The Traditional Craft of Pune Handmade Paper

We are delighted to introduce our newest featured supplier on Zureli: Pune Handmade Papers. Pune Handmade Papers is on a mission to promote the world’s most uniquely crafted, eco-friendly, tree-free handmade paper. Each sheet is made entirely from waste materials, such as recycled fibers and white cotton rag waste, helping to preserve our forests and protect the environment. They ship within India and are currently looking to expand their global presence.

Centuries ago in India, papermaking was a very valuable process that was often kept secret and passed from one generation to the next. The Kagzis, a name derived from the word 'Kavas' meaning paper in Urdu, were the people who developed and preserved this process. There is a small settlement of 'Kagzi's' in Sanganer near Jaipur, where a section of this community settled thousands of years ago. Mahatma Gandhi supported handmade paper by buying in bulk for use of ashram and others. Soon after independence, Khadi and the Village Industries Commission included handmade paper in a list of crafts to be promoted whereafter the industry grew steadily.

Pune Handmade Papers, a revamped brand belonging to the Handmade Paper Institute (HMPI) Pune, is an initiative under the Maharashtra State Khadi & Village Industries Board. They are the pioneers in manufacturing eco-friendly handmade paper in India for over 80 years. Pune’s ever-changing culture has left a unique imprint on the history of this iconic institute. By undertaking the challenge to ensure this rich heritage site should be preserved and valued, we have reopened its doors with an impressive showroom and gallery as a sustainable cultural hub.

The Legacy of Pune Handmade Paper

This renowned institute, the brainchild of Mahatma Gandhi and scientist KB Joshi, was officially inaugurated in August 1940 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The intent was to introduce the method of paper making out of waste material and strengthen the economy and employment in Khadi & Village Industries thereby improving livelihoods.

Interestingly the first true copy of the Constitution of India by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was drafted on paper which was specially made by HMPI; the official letter heads of Indian bureaucrats to even the personal letter heads of the President & prime minister.

The story goes back decades to when it got started, where it captures the art of handwork. They are made by skilled hands, each with techniques that have been in existence for many years. The first step in making these papers is gathering scraps of cotton cloth as well as other pieces that hold everything else together before they are all shredded apart into small bits through manual means in order to form a mixture known as 'pulp'. The pulp is then turned into handmade paper: it is spread on frames, then allowed to dry before being compressed into hard and thin sheets.

Fact: Paper accounts for 25% of landfill waste and 33% of municipal waste.

A Sustainable Choice

In today's era where sustainability is paramount, Pune Handmade Papers offers an alternative to conventional paper products that, by using waste material, natural fibers, and cotton fabric, significantly reduces waste and environmental impact. Tons of waste goes to landfills and is never used again, such as cotton fabric and so on. In addition to this, the absence of harsh chemicals makes sure that paper is biodegradable and safe for the environment. Pune Handmade Paper creates awareness and conscious choices for consumers to opt for the alternative, where it aligns with their values of supporting traditional crafts.

Expanding From Manufacturing unit to outlet.

As the demand rises for sustainable products and papers, Pune Handmade Papers places their products at factory outlet where buyers can choose from wide collections. It aims to bring the beautiful handmade papers to a wider audience and create a greener future. Meanwhile, it focused on opening retail stores in India and overseas, offering a wide range of products from stationery to gift items, home decor to office supplies, and more.

Embracing Modernity with tradition craftsmanship

Beyond the sale of the products, it does not mean a departure from tradition. Pune Handmade Papers have continued to uphold craftsmanship and quality for years. It has been a blend of tradition and modernity, which ensures that people really get what they wish to get, such as a diary, a notebook, and so on. This is more appealing toa larger client base who wants to make the right choice.

Creating community

Pune Handmade Papers also believes in creating its own community, where it ensures engagement by hosting various demonstrations, CSR activities for corporates, workshops, and interactive sessions. The brand strives to educate consumers about handmade papermaking processes and their importance, which also creates a sense of connection between artisans and end users.

In Conclusion, in Pune Handmade Paper we aim to save environment with ‘best with waste approach’ It will continue to inspire and make its audience aware of conscious, sustainable choices. As a brand, it invites you to be a part of its journey by somehow making a choice that benefits our future and experiencing the magic of handmade paper for yourself.