Clairefontaine is as careful about the environment as
they are about the quality of their products. Unlike
other companies, Clairefontaine manufactures its’ own
paper from sustainable forests with minimal environmental
impact.
Clairefontaine
paper for Clairefontaine products.
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
Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes
(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
Clairefontaine 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.
Clairefontaine
supplies most of its’ own energy
Clairefontaine operates a dual power generation system
(electricity and steam) which supplies 80% of their
energy needs.
Solving
the problem of water 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.
Telegram will be launching the “Forever” collection of
recycled paper and stationery very soon. This range uses
paper from the Everbal mill.