S15·E22 A World of Paper

Writing paper, reading paper, paper money, wrapping paper, wallpaper, kitchen paper, even construction paper and toilet paper. But also letters, diaries, coasters, birth certificates, board games, business cards, photographs, and tea bags... An ancient material we've always used, and whose use shows no signs of slowing, but which over the centuries has evolved to become almost 100% recyclable and reusable. A series will reconstruct the environment of the first medieval European paper mills, established here in Italy, in Fabriano, when paper, originally from China, after traveling through the Arab world, arrived in the West. In the Tuscan industrial hub of Capannori, near Lucca, we'll discover that Italy is a world leader in paper production: a sort of economic powerhouse that produces a large portion of the handkerchiefs (and other items) produced worldwide.