1879: The Brothers

Two French brothers, Maurice and Jacques Braunstein, would eventually establish a cigarette paper company after building the Papeterie de Gassicourt, a manufacturing facility located to the west of Paris. In the beginning, the brothers would purchase large rolls of paper and process them into usable rolling papers. For their packaging artwork, they decided on a simple sketch of a single smoking Zouave.

1894: The Invention

With the establishment of the Papeterie de Gassicourt came a valuable packaging innovation - an interleaving process that would auto-dispense the next rolling paper after one was pulled from the packaging booklet. This was a revolutionary step for rolling paper products, which came before in a flat stack or bound like pages in a book.

Fast forward 6 years and the Braunstein brothers were awarded a gold medal at the Universal Exposition in Paris for their invention. Another 6 years later in 1906, the company name "Zig-Zag" was trademarked as a clever nod to their unique patent. The interleaving process remains a global standard for rolling paper products in nearly every country to this day.

1919: The Alps

The Braunstein brothers continued to expand their operation and new manufacturing facilities were created to support their growth. The primary paper production plant, originally built in Saint Aubin, was moved to Thonon-les-Bains, a town in eastern France situated on the banks of Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman).

The town's position near the base of the Alps gave Zig-Zag access to a natural source of fresh water from the mountain range. This advantage allowed for a new level of quality and consistency for paper production. The Alps' fresh water is still key in upholding Zig-Zag's premium standards today.

1969: The Captain

Over the years, Zig-Zag continued to gain fame around the world. After the company was trademarked, the unmistakeable Zig-Zag man began making his way into unrelated advertisements. Janis Joplin's band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, used Zig-Zag branding for a concert poster advertising their performance at the San Francisco Avalon Ballroom.

In 1969, the brand launched a rare marketing campaign using the tagline "Captain Zig-Zag Wants YOU!" While this was just a temporary marketing play, many still refer to the Zig-Zag man as "Captain Zig-Zag."

1992: The D.R.E.

Zig-Zag had long become the world's most notable rolling paper brand, but was further thrust into the spotlight with the help of a young rapper from Compton, California. Dr. Dre's debut studio album, "The Chronic," would go triple platinum, land him multiple Grammy nominations, and a Grammy win for Best Rap Solo Performance on his hit "Let me Ride."

Dre's album paid homage to Zig-Zag in more than one way, but did so most notably on the album's cover art, with the rapper's face framed by the iconic Zig-Zag emblem. With the success of the album came a new wave of recognition for the brand, helping solidify Zig-Zag as a pop culture staple.

THE FUTURE

Throughout the years, Zig-Zag has continued to innovate and meet the evolving demand for high quality rolling papers. 2018 marks the year Organic Hemp Papers were released, closely followed by Ultra Thin Cones. Zig-Zag's line of rolling paper products has expanded far beyond the original booklets created over 145 years ago, providing an option for every roller's preference.

What about the next 145 years? Only time will tell...