Paper creations

International Paper is the world’s largest pulp and paper maker

Before about 1820, most printed books used rag paper, usually made from waste cotton rags

Dai scripture on mulberry-bark paper, Yunnan, China

Writing on papyrus

Ruins of a watchtower on the Great Wall of China: see "first paper"

Modern paper is a thin material of (mostly) wood fibres pressed together. People write on paper with a pencil or pen, and books are made of paper. Paper can absorb liquids such as water, so people can clean things with paper. There are many types of paper.

The pulp and paper industry comprises companies that use wood as raw material and produce pulp, paper, board and other cellulose-based products.