BIRTH OF ROLLING PAPERS
Rolling Papers were invented in Spain, not France. The French didn't trade tobacco with the new world until a lifetime after the Spanish already were. In 1660, the Lacroix family began producing the papers; in 1736 they obtained a mill and founded the Lacroix Rolling Paper company.The first rolling paper was produced in Alcoy, Spain 1764. Rolling papers became popular in the second half of the 19th century.
By the mid-1800's, the composition of the papers had changed to include rice paper and so did the name of the company. Riz is the french word for rice and coupled with Lacroix's name, the brand Rizla+ was created, roughly translated into english, you are left with Rice The Cross. It's safe to say that it doesn't have the same ring to it! Not until 1978 did the Lacroix family reliniquish ownership of the brand when they sold it to another company.
In the intervening years, many competing firms were formed to produce and sell their own rolling papers. Whilst Rizla+ rolling papers is a multi-national brand there are many more 'regional' producers of rolling papers that are familiar to people in their own countries.
ROLLING PAPERS CONTINUE TO DEVELOP
Rolling papers are relatively simple, the innovation has come in regards to production processes, packaging and small product features, such as cut corners. Essentially the product has remained similar for many centuries. Combinations of paper pulp, hemp, flax and rice are used to produce various different rolling paper products. In fact, we now have such a wide range of choice of rolling papers that the original Lacroix founders would be amazed at the range of rolling paper products.
Around 1906, the first flavoured papers began to appear on the market, this is something we still see today. Bull Brand stock the Liquorice rolling paper, which are hugely popular, as a nod to this heritage. As previously mentioned, rolling papers were developed and adapted over the years to meet growing demand, as was the packaging. Innovation in packaging ensured that the customers received the product in the finest condition ready to use. With smoking historically being seen as a sole pleasure for blue-collar workers, manufacturers of rolling papers wanted to ensure that each smoke was perfect.
A WORLD OF CHOICE
Fast forward to the present day, we now have numerous producers of rolling papers as well as other smoking accessories. Modern production methods have driven down prices and the ability for a customer to create their own unique rolling cigarette is unparalleled due to the wide range of variations in the rolling papers available.