Abstract: An absorbent material suitable for a wide variety of uses and having the ability to absorb, selectively, water, animal waste, oil, grease and chemicals is based on ground paper. Plaster of Paris is usually present along with one or a combination of other components, dependent on the end use of the product. The product may be provided in a fibrous form or in a granular form. The granular form of the product is produced by dry mixing the components and granulating the dry mixture using droplets of water.