The Making of a Rhodia Pad
From paper reel to finished pad
Manufactured in France since 1934
Rhodia notepads have been produced in France since 1934. Today, they are manufactured at the Clairefontaine Rhodia facility in Mulhouse, located in the Alsace region of eastern France.
Combining decades of experience in paper making and stationery production, this site continues to produce the trusted Rhodia pads used by writers, designers, students and professionals around the world.
Clairefontaine Paper
The paper used in Rhodia pads is produced by Clairefontaine, one of Europe’s most respected paper manufacturers.
Known for its exceptionally smooth surface and reliable ink performance, Clairefontaine paper has become a favourite among writers, designers and fountain pen users.
The close relationship between paper production and stationery manufacturing helps ensure the consistent writing quality for which Rhodia is known.
The Manufacturing Process
The production of a Rhodia pad involves a series of carefully controlled stages.
Paper preparation
Production begins with large reels of Clairefontaine paper prepared specifically for pad manufacturing.
Ruling and printing
The paper is printed with Rhodia’s characteristic rulings, including lined, dot grid, grid and the traditional French Seyes ruling.
The ruling is printed with water-based ink.
Perforation
Each sheet is precisely perforated at the top to allow pages to be removed cleanly while remaining secure during normal use.
Cutting and shaping
The paper is then cut to the correct format for each pad size. Edges are aligned and prepared for the binding process.
Stapling and assembly
Lastly, the sheets are assembled and secured with Rhodia’s distinctive head staples, completing the pad.