High-Quality Paper from Elephant Dung:
Production Process, Cost, and Business Potential in Nepal
Most people who visit places like Chitwan and Bardiya ride elephants, take photos, and seek entertainment. But an important thing is often overlooked - high-quality paper can be made from elephant dung, which sells at high prices in the international market.
In today's era of growing demand for eco-friendly products, the business of making paper from elephant dung could become a major opportunity for Nepal. However, the available raw material has not yet been fully utilized.
In this blog, we will explore, with data, analysis, and examples, how to make paper from elephant dung, how much can be produced, what the costs are, and how much potential this business holds in Nepal.
What is Elephant Dung Paper?
Elephant dung paper is an eco-friendly paper made using the undigested fibrous material (fiber) from elephant dung.
Elephants in Nepal generate a significant amount of usable raw material:
- 100–150 kg of dung per day
- Only ~ 45% digestion rate
- ~ 55% remains as usable fiber
This leftover fiber is highly suitable for paper production.
Source: SGP; ImpactHub 1/09/2020
Production Capacity of Elephant Dung Paper
Data from multiple studies shows how much paper can be produced from elephant dung:
Detail | Quantity |
|---|---|
Daily dung | 100–150 kg |
Paper from 50 kg | ~125 sheets |
Paper from 1 kg | ~2.5 sheets |
Sources: SGP; ImpactHub 1/09/2020; Jewelsafaris 25/7/2023; Onlinekhabar 24/2/2021; Vanguard
Business Scale Interpretation:
- 1 elephant = Small business
- 2–3 elephants = Cooperative model
- 10 elephants = Export-oriented industry
This clearly indicates that even limited resources can support viable enterprises.
Global Case Studies: Is This Business Feasible?
Various countries around the world are successfully operating this business:
- Sri Lanka (Maximus) → Produces premium paper for exports and diplomatic gifts
- Kenya (Nampath Paper) → 42 employees, 2.3 million KES annual profit
- Uganda (Katara Women's Group) → Production increased from 50 → 500 sheets/day
Sources: Baike; Vanguard; Jewelsafaris 25/7/2023
Those examples demonstrate that elephant dung paper is a scalable and profitable business model.
Key Business Insights from Elephant Dung Paper Industry
-
Low-Cost Raw Material
Elephant dung is typically free or available at minimal cost.
This significantly reduces production expenses.
- Economies of Scale
As machinery is introduced, production increases, and the cost per unit decreases
Example: 50 sheets/day→ 500 sheets/day (Uganda model) - Multi-Product Potential
From a single raw material, multiple products can be created. Some examples include notebooks, diaries, photo frames, bags, and decorative handicrafts - Premium Pricing Strategy
Unlike regular paper, this product competes on value, not cost. For example, this product sells for $5-15 per product while regular paper costs Rs. 2-5 per sheet.
👉 Value = uniqueness + sustainability - Integration with Tourism
In countries like Thailand, tourists participate in paper-making experiences.
This creates an experience-based revenue model.
Step-by-Step Process: How Elephant Dung Paper is Made
The production process is manual, chemical-free, and environmentally friendly.
- Step 1: Dung Collection
Dry dung gives light-colored paper
Wet dung gives dark-colored paper - Step 2: Cleaning
Washed up to 7 times
Removes impurities (soil, grass, insects)
Leaves only usable fibers - Step 3: Boiling
Boiled for ~4 hours
Eliminates bacteria and color
Softens fiber - Step 4: Pulp Formation
Fiber is mixed with:
Water
Starch
Recycled Paper - Step 5: Sheet Formation
Pulp spread on mould/frame
Shaped into paper sheets - Step 6: Drying
Sun-dried for ~8 hours
Smoothed for writing/printing
Cost Analysis (2025 Estimate)
Based on inflation-adjusted estimates:
Item | Cost (Rs.) |
|---|---|
Elephant dung (initial collection) | Free |
Water and washing setup | 5,000–10,000 |
Boiling pot | 3,000–5,000 |
Grinding machine | ~20,000 |
Frames | 2,000–4,000 |
Drying space | 5,000–7,000 |
Starch, dyes, other consumables | 2,000–3,000 |
Total | ~Rs. 37,000–54,000 |
👉 Suitable for small-scale production (50–100 sheets/day)
👉 Scaling requires additional machinery (~Rs. 87,000)
Market Demand Analysis: Nepal and Global
Domestic Market (Nepal)
- Nepal imports 150,000+ tons of paper annually
- Complete dependence on A4 paper
👉 However:
Eco-paper → niche but growing market
International Market: Demand is strong in
- Europe, USA, Japan
- Used for gift items, handicrafts, and eco-products
Examples include:
- Sri Lanka export models
- China's "Poo-Poo Paper" products
- Education programs in Zoos (USA, Germany)
Profit Logic: Why This Business Works
This business is profitable because:
- Raw material cost is extremely low
- The product is unique and sustainable
- Customers are willing to pay premium prices
👉 Result:
- It sells for $5–15
- High margin potential
Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Requires a lot of water: Think of rainwater harvesting and water recycling
Challenge 2: Weather dependency: Solar dryers or indoor drying systems
Challenge 3: Health risks: Boiling + protective gears (gloves, masks)
Challenge 4: Competition from cheap paper. Focus on eco-premium branding, not price
Challenge 5: Scaling challenges. Gradual expansion + cooperative models + funding support
Business Roadmap: How to Start
Small Scale
- 1 elephant
- ~50 sheets/day
- Sell to tourists and local markets
Medium Scale
- 5–10 elephants
- 10–20 employees
- Expand into product diversification
Large Scale (Export Model)
- Target global markets
- Platforms: Etsy, Amazon
- Certifications: FSC/ISO
Conclusion
- Raw material is abundant and low-cost
- Global demand already exists
- Proven business models are available
👉 The opportunity is clear.
What is needed now is execution.