Clairefontaine

Clairefontaine: Masters of Fine Paper Production Since 1858

With roots tracing back to the 16th century, the Meurthe Valley has a rich tradition of paper making. It was here that Clairefontaine began operations in 1858 in the commune of Etival Clairefontaine, nestled along the banks of the Meurthe River just 90 kilometres from Strasbourg.

Leveraging the abundant supply of rags from the local textile industry, Clairefontaine quickly established itself as a key player in the region’s paper industry. By the 1880s, the company expanded its range to include envelope and notebook manufacturing - activities that continue to this day.

Clairefontaine’s state-of-the-art facilities include two advanced paper machines, each capable of producing up to 15 tonnes of paper per hour, with speeds reaching 1000 metres per minute.

Though they do not produce their own pulp, Clairefontaine carefully sources high-quality fibres to make their papers. Long fibres from Scandinavian boreal forests are chosen for strength, while short fibres from Brazil’s eucalyptus forests provide opacity and excellent coating properties. This ensures Clairefontaine’s papers meet the highest standards of quality and longevity.

In addition to producing 165,000 tonnes of paper annually, Clairefontaine is committed to sustainability. Clairefontaine plays a key role in forest management, actively contributing to the development of French forests in the Vosges mountains. The company also produces 100% recyclable paper through its subsidiary Everbal.

With over 150 years of expertise, Clairefontaine continues to be a trusted name in the world of fine art paper, offering both heritage craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation.