The tab index is a now rare bookbinding method of dividing books, especially reference works, or folders into easy-to-find categories. Common categories are A-Z or chronological categorizations. This index book from the Gmund handmade paper mill in Bavaria comes with five blocks that can be distinguished by the tab cut and the paper colors. It is not only a feast for the eyes in bookbinding terms, but also has practical uses in all cases where notes need to be categorized, for example when recording recipes or personal plans and events in different spheres of life (work, everyday life, vacations, etc.).

Another practical benefit: Thanks to the (attractive) open binding with thread stitching, the index book can be opened wide and flat so that you can write comfortably on every page without a spine edge in the middle that interferes with writing. Two covers made of strong, grey natural cardboard (600 g/sqm) enclose the 80 pages of matt natural paper, which are separated into five block sections by the index cut and also by five subtle colors.

Anyone who has a lot to do with paper and paper products will not be able to avoid the Gmund handmade paper mill. The company in the Mangfall valley has been involved in paper production since 1829 and enjoys a worldwide reputation. Once you hold the commercial products and brochures, fine printed matter, cardboard boxes and business cards in your hands, it's not just the paper aficionados among us who can see why: they are impressive across the board - in terms of quality, texture and feel. The strength of the traditional Bavarian company lies not only in its many years of experience, but also in its innovative power. Open to new technologies and techniques, Gmund manufactures not only traditional papers but also exceptional stationery products - for private and professional use, for everyday correspondence as well as for festive occasions.

Because paper production is extremely energy- and material-intensive, Gmund pays particular attention to the origin of the raw materials as well as energy- and water-saving, clean production. At the same time, this ensures that the paper can be recycled. The primary fiber for paper production is pulp, which is obtained from wood, cotton or waste paper and now also from hemp, hay and grasses. The wood for the pulp comes from certified forestry. For the cotton papers, Gmund uses second-cut cotton: cotton waste from industrial production (so-called pre-consumer recycling). Hemp and grasses are fast-growing indigenous plants; the main advantage here is that they can be grown in Germany, as a large proportion of the wood has to be imported. The area of alternative raw materials for paper production is therefore particularly interesting, which is why Gmund is researching in its own Greenfibra Labs development laboratory how fibers made from hemp and straw as well as mixed field raw fibers and plant production waste can be used as alternatives to conventional pulp.

In order to keep CO₂ emissions as low as possible, Gmund relies on electricity generated with as few emissions as possible in paper production. The company can even generate 75 percent of its electricity itself; it only buys in energy with a green electricity certificate. Unavoidable CO₂ emissions, such as those generated during the production of some coloured recycled papers, are offset 100 percent through a financial climate contribution to recognized and audited climate protection projects in developing countries.