<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Hi everyone Most people emailed and said that kitchen paper is made from wood, not from wheat rye barley or oats. I had a few that said why would I want to eat the paper :)) I should explain that I thought that some molecules of paper might stick to fried potatoes etc while they are draining. One lady said she uses kitchen towel but not the bit near the glue at the beginning and end. I'll check next time I'm near the end to see if there's any signs of glue but I think the beginning of the roll is compressed rather than glued. It still doesn't answer my question as to whether there is anything 'added' to the paper to make it absorbent which is what I meant in my original query, so I probably need to contact the manufacturers direct. Thanks to everyone who replied, I'll let you know if I find out any more. Kristina Southampton UK