Hahnemühle Celebrates Earth Day Every Day

We are also doing everything we can, optimizing processes and using sustainable raw materials to make our earth a better and more sustainable place.

Our proximity to the natural world shapes our work.

Our responsibility for the environment is an intrinsic part of Hahnemühle’s history. Our production site is located in the heart of a centuries-old cultivated landscape that provides unspoiled habitats for various wildlife in a nature reserve. The reason for setting up a paper mill in 1584 still stands today: we produce our paper using pure water straight from the source. Producing paper in an environmentally friendly way is, therefore, a high priority for us.

Water

The water we use to produce our exceptional FineArt and filter papers comes straight from the underground springs in the Solling hill range and is characterized by its exceptionally high level of purity and softness. It is drawn from the middle of a unique natural landscape, home to an array of animals and plants, and doesn’t need to be chemically treated. The paper-machine circuit in which we produce our papers is therefore closed as much as possible. The water is then treated and returned to nature in a strictly controlled process.

Raw materials

Our fibers are sourced exclusively from primary fibers. Here, we use lignin-free cellulose sourced from deciduous and coniferous trees that grow in sustainably managed forests and are FSC- or PEFC-certified. The linter types also play an essential role. Linters are fine fibers that cling to the cotton plant’s seed and occur as a by-product of the textile and oil industries. We also keep an eye out for and, in some cases, are already using fast-growing, renewable cellulose alternatives, e.g., bamboo, hemp, and agave, which help conserve resources.

Energy

We use electricity and natural gas as our sources of energy. For many years now, we have been generating all the energy we need exclusively from renewable sources, such as wind, water, and solar power. This enables us to reduce our CO2 emissions sustainably. We produce our own steam and heat using natural gas. Thanks to our waste-heat recovery system, the emissions from our furnace are considerably below the legal limits, by more than 40%.

Recycling

We believe that sustainable resource management also includes recycling our production waste and scrap materials. We then return to the production cycle or hand it over to other waste processors if that isn’t possible. We always choose recycled material for our products because it will not compromise their quality – for example, cardboard boxes and tubes for our paper rolls.

Packaging

We are always trying to think of more environmentally friendly ways to package our paper and quickly implement any practical new measures. For example, we fill our transport boxes using packing peanuts made from 100% biodegradable cornstarch, while our packing tape and delivery-note envelopes are both made from paper instead of plastic. We are also working on alternative protective films to package our paper to ensure it is still in excellent condition when it reaches our clients. These are all steps we’re taking in our constant effort to improve sustainability and thereby conserve our resources.

Transport and supply chains

Distributing our paper to more than 80 countries across the world is a considerable challenge. We aim to minimize any impact made by necessary transport measures on the environment and climate. The majority of our products are transported by ship or rail. Before any shipment is transported by air, we carefully consider whether this method is economically and environmentally justifiable or whether there are more eco-friendly alternatives. Our central logistics site is in Göttingen in southern Lower Saxony, where we pool our shipments for transportation and make optimum use of our means of transport. We are especially pleased that our logistics partner has been recognized with a sustainability award and supports our efforts to protect the climate. 

With the Natural Line, we take it a step further and focus on Fine Art inkjet papers made from unique raw materials: bamboo, hemp, and agave. 

The fast-growing plants that provide cellulose require minimal maintenance, no pesticides, and less water, helping to save valuable resources and protect the environment.

Clean water, natural fibers, the absolute commitment to quality and first-rate expertise in the art of paper production have formed the foundation of our success for over 437 years.