A Review on Early Writing Materials: Genesis, Evolution, Industrial Production, and Diversification of Use

Abstract

This review of the literature features the fundamentals of papermaking and its history. First, writing substrates other than paper, as well as similar to paper, are discussed. Then, issues related to the invention of the technology of paper and paperboard production as we know it today are presented. Subsequently, facts related to the key achievements in pulp and paper technology that enabled the mass production of these products are described. Finally, examples of papers and processed products (not only papermaking) that significantly expanded the scope of production of pulp and paper industry - also greatly improving people’s daily lives - are provided. The article concludes by highlighting the long historical journey toward obtaining a writing substrate with optimal properties ¾ namely, paper. It is proposed to divide the period of diversification of the applications of pulps, paper, and paperboards into 1^st generation diversification and 2^nd generation diversification, the latter corresponding to the contemporary times, i.e. the period in which due to the reduction in the production of writing and printing papers, the paper industry is intensively looking for new applications for papermaking pulps, papers, and cardboards.