Paperclay is processed cellulosed fibre (generally beaten paper pulp) added to any clay. In some regions of Australia between a third and a half of clay bought by teachers is paperclay. Similar patterns are appearing around the world. And for good reasons too: mechanically recycling clay either by hand or pug mill is no longer necessary (just drop firm or dry paperclay into water to soften). Small air bubbles in the clay body can be ignored as the fibre acts as vents, repairs/alterations to dry work can be made and final works don't always need to be fired. Works can be left to dry, and resumed weeks later after soaking in water.

One of the directions taken up with enthusiasm by staff and students at the National College of Arts, Lahore, has been to explore the unfired paperclay option. That is, make objects from paperclay, dip or coat various materials with paperclay, and not fire the work. In a sense art is not just imitating life, it has become a thin surface skin on nature. Aside from the technical interest, this metaphor for our species living off animals and plants on the thin crust of this planet, is but one of many interpretation which may be drawn from this work."