To get the latest poop on a steaming hot Challenger Brand, we turned to The Great Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company. Achieving perhaps the ultimate in recycling and environmental friendliness, this company turns elephant dung into paper products.

Those who have studied the substance will note that elephants produce large quantities of poo, which contains fibrous materials included in the pachyderm’s diet. When processed, these fibers can be crafted into an attractive line of stationery products.

Can’t wait to lick the envelopes? A visit to the site’s Poo-tique provides purchasing options by the trunkload. Featuring products including journals, noteboxes, stationery sets and greeting cards, all are made from recycled elephant dung and accompanied by a booklet with information about elephants and the production process.

Working with elephant conservation parks, the raw material is collected and dried, then rinsed so only the fiber from grass, bamboo and fruit remains. Other fibers, including those from banana trees and pineapples, are added to the concoction to enhance its strength. A session in a giant pot of boiling water cleans the fibers, which can then be tinted the color of choice. Small cakes or wafers are formed, then spread over a mesh tray that dries in the sun, creating paper used in the company’s products. About 25 large sheets of paper can be created from one piece of poo.

According to the site’s FAQ page, the number one question about the number two products relates to their aroma. The Paper Company assures us that they smell like stationery, due to the highly effective process described above. They are experimenting with the addition of requested scents like cinnamon, lemon and coffee, but for now customers are delighted to experience no smell at all.

• Founded by the company’s “Number 2″ man in 2002, the company began with limited quantities shipped to a select number of environmentally-oriented shops.
• Initially high manual production costs have been reduced over time to ensure that the products are commercially viable.
• The company maintains distribution centers in both Texas and Toronto.

This is a company that has found its niche; with slogans that include “We’re number one at number two,” and “We take the oo out of poo,” they really know how to pile it on. They currently create more than 150 products, more available in stores than online, and promise that more are coming down the chute.

True to their environmental focus, the Paper Company provides a “poo-load” of information about elephants for its customers to digest, and returns some of its profits for conservation of the species. The company explains that the fact that they sell poo for a living helps them not to take themselves too seriously, but they are counting on a load of elephant dung to help them achieve the sweet smell of success.