Paper perfect!

Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory creates a model for sustainable production

Organic. Perfection.

These are words we often hear from Aditi Prasad, volunteer at the Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory, as we visit to pick up the journals of handmade paper. The factory is situated on a busy road, but when you enter, you are struck by the greenery and shade around. It seems that time has slowed down here.

The initiative of producing handmade paper was founded in the 1940s, on the principles espoused by the Mother: “In works, aspiration towards perfection is true spirituality.” In 1959, the factory was formally inaugurated. This means that the products are well designed, thought out, and created to perfection, and growth of the organization is not paramount.

The paper, mostly made from discarded strips from the hosiery industry, uses minimal mechanization and water. The water used is treated and used to water the coconut grove within the premises.

Apart from paper photo frame, foldable paper pen stand and Handmade Paper journal the factory also uses local artisans to create a variety of products, from fridge magnets and notepads to thorans and hand-painted greeting cards, all with an eye on sustainability and minimizing the use of natural resources.

Even the strips of paper left over after creating the products are packaged and sold at a discount for children to use as craft materials.

The different types on paper—marbled, printed, and natural—are displayed in the showroom. The colours and designs of the season are considered when creating the papers. Volunteers who come to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram also work on various designs which are then adopted as part of the catalogue. The factory is one of only two sources of long-lasting acid-free archival paper.

Growth—both with respect to product range and sales—is not intentional, but occurs organically, says Aditi, adding that the goal is always perfection, not growth.

Once again, we are struck by how the two words—organic and perfection—sound great together.

To know more: visit www.sriaurobindopaper.com.