The Rhodia + Clairefontaine Environmental Statement

Rhodia-Clairefontaine is as careful about the environment as they are about the quality of their products. Unlike other companies, Rhodia-Clairefontaine manufactures its’ own paper from sustainable forests with minimal environmental impact.

Rhodia-Clairefontaine paper for Rhodia-Clairefontaine products:

Rhodia-Clairefontaine is currently the only European stationery 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, Rhodia-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:

Rhodia-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.

This certification also ensures that endangered wildlife habitat is protected, worker health and safety laws are kept, and the rights of indigenous communities are respected.

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:

Rhodia-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:

Rhodia-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:

Rhodia-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, Rhodia-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.) Rhodia-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.