Rhodia began as part of the Verilhac Brothers Paper-Maker company, founded in 1932 in Lyon, France, by two brothers—one an engineer, the other skilled in marketing. Their collaboration led to innovative, high-quality paper products.

The first Rhodia notepad was created in 1934 in Lyon. Its name was inspired by the Rhône River, and people from the region—called Rhodaniens—inspired the brand name “Rhodia.” The iconic two spruce trees in the logo represent the two founding brothers, linked by a line to symbolize their partnership. The logo was designed by Marie-Antonia Verilhac, the wife of one of the brothers, at her kitchen table.

That same year, Rhodia moved its production from Lyon to Séchilienne near Grenoble, later transferring to Mulhouse, Alsace, after being acquired by Clairefontaine in 1997.

The Rhodia Notebook, initially a small side product, became the brand’s most famous item, recognized worldwide for its superior paper quality and distinctive scored orange cover—a design that has remained unchanged since 1934.