Hemp
paper is a beautiful and inspiring Japanese paper made of hemp. Hemp
paper resists decomposition, and does not yellow with age when an
acid-free process is used. In the production of paper, acidic or
alkaline chemicals, which are harmful to the environment, are used. Hemp
needs only hydrogen peroxide and does not need to be bleached white
because it is naturally white.
Hemp is a woody herbaceous annual, planted in spring and
harvested in the autumn. One acre of hemp yields four times as much
papermaking fibre as one acre of trees. The cellulose bast fiber from
around the core of the stalk is used to make paper.
Hemp can be made into every grade of paper, from fine stock to index
cards, corrugated cardboard and newsprint. Today it is still used in
cigarette paper, currency, fine art stock and security papers like stock
certificates. Bibles are often printed on hemp paper because its
lightness allows many thin pages.
Hemp papers are used for making a numerous paper products and
for decorations. Handmade Hemp Paper is also used for bank notes, stationery, and as
cigarette paper.
