Traditional Bhutanese paper making factory, the handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National Heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages.
The traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world. Jungshi Paper Factory was established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The unit now boasts as a major and sole dealer in handmade paper and its products. Paper quality depends on the species used.Bhutan has five species of Daphne and one of Edgeworthia. All six are found throughout the country.These are native plants which grow at high altitude in the Himalayan forests. Bhutanese resho paper are made by mixing the pulp with water and pouring onto a floating wooden frame covered with a fine cotton mesh. The paper is dried on the frame. This is the most primitive way of making paper, unchanged for nearly 1000 years. Paper quality depends on the species used. Daphne gives strong, dark paper, while paper from Edgeworthia is whiter and more fragile. Since all paper produced is durable and attractive, it is used for gift wrapping, greetings cards, prayer books and important deeds. Today the process has become more mechanized, using imported equipment and screens. Besides the greater quantity produced, the paper's quality has also improved. The country has a number of family-operated paper-making units but the only semi-mechanized unit is the Jungshi Hand-made Paper Factory, in Thimphu.