Is Cloth & Paper ethical?

Overview

Cloth & Paper is a premium stationery brand founded in 2014 in the United Kingdom, known for its sleek, modern designs and focus on functionality. The brand specializes in agendas, notebooks, and paper accessories that appeal to creatives, professionals, and planners. Their A5 Agendas exemplify their commitment to ethical production: they are crafted with FSC-certified paper, are 100% vegan (using no animal-derived materials or glues), and have earned the PETA Approved Vegan logo. The brand positions itself as a transparent, low-impact alternative to mass-produced stationery, with an overall ethics rating of 82 out of 100 based on independent assessments.

Certifications

Cloth & Paper holds two key certifications for its A5 Agendas: FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified ensures that the paper used comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Additionally, the products are PETA Approved Vegan, confirming that no animal testing or animal-derived ingredients (such as gelatine or leather) are used in production. These certifications are verified by third-party auditors and align with the brand’s stated values.

Animal testing & vegan range

Cloth & Paper is a fully vegan-friendly brand. Their entire product line, including the A5 Agendas, uses only plant-based or synthetic materials. They do not test on animals at any stage of production, nor do they use animal-derived glues, leather, or silk. The PETA approval provides an extra layer of accountability. The brand explicitly states on its website that all items are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Sustainability pledges

Cloth & Paper has made several public sustainability commitments. They prioritize FSC-certified paper for all paper-based products, aiming to reduce deforestation and support responsible forestry. The brand also uses recycled or biodegradable packaging where possible, and encourages customers to recycle their packaging. They have pledged to minimize plastic use in shipping and packaging, and are actively working to reduce their carbon footprint by sourcing materials locally in the UK. However, they have not yet published a detailed carbon-neutral or net-zero target.

Sourcing & labor

The brand sources its paper primarily from FSC-certified suppliers in Europe, with some components (like covers) produced in the UK. Cloth & Paper states that their factory partners are audited for fair labor practices and safe working conditions. While the company does not have a publicly available supply chain map or SA8000 certification, they claim to work only with facilities that comply with UK and EU labor laws. No reports of child labor, forced labor, or wage violations have been linked to their supply chain.

Controversies context

Cloth & Paper has no major controversies on record. Independent ethical review sites (such as the rating source that gave 82/100) note that the brand has not been involved in any scandals related to environmental harm, animal testing, or labor abuse. Customer feedback is generally positive regarding product quality and ethics. The only minor critique is a lack of granular transparency on tier-2 supplier audits and specific carbon emissions data.

Bottom line

Cloth & Paper offers a strong ethical choice for stationery lovers, particularly with their FSC-certified and PETA-approved A5 Agendas. The brand’s high ethics score, combined with no controversies and clear certifications, makes it a reliable option for conscious consumers seeking stylish, sustainable planners. While further transparency on supply chain details and climate goals would enhance their profile, they currently stand out as a responsible, vegan-friendly paper goods brand.