Papermaking is the process of creating paper from natural fibers, primarily sourced from trees, plants, or recycled paper. The fibers are broken down into a slurry, which is then spread onto a flat surface to form sheets. After drying, the sheets are pressed and rolled to create the final product. The history of papermaking dates back to ancient China, where it was invented by Cai Lun in the 2nd century AD. Over time, the technique spread to other regions, leading to the development of various types of paper used for writing, printing, and packaging.