Panda poop paper. Try saying that five times fast. Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base in Sichuan province, China has announced it's looking for paper mills to process all that extra panda dung into paper.

Researchers at the reserve were inspired to find an alternative use for the panda poop after visiting Thailand and finding paper made from elephant dung. One researcher, Liao Jun, says he thinks panda ingredients would make even higher quality paper. The panda poo paper has also been produced in Thailand, by a zoo selling items made with the droppings as souvenirs.

How much paper can two tons of dung make?

Dozens of bamboo-fed pandas in the Chengdu reserve produce up to two tons of excrement each day. Talks between the base and paper mills is centering on producing office paper and wrapping paper, with the product to be used at the base and any leftovers being sold. The group says it isn’t interested in profits though, it’s all about finding an environmentally friendly way to recycle the waste. I think they should look into clothes hangers and get the best of both worlds, the eco side of that business is really growing.

Poop paper is all the rage

Panda poop paper, while certainly unique, isn’t the first animal dropping inspired paper product. The Elephant Poo Poo Paper company uses pachyderm poop to make journals, noteboxes and greeting cards. Other companies prefer the sheep variety, but the gift items are similar. I'm a little grossed out, but at the same time I have the urge to buy poop paper gifts for everyone I know.