Paperpedia

It gave humans the ability to record knowledge in an easy manner and transfer it through generations, enabling the advancement of civilisation. But where did it all start?

Humans have always wanted to express themselves in any way they can. This went from cave paintings for our ancient ancestors to now having 7,000 languages that can be expressed in so many ways.

We went from days when we lived in caves and wall paintings were the thing, to today, where we use paper for everything from cleaning, printing money, to scientific research, and more. As civilization progressed, so did advancements in paper.

While a paper-like material, called Papyrus, was used by the Romans, Egyptians and Greeks, today’s paper has its roots in China, where it was first developed and used.

By around the 7th century AD, the art of papermaking had found its way to India, where artisans embraced this new medium and began infusing it with local techniques. They used materials like cotton rags and bark from native trees, giving Indian paper a distinctive texture and durability.

India’s paper was not just used for manuscripts but over time, it became a canvas for our rich artistic traditions. With steady urbanisation, many different painting styles transitioned from wall or mural paintings to paper, canvas and cloth.

At OPIL, we’re deeply inspired by India’s storied paper-making legacy. We work with an understanding that it is our duty to ensure that our processes are in harmony with nature. Our commitment to sustainable practices is a tribute to those ancient artisans who worked in balance with their surroundings.

Today, as leaders in the paper industry, our mission goes beyond production. We merge time-tested techniques with modern sustainability standards. Our vision is not just to make paper but to craft a sustainable future.