Paper Mache Products

What are Paper-Mache products? Why should we buy paper-mache products? How is it going to impact or benefit conserving nature or the environment? Will this have a big impact on our lifestyle in Bangalore or other metropolitan cities?

Papier-Mâché is a French word whose literal meaning is chewed, pulled, or mashed paper. It is an art technique that uses pieces of paper or pulp bound with adhesives like glue, starch, or wallpaper paste to make various items of common use or for decoration.

Paper mache products are items made by combining paper pieces or pulp with glue or adhesive, forming a malleable material that can be molded into various shapes when it dries. These products can range from decorative items like masks, sculptures, and ornaments to functional objects like bowls, trays, and vases.

Eco-friendly: Paper mache utilizes recycled materials such as old newspapers, cardboard, or other paper waste, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. By reusing paper, it minimizes the demand for fresh paper production, which can contribute to deforestation.

Sustainable: The materials used in making paper mache products are biodegradable, which means they break down naturally over time, reducing their environmental impact compared to non-biodegradable materials.

Modern Uses:
One of the most important modern uses of Paper-Mâché is in the production of Micarta, a modern-day paper composite where phenolic resins are used for impregnating paper and cotton fabric and curing them under high pressure and temperature for producing laminates. These laminates are used as electrical insulators, printed circuit board substrates, and knife handles.

CURRENT SCENARIO:
The emergence of plastic and other composites has reduced the commercial as well as decorative importance of Papier-Mâché. Also, many local artists are struggling to find their place in the ever-evolving international craft markets. The majority of Indian artists are unable to understand and access changing market patterns and adapt their products accordingly. It happens mostly because of a lack of funds and a lack of knowledge about modern technologies and online marketing.

Volunteership:
To overcome this situation, UPCICLO volunteered to provide marketing and technological education to the artists and support their works with funds so that they could thrive with flying colours. UPCICLO is such a platform that has come forward for their cause by helping them sell their products online, providing the opportunities and exposures they need in the international art and craft market. Since it is also an eco-friendly art form, Papier-Mâché products can be the best replacement for plastic products, so they can become an important tool in environmental protection.

Impact on Bangalore and Metropolitan cities:
Regarding its impact on the Bangalore lifestyle or any urban lifestyle in general, using paper mache products can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. In cities like Bangalore, where there's increasing awareness about sustainability and environmental conservation, opting for eco-friendly products can align with the city's eco-conscious culture. By choosing to buy products made from recycled materials like paper mache, individuals can contribute to reducing waste and promoting a more environmentally friendly way of life.

Local artisans and craftsmen in Bangalore and other cities might also produce paper mache products, supporting local economies and preserving traditional crafts. Additionally, the use of eco-friendly materials aligns with the push for more sustainable practices in urban areas, which can have a positive impact on the environment and the overall quality of life in cities like Bangalore.