How is Elephant Dung Paper Made?

Firstly, is paper made from elephant poo? While most paper is traditionally made from wood pulp (trees), there’s a growing movement towards more sustainable alternatives. One of the more surprising options is paper made from elephant dung. Because elephants digest only a small amount of the plants they eat, their dung contains a high level of natural fibre. Once cleaned, processed and combined with other fibres, this waste material can be transformed into paper. Turning something that would otherwise be discarded into a creative, eco‑friendly resource.

How is elephant dung made?

As elephants are herbivores, the waste they produce is essentially raw cellulose.

• The dung is collected and washed so that only the plant fibres remain.
• It is then boiled with margosa leaves, a natural disinfectant, and mixed with recycled paper to produce a smoother surface.
• Finally, the mixture is screened and dried just like traditional wood-based paper.

The end result is paper made from 100% natural material, which is sanitary and non-fragrant. Watch the video below to find out more…

Why is elephant dung eco-friendly?

With an adult elephant producing up to 200kg of dung a day, it’s certainly not hard to come by! It helps reduce deforestation and the production for elephant dung paper uses less energy, water, and produces lower carbon emissions compared to the manufacturing process used to create traditional wood-based paper; making it a highly sustainable option. 

Elephant Dung Paper & the environment

Elephant dung paper is chlorine and acid-free, as it is manufactured in an ecologically safe manner. Based in rural areas of Sri Lanka, Maximus have been producing elephant dung paper since 1997.

Like all our producers, the brilliant Maximus Elephant Conservation Trust (or Eco Maximus) is a Fair Trade organisation, committed to the ideal of sustainable development and the health and well-being of humans, animals, and the environment.

Our elephant dung products