Although it is a material we often take for granted in our daily lives, paper is invaluable, and its use has revolutionized human history.

It all began in the second-century AD in China, where the imperial eunuch Cai Lun devised a technique to create thin sheets from plant fibers such as mulberry. This remarkably simple and effective invention slowly spread westward, arriving in the Middle East around the 7th century and landing in Europe in the 12th century.

In the Middle Ages, paper gradually replaced parchment, making writing more accessible. With Gutenberg’s invention of movable type printing in 1455, its role became central in the dissemination of knowledge, contributing to the transition into the Renaissance and, later, modernity.

Today, paper is everywhere: in books, notebooks, business cards, packaging, newspapers, down to toilet paper and kitchen paper. And, despite digitization, paper continues to be irreplaceable in many areas: it is more relaxing than an electronic screen as a reading medium, it is used in many art forms such as watercolor, it requires no electricity, it is easily recyclable, hygienic, and multifunctional!

In recent years, growing environmental awareness has driven the use of recycled paper and more sustainable production practices. Isn’t it fascinating to think that a material invented over 2,000 years ago continues to adapt, evolve, and stay relevant in the third millenium?

So next time you pick up a book, a planner, or even a simple recepite, remember: you’re holding an invention that has changed the course of history.