From Rags to Copy Machines: The Evolution of Paper Making

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Even with technological advancements that allow us to use less of it, paper and paper products still dominate many American homes and workplaces. In fact, North Americans consume more paper per capita (upwards of 500 pounds annually) than anyone else on earth. While paper can be a relatively low-cost, easy-to-access item today, it wasn't always the crisp, white, uniform copy paper we're used to. Thousands of years ago, early paper makers worked tirelessly with plant fibers and recycled rags to produce large, thick sheets of handmade paper. As papermaking advanced and machinery cut down on manpower, paper production morphed into a fully automated process. To find out more about the fascinating history of paper production, check out the infographic below.

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