Materials recycling:

paper
Scrunched up paper The word 'paper' comes originally from the word ‘papyrus’, and paper itself is made from fibres, which are mushed into a pulp, drained, pressed and then dried.

Nowadays paper is commonplace but for centuries it was highly prized. Paper was invented in 105 AD by a Chinese court official called Cài Lún, and for the centuries that followed paper was only made from cotton or similar fibres. In fact, it was not until the 1840 that commercial methods of making paper from wood were developed.

Recycled paper was first made in 1801 - much earlier than wood-based paper. And that’s where it all started...

How is it Recycled?

The paper recycling process

Bigger Picture

What happens when paper goes to landfill?

Problems/Issues

Drinks cartons cannot be recycled along with ordinary paper

Made from Recycled

What new products are made from recycled paper?

More Information

Useful links to key information about paper

The Different Types

What are the main types of paper in everyday use?
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    Other materials:

    Find out what happens to your newspapers... 7 days of paper.  The average person gets through around 38kg of newspapers each year