The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory is a government-run paper factory located in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The factory was established in 1990 with the aim of preserving traditional Bhutanese paper-making techniques and promoting the use of handmade paper products.
The paper-making process at the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory is entirely manual and involves using the bark of the Daphne bush to produce paper. The process starts by collecting the bark from the Daphne bush, which is then boiled and pounded into a pulp using a large wooden mallet. The pulp is then mixed with water and poured onto a mesh screen to form a sheet of paper. The paper is then dried in the sun and cut into various sizes.
The paper produced at the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory is known for its durability, texture, and natural color. It is used to make a variety of products, including stationery, greeting cards, envelopes, and lampshades. The factory also produces traditional Bhutanese paper products, such as prayer flags and lampshades, which are popular souvenirs among tourists.
Visitors to the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory can take a guided tour of the facility and see the paper-making process in action. They can also purchase handmade paper products at the factory shop, which supports the local economy and helps to preserve traditional Bhutanese paper-making techniques.
The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory is an important institution in Bhutanese culture, as it helps to preserve traditional paper-making techniques that date back centuries. The factory’s efforts to promote the use of handmade paper products also support sustainable development and environmental conservation in Bhutan.
