Many products that influence the culture, the daily life and the political ambience of modern people are made of paper. After 15 years of research on the topic, Heinz Schmidt-Bachem presents the historical development of industrial paper processing from the 19th century and the Nazi-era to the post-war period of the Federal Republic and the GDR. Following a historical introductory part, a lexical part gives an overview of the most important products of paper, cardboard and plastic processing industry. Among other things, there are articles on postcards, the bookbinding industry, office supplies, luxury paper and paper bags.