All about Paper High
What is Lokta Paper and How is it Made?
The vast majority of the paper we use day to day, from our printer paper to our birthday wrapping paper, is created from wood pulp. One of the primary causes of deforestation, wood paper is created from trees, and involves several chemical processes before it becomes the paper on your desk. But fear not! There are plenty of alternatives that are both eco-friendly and sustainable, and just one of those is the beautiful lokta paper.
Lokta paper is one of our favourite sustainable papers, but there are a few different types we use in our gifts. Take a look at our blog posts about elephant dung paper and khadda paper to learn even more about the many sustainable materials that can be used to create paper.
What is lokta paper?
Lokta paper is a natural, sustainable paper made from the bark of the Daphne Papyrus bush. The evergreen shrub grows in the foothills of the Himalayas at altitudes in excess of 5250ft. It’s abundant in supply, making it a highly sustainable resource. The paper created from the bark has a thick, luxuriously textured feel, and as it’s handmade from all-natural materials, it’s 100% recyclable! Harvesting the lokta bushes helps to preserve the fragile ecosystem in Nepal and provides economic opportunities for local communities.How is lokta paper made?
Traditional Nepali methods are used to create the paper by hand. First, the bark is stripped from the plant, being sure not to damage the roots so that the plant can regrow. The bark is then boiled for 8 hours to break down the fibres, before being pulped to a smooth paste. Then, similarly to the other sustainable papers we use, the pulp is mixed with water and spread over a wood and mesh frame to form a sheet. Natural dyes may be added, and leaves, plants, and petals placed on the surface to create the stunning natural patterns as the sheets dry in the sun.
Who makes our lokta paper?
Our beautiful gift wrap is handmade by the artisans at Get Paper Industry (GPI). GPI is a Fair Trade cooperative based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Dedicated to social efforts, they help to provide an education for local girls and run an AIDs awareness program. They also maintain a respect for the environment by replanting each of the shrubs they use. Take a look at our producers for more information on their incredible work.What is lokta paper used for?
Lokta paper is used for our beautiful gift wrap. Wrapping paper from high street shops is often dyed, laminated, and can contain foils, glitter or plastics in their designs – meaning they can’t be recycled. Even for those without the added sparkle, if the paper is too thin it will lack the quality fibres needed for use in the recycling process. If you’re trying to reduce the impact your waste has on the planet, looking for eco-friendly wrapping alternatives is a great first step. Our gift wrap sets are available in packs of 3 or 5, with matching gift tags for each piece. Go for a neutral colour palette with our natural set, or wow your colour-loving loved ones with one of our bright and patterned mixed sets. If you’re purchasing a gift from us and sending it straight to the recipient, we can gift wrap it for you to give it an extra special touch. Just add this gift wrapping to your order, and we’ll make it a gift they won’t forget.