, but its origin can be traced to
India as early as the 3rd century B.C.. Making paper by hand
in India is a traditional art which has been passed down
through the generations by craftsmen known as `Kagzis’
– the name being derived from the word `Kagaz’ meaning
paper . Though these `Kagzis’ are now almost
extinct, the traditional method of handmade paper making is
still found in various parts of India where the traditional
`Kagzi’ communities ultimately settled. One renown
`Kagzi’ community is in SANGANER near the famous
pink city of JAIPUR.
Indian handmade paper
is unique and ECO-FRIENDLY . Whereas the handmade
paper produced in other parts of the world uses mainly fresh
cotton lintel, Indian handmade paper is produced from cotton
rag waste from the cotton garment/ undergarment industry.
More importantly, no toxic chemicals are used in the
handmade paper making process. In producing writing paper a
small quantity of rosin soap and or alum are added to the
pulp to make the writing paper blot free. The pulp is
flushed with water to ensure that no traces of chemicals are
left. During the pulp making colors and other waste
materials like straw, grass, hemp , silk waste, flower
petals etc., are added to lend a unique and beautiful
artistic texture to the handmade paper.
While still
maintaining the traditional paper making methods, several
recent improvements in the paper making process have both
enhanced the quality of the paper and facilitated its
production. These improvements have not only helped to
revive the traditional industry which was on the verge of
disappearing, but have also resulted in employment
opportunities in rural areas which did not exist a few years
ago. One particular unit located on the outskirts of New
Delhi employs village women to produce handmade paper. In
short time these women have been trained to make high grade
handmade paper. The success of this unit has encouraged the
opening of another unit in a rural area near the town of
Jhansi in Madhya Pradesh which employs local tribal women.
In this way, the Indian handmade paper industry is creating
sustainable development in rural villages, the benefits of
which directly accrue to the rural population.
This is the short
history of environment friendly Indian handmade paper. So,
next time you buy or use paper or stationery products think
of Indian handmade paper. By using this paper or its
products you will contribute to a healthier tomorrow.
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