The word 'paper' comes originally from the word 'papyrus' , and paper itself is made from fibres, which are mushed into a pulp, drained, pressed and then dried.

Nowadays paper is common but for centuries it was highly prized. Paper was invented in 105 AD by a Chinese court official called Cai Lún, and for the centuries that followed paper was only made from cotton or similar fibres. In fact, it was not until the 1840 that commercial methods of making paper from wood were developed.

Recycled paper was first made in 1801 - much earlier than wood-based paper. And that's where it all started.