Table of Contents
What is Tree Free Paper
Did you know that until 1798, all paper was handmade? The earliest paper was created from cotton rags and plant fibers, not trees. As the demand for printed materials grew, trees unfortunately became the primary source of pulp.
Today, the world is waking up to the importance of sustainability, and the revival of tree free paper is gaining momentum. More and more people are looking for cleaner, earth-friendly alternatives — and making tree free paper at home is a great place to start.
Start with the Right Fiber
Tree free paper can be made from a variety of materials. Look for anything that contains at least 60% cellulose. Great options include:
Textile rags (especially cotton)
Linen, flax, or other plant waste
All of these materials make excellent raw material for tree free paper.
Preparing the Fiber
To get started, prepare your chosen fiber.
Plant fibers usually need to be cooked with soda ash. This helps break down lignin and allows the fibers to form sheets more easily.
Cotton rags can be soaked and beaten directly. No cooking required.
Beating the Pulp
Once your fiber is ready, it needs to be pulped. You can do this using:
A Hollander beater for large batches
A blender for smaller, home-scale efforts
Beating separates the fibers and turns them into soft pulp, the base of your tree free paper.
Making the Paper
Fill a tub with water and add the pulp. Dip your screen or mould-and-deckle into the mixture, lift it up, and let the water drain.
As the water drains, the fibers start to lock and bond with each other, forming a beautiful sheet of tree free paper.
Couching
Next comes couching (pronounced kooching), a traditional papermaking technique. Gently press the wet sheet onto a piece of felt or cloth to remove excess water and help the sheet begin drying evenly.
Drying Your Tree Free Paper
Hang the sheets to dry using clothespins or lay them flat between layers of cloth. Air drying usually takes a day. And just like that — you’ve made your own sheet of sustainable, tree free paper.
At Bluecat paper, our papermakers strive to make even sheets with plant and cotton rags every day. Thereafter we convert it into beautiful tree free paper products like wrapping paper and other paper products that are sure to interest and amaze you
Celebrate Your Craft
Making paper by hand is not only satisfying, but it also brings you closer to nature and conscious living. Each sheet you make is a small but meaningful contribution toward saving trees and reducing waste.
At Bluecat Paper, we do this every day. Our team of papermakers carefully transforms cotton rags, textile waste, and agro-waste into beautiful, functional tree free paper. From wrapping paper to journals and gift bags, we create products that are good for the planet and lovely to use.
So go ahead. Try making your own tree free paper. And give yourself a pat on the back — you’re officially part of the movement toward a greener, more sustainable future.
