About us
Quality and Expertise
With a rich legacy in papermaking and expertise passed down through generations, Clairefontaine has consistently maintained the highest standards of quality in its products. Its industrial organization ensures complete control over the production process, allowing it to guarantee the consistency essential for marketing premium products. To achieve a “zero defect” goal, machines are equipped with numerous control and regulation systems. Additionally, each paper reel is checked by the laboratory before transformation. For formats and reams, great care is taken with the precision of the trim, the squareness of the sheets, and the quality of the packaging. The same attention to detail applies to the printing of notebooks and envelopes. As proof of this commitment to quality, Clairefontaine obtained ISO 9001 certification as early as 1997. This certification, issued by an independent body, certifies the quality management system. Moreover, the quality standard set by Clairefontaine has become the benchmark in the French market. In schools and offices alike, 90 gsm paper has become the standard in France, which is the only country in the world to have adopted such a high standard.
Clairefontaine, paper manufacturer since 1858
Our storyEnvironmental Commitment
Clairefontaine has always been dedicated to respecting the environment, making it an integral part of its production policy. From the raw materials used to the final treatments, every step is taken with environmental protection in mind. The Clairefontaine paper mills are certified under the international ISO 14001 standard, which guarantees the consideration and control of all environmental protection elements. Clairefontaine has a subsidiary, Everbal, specializing in the production of 100% recycled paper.
Water Management
Clairefontaine has its own biological wastewater treatment plant, which eliminates almost all substances present in the water, allowing the purified water to be returned to nature. The sludge extracted from this process is used as agricultural fertilizer, improving the soils of the region.
Forest Management
The pulp used to make Clairefontaine paper comes exclusively from forests certified for their responsible management. Major forest certification systems include PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) and FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®). Responsible forest management is fundamental to Clairefontaine, whose group owns and maintains nearly 300 hectares of PEFC-certified forest in the Vosges region.
Energy Management
Clairefontaine has taken significant steps to further decarbonize its papers, investing heavily in the construction of a biomass boiler at its Étival-Clairefontaine site. This biomass boiler will reduce the factory's annual gas consumption by 45%, producing 25 tonnes of steam per hour and meeting 50% of the company's steam needs. This project, with an investment of 37 million euros, partially funded by the government under the ADEME's Recovery Plan and Energy Savings Certificates, will replace a gas boiler and be integrated with an existing cogeneration unit to cover the energy needs for paper production. With this ambitious plan, and the biomass boiler set to be operational by early 2025, Clairefontaine paper mills are committed to continuing their environmental policy, demonstrating that the paper industry remains an attractive workplace focused on the future and its new requirements, offering numerous career development opportunities.
The Biomass Boiler in figures
• 20 MW biomass power, • +50% renewable energy, • 60,000 tonnes/year of local biomass, • 36,000 tonnes of CO2 avoided, • 25 tonnes of steam produced per hour.
Packaging and Recycling Instructions
The files below indicate the packaging type and associated recycling instructions for each product.
Download the documentClairefontaine Certifications
Étival Production Site
ISO 9001: Quality management system
ISO 14001: Environmental management system
ISO 50001: Energy management system
Products
Capabilities
The Exacompta Clairefontaine Group
Over the years, the Exacompta Clairefontaine group has established itself as a unique entity in Europe, known for the quality of its products, the reputation of its brands, and its industrial and commercial capabilities. All the paper used by the group is produced at its four production sites. Exacompta Clairefontaine is currently the only group in Western Europe that is both a paper producer and converter. This unique feature allows it to control its production at all stages of manufacturing, offering consistently high-quality products. Today, the Exacompta Clairefontaine group comprises around fifty companies and employs over 3,500 people, including 550 at the Clairefontaine paper mills.