Wondering whether Moleskine notebooks are vegan? We explore what they’re made from, the surprising history behind their name and what makes them a popular corporate gift.
The British public purchases almost £25 million worth of notebooks each year. Source: Statista. Among them, one of the most popular brands is Moleskine.
The Italian brand is synonymous with chic stationery. But, as official branded Moleskine suppliers, we’re often asked “Are Moleskine notebooks vegan?” or phrased another way, “Are Moleskines really made from moles?”
To find out the answer, read on. Plus, learn more about the brand’s history, why Moleskine notebooks are so popular and what makes them an excellent choice for a branded gift.
What to expect:
• Are Moleskine notebooks made from moles?
• What are Moleskine notebooks made from?
• The story behind the name
• Why people love Moleskine notebooks
• Choosing the right Moleskine
• Our Moleskine branding options
• How to order branded Moleskine gifts
• Moleskine notebook FAQs
Are Moleskine notebooks made from moles?
No, despite the name, Moleskines aren’t actually made using mole skin or fur.
Moleskines are modelled after classic French notebooks that were traditionally covered in a soft oilcloth material that resembled the velvety texture of a mole’s fur.
Cue the collective sigh of relief.
Are Moleskine notebooks made with leather?
No, although they have a soft and smooth leather-like texture, Moleskine notebook covers don’t feature any leather material.
What are Moleskine notebooks made from?
Moleskine’s hard covers are made from polypropylene, while their soft covers use polyurethane. Some special edition notebooks are made with fabrics and other materials. Source: Moleskine
Moleskine paper is FSC®-certified and chlorine-free. Different types of Moleskine notebooks come in different weights. For example, notebooks and planners feature 70 g/m² paper, while paper in the Art Collection can weigh up to 200 g/m². Source: Moleskine
Show clients you care with this Moleskine Notebook And Pen Gift Set
So, are Moleskines vegan?
Yes – Moleskine notebooks can be considered vegan-friendly, as no animal products are used in their production.
How did Moleskine notebooks get their name?
In the 1987 novel, The Songlines, writer Bruce Chatwin considers the traditional black-cover notebooks found in Paris an essential part of his writing process.
He is alarmed to discover that the manufacturer of these notebooks – which he calls ‘carnets moleskines’ – has gone out of business. In a panic, he bids to snap up as many as he can find before he embarks on his journey to Australia.
The passage inspired Italian stationer Modo e Modo to produce a notebook in the classic style, naming the line Moleskine in reference to Chatwin’s novel.
Why do people love Moleskine notebooks?
In the popular imagination, a good notebook like Moleskine is a portal to creative ideas and new possibilities.
Many admired artists and writers were known to use the classic, rounded-edge notebooks upon which the Moleskine was modelled, among them Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway. Source: Moleskine
But beyond their romantic charm, Moleskines boast many practical features.
Lay-flat design
Thread-stitched binding strengthens the spine, allowing you to lay the notebook flat when open.
Rounded corners
Traditional rounded edges prevent corners from becoming damaged or folding accidentally.
Durable paper
Moleskine notebook paper is acid-free, meaning it’s resistant to yellowing over time.
Expandable pocket
Most Moleskines feature a pocket to tuck away receipts, notes and important documents.
Chic and cheerful: The Soft Cover Xlarge Moleskine Notebook
Soft and hard covers
Soft-cover Moleskines feel like an upgrade to everyday jotters, while hard-cover varieties feel weighty and premium.
Size options
Moleskines come in a versatile range of sizes, from pocket editions for on-the-go note-taking to extra-large and expanded varieties for voracious scribblers.
Elasticated bands
A stretchy strap keeps Moleskines securely closed to avoid bent edges and keep loose papers safe.
Why choose Moleskine for a corporate gift?
Moleskine notebooks combine functionality with desirability. That makes them an effective corporate gift.
Why? Because the main purpose of a corporate gifting strategy is to increase brand awareness and ultimately, brand recall.
A practical and covetable gift like a Moleskine notebook will be used often, meaning regular exposure to your brand. This keeps your organisation front of mind when it’s time to buy, start a partnership or pursue a new career opportunity.
Which Moleskine notebook should you choose?
If you’re not sure which Moleskine is right for your recipients, refine your options by considering what your target audience needs.
For everyday use, we recommend the Classic Hard Cover, Classic Soft Cover or the compact Pocket Moleskine Notebook.
For big ideas, check out the extra-large Soft Cover and Hard Cover varieties, or the thicker Expanded Classic Moleskine Notebook.
For planning and organising, you can’t go wrong with the 12 Month Weekly Planner, while for creative pursuits, consider the A4 Art Sketchbook or Large Art Watercolour Album.
Want to see more? Explore our full range of Moleskine products.
Moleskine branding methods
At Action Promote, we offer several branding options for most of our Moleskine notebooks.
Embossing
Subtle, premium-feel embossing means your logo will last as long as the notebook itself.
Foil blocking
Foil blocking gives your logo a shimmering, gilded effect – ideal for prestigious occasions or VIP recipients.
Full colour and spot colour printing
Your logo is printed directly onto the cover
How to order branded Moleskine gifts
Thinking about ordering Moleskine notebooks for your clients or team? Here’s what to expect.
Step 1: Request a quote
Select your favourite Moleskine product, then tap on the quote button. We’ll be back in touch as soon as possible (usually, that’s within 15 minutes during UK working hours).
Step 2: Send us your logo
If you’re happy with your quote, we’ll ask you to share your brand logo – we’ll give guidance on the best size and quality.
Step 3: Approve your free mockup
To make sure your logo looks its very best, our design team will mock up a selection of placement and branding options – you can view a preview and select your favourite.
Step 4: Receive your items
We’ll get busy printing, embossing or foil blocking your Moleskine notebooks with your logo. You’ll receive your branded gifts within 2-3 weeks (or sooner, depending on our agreed timeline).
Discuss your order with the Action Promote team
Want to make Moleskine notebooks part of your corporate gifting package this year? Speak to our team about the best options for you, and discover our range of branding options.
Send us a message or give our team a call on 01444 257744.
Frequently asked questions about Moleskine notebooks
Yes – Moleskine notebooks are vegan.
Although the name suggests otherwise, Moleskines are not made from mole skin. Nor do they feature leather or suede, despite their soft-touch covers.
Moleskines are much-loved across the world because of their romantic association with writers and artists.
Modelled on the traditional carnet moleskine notebooks of the late 19th century, they are sturdy and soft to the touch, with classic design elements that stand the test of time.
At Action Promote, our branded Moleskine notebooks typically cost between £10-£25, depending on the style and order volume. You can request a quote for specific pricing information.
Notebooks are great corporate gifts because they’re practical and desirable. That means recipients are likely to use them frequently, resulting in regular exposure to your brand.
Luxury notebooks like Moleskines can make particularly effective branded gifts as they already have a reputation for quality, boosting your own reputation in the process.