We’re local
> We are a Czech brand.
> We design and make all our products in the Czech Republic.
> We make use of the traditional handicrafts that exist here, and have even brought old, half-forgotten techniques back into use.
> Our proximity to the manufacturing process allows us to collaborate meaningfully on it, fine-tuning details as we go.
> We prioritise local materials – the wood in our pencils, the elastic in our pen loops and the zips in our pencil cases are all from the Czech Republic.
We use sustainable materials
We select our materials with care; we want them to be sustainable (both in origin and manufacture), recyclable and innovative.
Our favourite paper is Munken, made in the Swedish Arctic Paper factory in complete harmony with nature – water leaving the factory is still clean enough for salmon to live in.
We respect traditional handicrafts
> We make use of the traditional handicrafts that exist here, and have even brought old, half-forgotten techniques back into use – for example the stitching that binds our notebooks was once used on passports.
> We often combine machine and manual work in our manufacture
> No detail is too small – on the contrary, we often find the greatest beauty in the smallest things.
We know that people are what matter most
We want papelote to be a place where people love working, where they feel valued and safe, where they can grow and develop – a workplace where the guiding principles are trust, openness, responsibility, respect and friendship.
Nothing goes to waste
> We know that re-using is at least as important as recycling, so we try never to waste any paper.
> Leftover material is turned into limited-edition products as part of our papelote take two range.
> Unsold diaries are also given a second life, as we upcycle them into other products.
> Our paper bags are made from paper that printworks discard.
> We do not even throw out leftover cloth or elastic – this is sent to a social enterprise factory in North Bohemia where it is made into other products.
> Food waste from our work kitchen goes into compost.
