Hand-made paper and paperboard

cpc code 32122 covers the production of hand-made paper and paperboard, a specialized and artisanal segment of the broader paper and pulp industry. This industry plays a vital role in preserving traditional craftsmanship, producing unique and high-quality paper products for a range of applications, from stationery and packaging to fine art and specialty publications. While relatively small in scale compared to the mass-produced paper industry, the hand-made paper and paperboard sector contributes to the diversity and richness of the overall paper and pulp economy.

The production of hand-made paper and paperboard involves a series of meticulous, labor-intensive steps. Skilled artisans begin by pulping natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or plant-based materials, using traditional beaters or hollanders. The pulp is then laid out by hand onto specialized molds or deckles, allowing the fibers to interlock and form the desired paper or board structure. Drying, pressing, and finishing processes are carefully controlled to ensure the unique characteristics and quality of the final product.

The primary inputs for the hand-made paper and paperboard industry include a variety of natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, and plant-based materials like bamboo, hemp, or mulberry. Specialized equipment, such as beaters, molds, and deckles, are also essential for the production process. Additionally, skilled labor and traditional papermaking techniques are crucial inputs that distinguish this industry from the mass-produced paper and pulp sector.

The main outputs of the hand-made paper and paperboard industry include a wide range of specialty paper products, such as stationery, greeting cards, fine art papers, and high-end packaging materials. These outputs may be consumed by industries classified under 32121 Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills, 32123 Converted paper product manufacturing, and 33999 All other miscellaneous manufacturing.