The History of Armenian Paper

Paper d'Arménie, this small booklet with such a distinctive fragrance, is pleasant and has earned its place in many homes, inspiring well-being and purification. We also include a strip in every order from our online esoteric shop! Sold throughout the world, this popular paper, sung about by Régine, is still made in France using the traditional method. An overview.

1. The creation of the brand

1.1. A journey to Armenia

The history of Papier d'Arménie began at the end of the 19th century, driven by Auguste Ponsot, a French traveler and entrepreneur. During a stay in Armenia in 1885, Ponsot discovered a local tradition of burning benzoin to deodorize and purify the air in homes. Fascinated by this practice and by the antiseptic and deodorizing properties of benzoin resin, he decided to bring the idea back to France.

Back in Paris, Auguste Ponsot partnered with a pharmacist, Henri Rivier, to develop a method for transforming this resin into an accessible and practical product for the French public. Together, they developed a process for impregnating paper with a benzoin-based scented solution. This is how the famous Papier d'Arménie booklet was born, consisting of small detachable sheets that can be burned to release a pleasant fragrance and purify the air.

1.2. Then a success in France

From its launch, Papier d'Arménie enjoyed immediate success. Its ease of use, combined with its air-purifying benefits, quickly won over French consumers. The first booklets were sold in pharmacies and fine-food shops in Paris, and the product's reputation spread rapidly.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Papier d'Arménie took part in world's fairs, receiving prestigious awards that strengthened its international reputation. The company introduced advertising campaigns that were innovative for the time, promoting the merits of its products in the press and on wall posters.

In the decades that followed, Papier d'Arménie continued to innovate to meet its consumers' expectations. In the 1930s, the company diversified its range by offering booklets in different scents, incorporating natural fragrances such as rose and lavender. 

The 1980s and 1990s marked a period of modernization for Papier d'Arménie. The company adopted more advanced production techniques while preserving its traditional methods. 

At the beginning of the 21st century, Papier d'Arménie celebrated its 120th anniversary by launching new collaborations with renowned designers and perfumers.

2. French and family expertise

2.1. An innovative product

Although inspired by Armenia, the company developed its traditional manufacturing methods to combine quality and effectiveness. The challenge was to find a process for capturing and releasing the aromatic and antiseptic properties of benzoin. Rivier discovered that when benzoin resin is dissolved in 90° alcohol, it releases a persistent and captivating vanilla-scented aroma. This alcoholic solution stabilizes the fragrance and prolongs its diffusion.

To further enrich this composition, they decided to add fragrant essences, creating an aromatic blend that was both pleasant and long-lasting. All that remained was to find a medium capable of retaining this fragrance while allowing slow and controlled combustion. After several trials, they chose blotting paper: it perfectly absorbs the scented solution while preserving the original scent of the benzoin. When lit, the blotting paper burns slowly, continuously releasing the fragrance without producing a flame, ensuring safe and effective use. This ingenious combination of benzoin, alcohol, and blotting paper gave rise to the iconic Papier d'Arménie product, appreciated for its unique fragrance and purifying qualities.

2.2. Production based on patience

Making Papier d'Arménie is a meticulous artisanal process, comparable to that of the finest luxury products. Each booklet requires six months of production time and goes through no fewer than twelve carefully coordinated stages.

The scented solution is absorbed by sheets of blotting paper. Once impregnated, these sheets are carefully laid out and left to dry for several weeks, allowing the aromas to become firmly fixed.

The scented sheets are then cut and folded by hand to form the iconic small booklets. Each booklet consists of detachable strips, ready to be used to purify and fragrance the surrounding air. Before being packaged, the booklets undergo a rigorous inspection to ensure their quality and consistency.

Today, the still-independent brand continues to make Papier d'Arménie in Montrouge, near Paris.

3. How to use Papier d'Arménie properly?

3.1. To purify the air 

Simply follow these few steps: 

• Detach a strip from the Papier d'Arménie booklet.

• For slow combustion, you can fold it into an accordion.

• Place it on a heat-resistant surface, such as a ceramic saucer or a burner specially designed for this purpose.

• Light the end of the strip and gently blow out the flame, allowing the strip to burn slowly and release its fragrance.

3.2. To neutralize unpleasant odors

The advantage of Papier d'Arménie is that it can release its fragrance in enclosed spaces without being lit:

• Use Papier d'Arménie in enclosed spaces such as cupboards, drawers, or shoes to eliminate unwanted odors.

• Place a few strips in these spaces without lighting them to enjoy their natural deodorizing effect.

It is particularly effective for eliminating cooking, animal, or tobacco odors.

4. What are the benefits of Papier d'Arménie?

Papier d'Arménie offers several significant benefits for health and well-being. Benzoin resin, the main ingredient in Papier d'Arménie, is renowned for its powerful antiseptic properties. When burned, it releases compounds that help purify the air by eliminating bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, thereby contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

The sweet, balsamic fragrance of benzoin is particularly appreciated for its calming effect on the mind and body. Inhaling its delicate aroma can significantly reduce stress, promote relaxation, and create an atmosphere of calm and serenity. This relaxing effect makes it an excellent complement to meditation and yoga practices, or simply for relaxing the mind after a stressful day.

Furthermore, by purifying the air, Papier d'Arménie may help alleviate the symptoms of allergies and respiratory problems. People suffering from seasonal allergies, asthma, or sensitivity to airborne particles often find relief when using this product, as it improves indoor air quality. The slow combustion of Papier d'Arménie continuously releases its active components, ensuring constant air purification and thus making breathing easier.