CRADLE TO CRADLE

First environmentally friendly cradle to cradle toilet paper
Van Houtum is the first company in the world to manufacture 100% biologically degradable toilet paper. This achievement has been rewarded with a Cradle to Cradle certificate from the American organisation MBDC. Van Houtum's hygienic paper is made from 100 percent recycled paper and was already awarded the FSC-recycled label and the European Eco-label prior to the MBDC certificate.

MBDC is the organisation of Michael Braungart and William McDonough, the founders of Cradle to Cradle (C2C). The core principle of this philosophy is 'waste is food'. The Cradle to Cradle philosophy means that the raw materials of products are endlessly reused or biologically degraded and returned to the environment. This will prevent the depletion of natural reserves, wastage and pollution from spiralling out of control.

Production process
Van Houtum has developed hand towel and toilet paper according to the Cradle to Cradle principle which is completely suitable for the biological closed loop. Various chemicals are used during the production process of this hygienic paper to ensure, on the one hand, that the process runs smoothly, and on the other hand, to give the paper specific properties.
The raw material - recycled paper - and the chemicals used in the process have been extensively researched by EPEA against numerous criteria, including the presence of impurities and biological degradability. Substances that do not satisfy the strict criteria are replaced. The result is the first hygienic paper in the world that can be added to the biological closed loop without any harmful effects on the environment.

Satino Black:
Under the brand name Satino Black, we convert 100% recycled paper into toilet paper and paper hand towels.

The continual improvement of its environmental performances over the years has led to Van Houtum's CO2 emissions, water and energy usage being among the lowest in the world for this sector. While standard coal and gas fired power stations achieve an energy yield of about 50-60%, Van Houtum is able to achieve an energy yield of more than 80% with its own heat and power station. The electricity and heat generated are used efficiently during the production process. Any water required is kept in the closed loop as long as possible, ensuring that the company's water usage is way below the branch average. Chemicals needed in the production of paper are replaced by biologically degradable additives so that no harmful substances can be left behind in the environment (Cradle to Cradle). Waste substances produced during the recycling process (short paper fibres, chalk, etc.) are supplied as raw materials to a nearby cardboard factory, where the cardboard boxes used to package Satino Black toilet paper and paper towels are made.