Many have heard the saying, “Money does not smell,” but what about money made from poop😶🤨? Specifically, paper made from elephant dung💩? Yes, you read that correctly—several countries are successfully producing ordinary-looking paper from this unusual source. Let’s explore the intriguing journey of turning elephant poop into a sustainable paper product.

---

The Fiber-rich Discovery

Most paper in the world is made from wood fiber sourced from forests. However, it turns out that elephant dung is also rich in cotton fiber. Surprise, right? Elephants, being herbivores (kind of vegans), consume a diet of grass and various fruits, resulting in fiber-rich dung. Vijender Shekhawat, let’s call him Vijay further, the protagonist of our story, observed this unique characteristic.

---

From Poverty to Own Manufacturing

Born into a poor family with a noble past, Vijay faced financial constraints growing up. Determined to uplift his family, Vijay started working early in life. Eventually, after years of hard work, he saved enough money to open a handmade paper production unit in 2002. Initially named “Traditional Paper”, the business struggled due to a lack of funds for expensive equipment.

One day, while conversing with a customer, Vijay noticed elephants passing by, leaving behind distinctive types of footprints (if you know what I mean😅). This sparked a crazy yet ingenious idea—what if he could use the fibers from elephant dung to make paper? That was this moment that changed everything!

---

Poop Paper Production Process

The process begins with collecting elephant dung, which occurs frequently (at least 10 times a day!), providing an ample supply of raw materials. The dung is then processed to separate the fiber from impurities. No chemicals are used in this eco-friendly process.

To achieve different paper colors, natural dyes like beetroot, pepper, and pomegranate skins are employed. The mixture is boiled, creating a unique soup that softens the material. The resulting mixture is then dried for a week or two, weather permitting.

The final steps involve shaping the paper using a sieve and immersing it in water to achieve the desired thickness. The sheets are dried, and the paper is ready for use.

---

Sustainable and Circular

One remarkable aspect of this venture is its closed-loop production system. Wastewater is reused in subsequent stages, and defective sheets are incorporated into the production cycle. Even the end product is recyclable, adding to its eco-friendly appeal.

Not only does this unique paper provide an alternative to traditional office paper, but it also offers employment opportunities for elephants. In some regions, the production of paper from animal dung has become a sustainable income source and a way to protect wildlife.

---

While this poop paper may not replace conventional office supplies, it serves as a reminder 🧐 of the myriad opportunities around us and the complexities of paper production. Perhaps, next time, you consider choosing an “eco-friendly disposable paper bag” (sarcasm, yes) for shopping, remember that everything has its value and certain precious resources have been used to produce each piece of paper. I personally think that this story is very inspiring: teaches us that success can come from the most unexpected places—even from elephant dung: just keep your eyes (and imagination) open for such ideas!

---

🔊 Spread the word about circular economy solutions, especially those that can inspire other people to new inventions: I encourage you to share this post on your social media! And if you like this story — let me know in the comments or in DM on my Instagram page.