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For
manufacturing one ton of paper/board, a paper mill requires 2.5 to 3
tons of dry forest based material, which means 4.5 tons of pulpable
green wood. The average weight of pulpable wood of bamboo with
cutting cycle of three years after an eight year plantation period
is about 8 kg. Thus, for one ton of paper and board production, 462
bamboo trees are felled. The significance of handmade paper unit
lies in the fact that it does not demand supply of raw materials
from wood.
The
handmade paper manufacturing is one of the traditional industries of
the world. It’s invention in China dates back to 105 AD. Handmade
paper industry which has flourished in India during the Moghul
period, gradually declined with the establishment of paper mills
during the 18th and 19th century. A mechanized paper mill requires
investment to the tune of 600- 800 crores and employs around 100-
300 people. In comparison, a handmade paper industry can be set up
with 15- 20 lakhs and employs 40-60 workers. This cottage industry
not only offers an ideal solution to large scale unemployment which
still plagues the country but also serves to preserve the
traditional ‘Kagzi’ art.
The
handmade recycled paper exclusively uses cellulose and biomass as
raw materials, which would normally be classified as waste and
residue. The Indian handmade paper industry produces a variety of
paper by mainly recycling the waste and agro raw materials such as
cotton rags (in the form of tailor cutting, hosiery cutting) and
small quantities of the waste paper. Other agro fibers like jute,
straw, banana, flowers are also used to blend with the primary
fibres for mottling effect.
Handmade
paper and its attractive products are becoming increasingly popular
in the world market due to their Eco-friendly attributes, artistic
appeal and durability. As handmade paper is made entirely from
waste, it helps in saving trees and thus contributes to a healthier
environment. It can be made as per the choice and specification in
various colours and sizes. Under the pressure of growing demand and
for product diversification, handmade paper manufacturing units are
using alternate raw material like Jute, Banana fibre, Hemp, Bagaas,
Moonj, etc.
Normally
handmade paper industry produces 80 GSM (Grammage per Square Metre)
to 2000 GSM of paper. As the lower GSM paper is commonly used for
writing the higher GSM, thicker handmade paper is used for a variety
of purposes: as drawing paper by artists, documentation paper by
Architects, coloured card sheets for greeting cards, fancy paper for
decorative wraps and carry bags, water mark paper for certificates
and award degrees, filter papers for automobile industry, insulating
paper, etc. Also, combination of paper with other materials like
cloth, jute etc. makes some very useful and attractive products,
appreciated and bought by domestic as well as international
customers.
Why
handmade paper?
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Low
per capita investment |
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A
big potential for employment generation |
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A
non-wood eco-friendly product |
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Time
tested longevity and durability |
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A
valuable foreign exchange earner |
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A
wide range to choose from, as per the specifications of the
varied clients |
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A
true friend of the farmer - utilizes agro-waste and provides
additional income |
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Uses
indigenous machinery that is cheap and easy to handle |
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Uses
indigenous machinery that is cheap and easy to handle |
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Preserves
the traditional Kagzi art |
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Literally
turns waste into wealth |
Clearly,
it can be said that Handmade papers are ‘Swadeshi’ in true sense
! q
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TARA
Hand Made Paper Products – A Success Story |
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A
live
example of propagating sustainable livelihoods can be seen
at TARAgram, Orchha (MP) where women of Sahariya Sangram
Samiti make Eco-friendly handmade paper products. In 1997,
twenty-one women of the poorest section of society were
identified and inspired to form a group for being trained
for making handmade paper products and were registered under
Society Act to form the Samiti. These women belonged to a
previously nomadic ‘Sahariya’ tribe. Formerly, the main
occupation of the tribals was to collect dry wood from the
forests to be sold in nearby towns and villages. This job
involves a lot of physical labour and results in meagre
income. Work at the paper manufacturing unit has instilled
in the Sahariya women a new confidence and self reliance. A
small creche for kids and a teacher is a big help to the
women who come for work after completing the daily household
chores.
The
Sahariya ladies are trained by the master craftsmen of TARA
for making handmade paper products. They have been extremely
quick on the uptake, and the changing market trends are
catered for in the regular training updates. Along with
providing free training, these women are also provided with
free workspace tools/equipment, raw material, marketing
outlet and other support by TARA.The products produced by
these women have now carved a niche in domestic as well as
the international market. In fact, many corporate bodies
have made it mandatory to use only handmade paper office and
conference stationary for themselves, to promote environment
friendly products and to promote employment among the rural
poor. The Eco-friendly nature of the products has an even
greater significance in the light of the Central Government’s
ban on the use of Polyethene.
Some
major social organisations have taken the clue from DA to
promote livelihood projects in rural India by training women
self help groups to produce Eco-friendly handmade paper
products on a large scale. DA/TARA organizes training
programs for them, transfers technology, provides raw
material and forward linkages. This concept is fast gaining
popularity, as there is a vast upcoming market for the
Eco-products. DA and TARA will also soon launch a tool kit
for making handmade paper products by individuals and self
help groups, which could become an ideal way of employment
in the rural India.
Sanjay
Pachori |
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