The Invention of Paper



Paper can be made by pressing together moist fibers, which can be made from a variety of materials including wood, rags, grasses or even bananas. It has many uses related to design including use in newspapers, posters, packaging, identity systems and nearly all printed materials. Paper's was preceded by papyrus, which was created in ancient Egypt and made from pressed reeds, and originated in China around the 2nd century A.D. The modern paper-making process can be complex in its details, but basically pulp is formed into a paper web then pressed and dried.




There are many manufacturers of paper that often create their own specialty brands of paper created from varying the manufacturing processes to achieve specific results. A few of the most well-known include Cougar Paper, Neenah Paper, and French Paper. Paper can be utilized through a variety of processes including letterpress, screenprinting, lithography and origami to achieve the desired results for designers needs.