| We make our own paper |
Clairefontaine is currently the only European manufacturer making its own paper for its own products. This guarantees not only consistent quality, but also controls the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. Located in the Vosges region of France, Clairefontaine was established on the site of a 16th century paper mill. The Clairefontaine mill has been making paper since 1858 and stationery products since 1890. |
| Materials from certified sustainable forests |
 Clairefontaine paper is made from pulp and wood by-products from forests independently certified by PEFC as sustainably managed.
PEFC forest management is based on environmentally, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests for present and future generations. PEFC forests are bio-diverse and are managed to protect the rights of indigenous people as well as ecologically sensitive areas.
The Quo Vadis Editions plant in Hamburg, NY is PEFC certified. It means that the chain of evidence between PEFC certified paper and our finished agendas are maintained throughout the printing and binding process. |
| Better manufacturing process |
Clairefontaine reduces its water consumption through advanced recycling of the water used in the production process. The water is returned to the River Meurthe cleaner than when it arrived at the Vosges mill. The water is so clean when it leaves the facility local people can fish, boat and swim downstream within sight of the mill. |
| No bleaching |
Our paper is chlorine-free. A gift of nature, a mineral called calcium carbonate gives Clairefontaine paper its famous trademark qualities of extra white and ultra smooth. |
| Natural inks |
The ink used in all Clairefontaine and Rhodia products has been changed to abide by the most stringent European environmental standards.
The inks are now water-based rather than petroleum or solvent based. The inks are non toxic and non irritating.While the colors remain the same, they are now made from vegetable oil pigments rather than mineral ones. These inks are made from a variety of sources, incuding soy bean, corn and linseed oils.
By replacing mineral oil with vegetable oil, we reduce or even cut out volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions. VOCs are carbon-containing gases and vapors that are released from solvents used during the printing process. In liquid form VOCs can also effect water and soil quality.
The new ink composition may alter very slightly some of the color intensity. |
| We supply most of our own energy |
Clairefontaine operates a dual power generation system (electricity and steam) which supplies 80% of their energy needs. |
| Solving the problem of waste elimination |
The waste from the water treatment plant is converted into agricultural compost. This is a first for the paper industry. |
| Commitment to solid waste reduction & recycling |
Through a plan for improving sorting at source and recycling/transforming, Clairefontaine has reduced the quality of solid waste produced by the plant by over two thirds. Packaging is designed to produce the least waste (returnable containers, bulk packaging, etc.) Clairefontaine is the first paper mill to use a new technology to recycle formerly non-recyclable by-products.
Recycled paper is part of the solution to reducing the use of virgin fibers. But not all recycled papers are good for the environment. Too often the amount of energy used, as well as by-products, and chemicals entering the production process are highly toxic and detrimental to the environment.
Everbal, one of the mills of the Exacompta Clairefontaine Group, produces 100% recycled paper and card stock with new, clean technology. De-inking is done mechanically, without chemical products. 107 kg of waste paper is transformed into 100 kg of recycled paper. No chlorine or chemical whiteners are used in the manufacturing process. |
| Certificate of Approval |
Certificate of Approval - Clairefontaine Paper |
