A few questions answered
Is elephant dung paper hygienic and safe to handle?
Yes, elephant dung paper is completely safe to touch and handle. The raw material is completely disinfected as part of a 1 day boiling process. The final product has been scientifically tested and detailed as “Non harmful” by a Ceylon Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (CIRIS) report.
Is the production process detrimental to the environment?
The CIRIS report detailed above again concludes that the whole of the Maximus activity and production processes are environmentally sound. No dyes or chemical additives are used to produce the elephant dung paper. Only non-toxic soil dyes are used to produce our Earth / Rainbow ranges. No bleaches are used in any of our products.
Does it smell?
If we’d had a penny for each time we’d answered that question we’d be with the elephants sitting on a beach! No, the paper does not smell, we get rid of the poo part during the boiling process so all we are left with is the fibres.
If you have any other questions or general queries relating to our products, please contact us.
The process of making the elephant dung paper is exactly the same as making any handmade paper.
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Buy online
All our elephant dung paper products are available to buy from our sister company Paper High
Conserving elephants
Elephants in Sri Lanka are under threat. By buying these products you are helping to protect them.
How our products help elephants
How elephant dung paper is made
Step 1
It all starts with elephant dung, which is sorted and dried – this takes about 3 days.
Step 2
The dung is vigorously boiled with margosa leaves, which are a natural disinfectant. This leaves us with just the natural fibres.
Step 3
The fibres are then pulped and mixed in a small paper-making vat and put into a shallow mould to make the paper. The thickness of the paper is determined by the amount of pulp put in.
Step 4
The sheets are then pressed to remove the excess water (we leave about 5% of the moisture in so the paper doesn’t crack) then dried. This process takes about 10 days.
Step 5
Once the paper is dry it is then put through a mangle to flatten the paper.
Step 6
Hey presto, a sheet of natural, acid free, eco-friendly elephant dung paper.