The Essential Features of an Arbos Recycled Notebook: Why They Stand Out

Sustainability

Are you looking for something unique for your store? We know that booksellers and stationery shop owners today are seeking products that are not only beautiful and well-designed but also have a story to tell. Products that capture customers’ attention in the shop window and make them fall in love. Finding truly special stationery items can be a challenge, especially when sustainability is also a priority.

But here’s the good news: at Arbos, we’ve been creating stationery from recycled materials for 40 years. Our products are more than just notebooks—they’re writing experiences, crafted with passion, environmental respect, and a touch of artisanal creativity.

What Is a Notebook According to Arbos?

To us at Arbos, a notebook isn’t simply a collection of pages bound together. It’s an invitation—an invitation to put your ideas on paper, tell your stories, and bring your thoughts to life. Every Arbos notebook is designed with this purpose: to transform an everyday object into a traveling companion, a space where creativity can freely unfold.
We believe writing is a precious act, and the medium on which you write can make all the difference. That’s why we’re committed to creating notebooks that are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally friendly, using recycled materials with their own story to tell.

Features of Our Recycled Notebooks

Arbos notebooks are designed to offer a unique writing experience, both tactile and visual. Each notebook is made with high-quality recycled materials, chosen not just for their sustainability but also for the unique characteristics they lend to the finished product.

Many of our notebooks are born from collaborations with artists and designers who transform these materials into creative and captivating objects. For instance, the collection created with Gaia Segattini Knotwear, a sustainable knitwear brand from the Marche region of Italy, showcases vibrant, graphic designs made using leftover production yarns. The result? A collection of notebooks, journals, and pen cases featuring one of Gaia Segattini’s iconic colorful patterns.

Here’s a closer look at some of the materials that make our notebooks so special.

Cartapaglia: What Is It?

Cartapaglia is one of Arbos’ signature materials. Made from recovered plant fibers, it has a warm, natural texture that appeals to those seeking authenticity. Its slightly yellowish hue gives notebooks a vintage look while being less straining on the eyes—perfect for taking notes or writing long journal entries. Cartapaglia embodies simplicity and genuineness, with a rustic touch that makes it ideal for those who love a natural, unpretentious aesthetic.

Example: The Feng Shui Notebook features a soft Cartapaglia cover in gold with embossed red and gold details, adorned with eight poetic and reflective phrases.

Ricuoio®: What Is It?

Ricuoio® is an innovative material made from scraps of natural leather. It’s amazing to think that what was once waste can now become the elegant cover of a refined notebook. Ricuoio® has a soft, pleasant texture and offers remarkable durability.
Thanks to its elegant appearance and sustainability, Ricuoio® is perfect for professionals or anyone seeking a notebook that combines environmental respect with understated luxury.

Example: The Organic Lines Notebook features clean, minimal, and organic designs inspired by waves, trees, and leaves, with an elegant Ricuoio® cover that makes it even more special.

TarPaper®: What Is It?

TarPaper® is a truly unique material. Created by combining recycled paper with a layer of distilled bitumen, it has a raw, industrial appearance that’s utterly captivating. Durable and robust, TarPaper® is ideal for those who love a minimalist, contemporary style.

Example: “Solo la luce” Notebook, designed with visual artist and performer Enrico Minato, is a total black notebook with a minimalist and evocative design. Not only is the cover made of TarPaper®, but the internal pages are entirely black—perfect for writing with the included fluorescent pencil or with gold and silver markers.

Ristoffa®: What Is It?

Ristoffa® is a material made from recycled textile scraps and used clothing. The result is an extremely durable paper-like fabric that gives Arbos notebooks a unique look. Each Ristoffa® notebook is one of a kind, with its own story to tell.
Thanks to the variety of textiles used, every product is different, making each notebook a delightful surprise. Ristoffa® is perfect for those who seek originality, where recycling becomes an act of creativity.

Example: The Ristoffa® Notebook showcases its visible textile fibers, flaunting its texture and depth.

The Benefits of Choosing an Arbos Recycled Notebook

Do you want to tell your customers a story about sustainability, environmental respect, craftsmanship, and passion? Choose an Arbos notebook made from recycled materials.
Our products draw attention, invite touch and exploration, and create an emotional connection with the user. For booksellers and stationery shop owners, having these products means offering something unique—something that stands out and makes customers feel part of a conscious choice. By choosing Arbos, you’re offering more than just a notebook; you’re sharing a story and a message of value with every product sold.

Choosing Arbos means making a difference—for yourself, your customers, and the environment. Visit our shop to explore all our collections and place your order today!