From panties to paper

In+support+to+help+bring+an+end+to+sexual+and+domestic+violence%2C+students+participated+in+the+second+ever+Panty+Pulping+event+on+campus.+Students+turned+their+panties+into+pulp+using+a+device+called+a+Hollander+Beater

Jeremy Williamson

In support to help bring an end to sexual and domestic violence, students participated in the second ever Panty Pulping event on campus. Students turned their panties into pulp using a device called a Hollander Beater

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville students pulped panties into paper to support bringing an end to sexual and domestic violence for the second year in a row. The event took place on Oct. 13-14.

“Last year, UW-P had the highest turn out for the project of any UW-System college,” director of Peace Paper Project Margaret Mahan said.

The process for making the paper is to start out with underwear. The underwear is then run through a device called the Hollander Beater, which pulps the undergarments. The pulp is then laid out and dried. This results in paper, made out of panties.

Students could then write or draw on the paper. A few phrases included “My body belongs to me,” and “To what extent does feminism affect our identity?”

“After participating in the panty pulping, students signed an agreement which says, ‘By participating in this process, I am making a vow to myself and my community to use my power to promote peace – and to prevent violence – in thought, speech and action,’”director of Peace Paper Project, Drew Matott, said.