Paper: The Everyday Essential That Changed Everything
Paper is something we all know well. It’s a part of our daily lives. We jot notes on it, print menus, wrap gifts, and recycle piles of it without a second thought. In today’s digital world, we use paper less and less, and often think of it as disposable.
But paper wasn’t always so common. There was a time when it was rare, precious, and even revolutionary. Before we talk about how TerraSlate prints waterproof menus that last, let’s take a quick look at the history of paper—and how it shaped the world.
Where Paper Began
The earliest forms of paper-like materials showed up in ancient Egypt and across the Mediterranean. Egyptians used papyrus, a thick material made from the papyrus plant. In the pre-Columbian Americas, people used amate, which came from tree bark. These materials were rough but effective ways to record information.
The Birth of Papermaking
The real breakthrough came in China around 200 BC. Cai Lun, a court official during the Han Dynasty, developed the first true paper using mulberry bark, old cloth, fishnets, and other fibrous scraps. Inspired by how wasps build their nests, he created something lightweight, inexpensive, and ideal for writing.
Before paper, documents were written on bones, bamboo, or silk. Bones and bamboo were too heavy, and silk was too expensive. Paper solved both problems—and as the process improved, it became the foundation of printing in the Song Dynasty, which began in 960.
Paper’s Many Early Uses
Paper didn’t just replace scrolls and tablets. It quickly found all kinds of uses. It wrapped medicine, protected delicate objects, and eventually became the material for tea bags, paper cups, envelopes, and even napkins. China also created the first toilet paper—and introduced the world’s first paper money.
The Global Spread of Paper
Ideas and inventions move with people, and papermaking was no exception. After the Battle of Talas, two Chinese prisoners shared the art of papermaking with the Islamic world. Paper production soon began in Baghdad, where Arab innovators improved the process by developing mechanical methods that were faster and more efficient than the traditional mortar and pestle.
From there, paper moved west. It reached Europe in the late 11th century, when Arab prisoners taught Italians how to make it. By 1085, papermaking was embedded in European life. Over the years, the process continued to improve and became the basis for printing books, newspapers, and eventually the modern office.
TerraSlate Menu Printing Today
We might not have invented paper, but we’ve taken it to the next level. TerraSlate waterproof paper is built for restaurants and businesses that need durability without sacrificing quality. Our menus are tear-resistant, spill-proof, and designed to last over 100 years—even through heavy daily use.
If you’re ready to upgrade your menus or paper materials, TerraSlate is here to help. Visit our website to learn more about our waterproof printing solutions and how we can make your menus look great and last even longer.
