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, mixed with water, and then spread out on a flat surface to form sheets. Once the sheets are formed, they are pressed and dried to remove excess moisture, resulting in the final paper product. The history of papermaking dates back to ancient China, where it was invented by Cai Lun around 105 AD. Over the centuries, the technique spread to other parts of the world, leading to the development of various types of paper used for writing, printing, and packaging.