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Saa Paper Making in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The production of Mulberry paper or Saa paper, as it is locally known, has taken place in Thailand for almost 700 years. Traditionally Saa paper has been used for Buddhist scripts, temple decor, umbrellas, fans and kites. Long ago it was also used as a filter in the manufacture of lacquerware. Today the renewed interest in Saa paper products means that many families in Thailand make a good living from the business. It is, however, a time consuming process that must be carried out with due care and attention.
Saa paper is made from the bark of the mulberry tree (Broussonetia Papyrifera). The saa tree is very fast growing and the best quality bark is that stripped from young saplings. The trees quickly grow new branches are are ready to be re-harvested the following year, making it a truly renewable resource and an environmentally friendly product. Although mulberry trees are grown in Thailand increasing demand for the Saa paper and other Saa products, such as gift wrapping paper, note books, greetings, cards and boxes, has meant that much is now imported from neighbouring Laos
After the bark has been stripped from the trees it is left to dry in the sun to expel the sap. It is then soaked in water, overnight until the bark becomes soft and pliable. Following this it is boiled for several in huge drums in a mix of water and caustic soda. The caustic soda helps the fibres breakdown and also bleaches them to give the distinctive off-white colour of natural Saa paper.
The mixture is then rinsed in cold water to remove the soda solution. The resulting pulp is then placed in a machine, filled with cold water, which will separate the fine fibres. The fine pulp and water is then placed large tanks into which a fine mesh sieve-like screen is dipped. The wooden framed screens are of a uniform size and the fibres cling to the mesh. The screen will be taken outside for the final process – drying the Saa paper in the sun. The weather can slow down Saa paper production. In the rainy season, when the humidity is particularly high the drying process can be slowed down considerably.