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Heyfold Eternal Notebook
A 500-Year Lifespan—Truly Sustainable?

https://newatlas.com/consumer-tech/heyfold-eternal-notebook/

Let’s see what lies behind the “eternal” promise.

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Can a notebook that claims to last 500 years really be considered sustainable?

 

The Heyfold Eternal Notebook has attracted the attention of eco-conscious consumers due to its sleek, reusable design and commitment to reducing paper waste. However, in a world increasingly focused on genuine sustainability—not just marketing—does this product adhere to fundamental Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles?

Materials and Manufacturing

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The notebook is made from Permaflex silicone, a material selected for its durability. While longevity sounds appealing, the environmental impact of silicone manufacturing is significant: it requires a lot of energy, involves chemical processing, and is not biodegradable.

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Pros: Long-lasting, won’t tear like paper, can be reused thousands of times.

Cons: Silicone is derived from silica through high-heat processing, which produces CO₂. It's not easily recyclable in most local systems.

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Long-term use may reduce paper waste, but its production leaves a noticeable environmental footprint.

Is the Heyfold Notebook Truly Sustainable?

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Data, Materials, and Environmental Cost

At its core, the Heyfold Eternal Notebook is designed to replace traditional paper notebooks—products that, while seemingly harmless, contribute to a higher environmental cost. ​​​​

¹ According to data from the Environmental Paper Network.​​​​

While paper is renewable and biodegradable, its manufacturing process requires significant water, energy, and chemicals. On the other hand, silicone is more durable but comes with a high initial environmental cost and is not widely recyclable.

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The product's claim of lasting "500 years" seems excessive—no durability test has been conducted over such an extended period, and the coating and writing surface is likely to wear out before the silicone cover does. However, if a user commits to using the product for a realistic duration of 5 to 10 years, it could substantially reduce paper waste.

ESG Evaluation​

E – Environmental

​​Pros:

- Reusable products theoretically reduce paper use.

- Promotes a low-waste lifestyle, especially for students and professionals.

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Cons:

- Silicone is derived from quartz sand using high-temperature processes, contributing to carbon emissions.

- No data transparency: Lifecycle analysis (LCA), carbon offsetting, or recyclability information is not provided.

- Lacks clarity on packaging sustainability (although Heyfold claims it is eco-conscious).

There are good intentions, but transparency is lacking. Lifecycle emissions might be significant unless the product replaces many paper notebooks over the years.

S – Social

- The notebook encourages mindful consumption and blends analog creativity with digital storage, potentially improving productivity.

- The magnetic design and app integration offer convenience, but they are also aimed at a niche, design-conscious market.

 

Conclusion: If widely adopted, it would have a positive behavioral impact, but it may be priced out of reach for some users, raising equity concerns.

G – Governance

- Heyfold is a startup with little public information on its supply chain, manufacturing location, or corporate ESG practices.

- No third-party environmental certifications, such as Cradle to Cradle, FSC, or ISO 14001.

- Vague or missing details may indicate early-stage green marketing rather than fully established governance.

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Conclusion: Weak governance and ESG disclosure

Trade-offs​​​​

Let’s Talk

Would you change your paper notebooks for this one? 

Do you think long-lasting tools outweigh their upfront carbon cost?

References

Time: 2025.2.28

Editor: Deya. Ye

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