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Celebrating 60 Years of Liz Halloween Safety for All Ages Review of the Month Your Guide to New England’s Best Kept Halloween Secrets Apple Cider Mocktail The Surprisingly Adventurous History of the Humble Manila Envelope
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THIS ENVELOPE HAS TRAVELED FURTHER THAN YOU THINK The Tale of the Mighty Manila Envelope
Ever wonder why those big, tan envelopes guarding your documents like Fort Knox are called “Manila” envelopes? Turns out, there’s a rich backstory behind this office supply staple, and it has roots half a world away in the Philippines. Back in the 1830s, papermakers hit a snag. Traditional materials like cotton and linen (used to make paper pulp) were in short supply. Enter the seafaring solution: Manila rope, crafted from Manila hemp (aka abacá), is a super-strong plant fiber native to the Philippines. Tough, water-resistant, and golden in hue, these fibers became the key to making paper that didn’t crumble at the first drop of rain.
Originally, these envelopes weren’t the lightweight versions you toss into your office bin today. Early Manila folders were almost as thick as cardboard, and they soon became the go-to for carrying important papers through thick and thin. While the name Manila stuck, the actual plant fiber didn’t. Over time, cheaper, easier-to-process wood pulp took
over. But by then, the golden hue and reliable durability had built a brand. Even without a shred of real abacá, the trusty envelopes still carried the Manila name like a badge of honor. But here’s the twist: Despite the usefulness of Manila hemp, Filipino farmers barely benefited. During its colonization of the Philippines, the U.S. controlled abacá trade and funneled profits away from the source. So, the next time you grab a Manila envelope to stash your paperwork or mail your wares, know you’re holding a slice of history that stood the test of time (and coffee spills). Who knew your office supply drawer had such worldly flair?
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