Handmade Paper & Lokta

Eco-Friendly Lokta Bark Paper — A 1,000-Year-Old Nepali Tradition

Lokta paper is made from the inner bark of the Daphne (Lokta) bush, which grows wild at altitudes of 5,000-13,000 feet in Nepal's Himalayan forests. This is not ordinary paper — Lokta fiber is naturally resistant to insects, moisture, and mildew, which is why ancient Nepali manuscripts written on Lokta paper survive to this day, some over 1,000 years old. The paper is made entirely by hand in village cooperatives using only water, ash, and sunshine. The Lokta bush regenerates from its root system after harvesting, making this one of the most sustainable paper sources on earth. Products include journals, notebooks, gift wrap, lampshades, cards, and decorative items.

Wholesale MOQ 100 pieces for finished products, 500 sheets for plain paper
Lead Time 2-4 weeks for standard products, 4-6 weeks for custom printing
500+ Artisan PartnersDirect from NepalFair Trade Certified

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How It's Made

Understanding the production process helps you appreciate the craftsmanship and communicate the product story to your customers.

Lokta bark is hand-harvested from the bush without killing the plant — the bush regenerates from its root stock within 5-7 years. The bark is soaked in water and boiled with wood ash for several hours to break down the fibers. The softened pulp is beaten by hand or with wooden mallets, then mixed with water to form a slurry. This slurry is poured onto framed screens (similar to traditional Japanese washi) and left to dry in the sun for a full day. The resulting paper has a beautiful natural texture with visible fibers and uneven edges. For decorative products, dried flowers, leaves, or colored threads are added to the slurry before drying. The dried sheets are then cut, folded, and assembled into finished products by hand.

Materials Used

✓ Lokta (Daphne) bark fiber
✓ Natural plant dyes and pigments
✓ Recycled cotton and silk fiber blends
✓ Dried flowers and leaves for embedded designs
✓ Block printing inks (vegetable-based)

Varieties & Sizes

Plain Lokta sheets (various weights: 30-120 gsm)
Printed gift wrap (block print and screen print)
Bound journals and notebooks
Lokta paper lampshades
Greeting cards and stationery sets
Envelopes and letter sets
Large format sheets for art and calligraphy

Pricing

Transparent pricing for wholesale and retail buyers. All prices are FOB Kathmandu in US dollars.

Wholesale

MOQ: 100 pieces for finished products, 500 sheets for plain paper

$0.50-$8 per piece depending on product type

Retail / Sample

No minimum for sample orders

$3-$25 per piece

Lead time: 2-4 weeks for standard products, 4-6 weeks for custom printing. Prices vary based on specifications, quantity, and customization. Contact us for an exact quote.

Quality & Certifications

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) equivalent — sustainably harvested
WFTO Fair Trade partner cooperatives
Eco-friendly and biodegradable certification

Handmade Paper & Lokta — Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lokta paper really sustainable?
Yes, Lokta paper is one of the most environmentally sustainable paper products available. The Daphne bush regenerates from its roots after bark harvesting, no trees are cut down, no chemicals are used in production, and the paper is 100% biodegradable. Many Lokta cooperatives are run by women's groups in rural Nepal, providing economic independence.
Can Lokta paper be printed on with a regular printer?
Heavier weight Lokta paper (80-120 gsm) can be used with inkjet printers, though results vary. The natural texture creates a distinctive handmade look. For professional printing, we recommend screen printing or block printing, which we offer as a service for custom orders.
What custom printing options do you offer?
We offer woodblock printing, screen printing, and foil stamping on Lokta paper products. You can provide your own designs or work with our in-house design team. Custom branded journals, gift wrap, and stationery are popular orders for corporate clients and boutique retailers.
How long does Lokta paper last?
Lokta paper is remarkably durable. It naturally resists insects, moisture, and mildew due to the Daphne bark's natural properties. Ancient manuscripts written on Lokta paper have survived over 1,000 years in Nepal's temple archives. With reasonable care, Lokta paper products will outlast conventional paper products by decades.
What is the minimum order for custom Lokta products?
For custom printed products (journals, gift wrap, stationery), the minimum order is 100 pieces. For plain paper sheets, the minimum is 500 sheets. We also offer mixed sample packs of 20-30 assorted products for buyers who want to test the range before placing larger orders.

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