Italian Handmade Paper

The technique of paper making in Italy was brought about by Arabs around 625 AD, during their rule in Italy. The Arabs spread their religion and tradition throughout the region but later in 1100AD they were forced out of Italy. The paper making technique was firmly established during the period so the decline of Arab rule in Italy did not effect the growth of paper in the country.

In Italy, the oldest recorded paper document was a deed of King Roger of Sicily, in the year 1102. In the sphere of Italian history, there is a great tradition of fine text books by British historians, which have, in many cases, become standard works in Italy.

Italian Paper Industry
Italy's paper industry traditionally has experienced difficulties acquiring raw materials due to the scarcity of wood. Yet it has made a name in the export and import market of paper and paper products.

Paper production and consumption in Italy has grown leading to an increase in imports of both paper and raw materials. However, the sector has experienced a slowdown in production and consumption since its peak growth levels in 2000. Between 1993 and 2002, national production increased by an average of 3.3% and reached 9.27 million tons by the latter year. Consumption also rose over the same period. By 2002, consumption had reached 10.99 million tons of which 4.53 million tons were imports.