05 Feb 2025
Madrid, Spain
Resource Efficiency and Sustainable Waste Management

Production at Punto Ciego is a combination of handcrafted labour and social and environmental impact. This is because the company produces notebooks in a small semi-industrial workshop, where much of the work is done manually. An approach that ensures a high-quality product with meticulous craftsmanship, while also reinforcing the value of human labour in an age of mass production. 

Founded in 2023 by Marta Plana, an industrial designer who developed a keen understanding of the holistic impact of design, she saw sustainable market as a way of creating notebooks that touch people but also respect the planet. The brand goes beyond creating beautiful and functional products – it embodies a sincere mission to inspire creativity, nurture sensitivity, and reconnect people with the world around them. At the heart of Punto Ciego lies an enterprise deeply rooted in environmental and social responsibility, a shining example of green entrepreneurship in action. 

“In the last few decades, we have seen the illness generated by our production system, which touches so many aspects, and now we are starting to develop the cures. For some, it seems slow, but it is a profound process.” – Marta Plana
Creativity and inspiration printed in eco-friendly notebooks | The Switchers

With this philosophy, the company produces notebooks carefully designed with pockets on the pages, ideal for storing inspirations, memories, and ideas. What makes it unique is the meticulous attention to detail and the innovative use of eco-friendly materials.

The covers and the band of the notebook are made from algae sourced directly from the Venice canal, helping to combat its abnormal proliferation, which harms the fragile ecosystem of the region – in other words, the endpapers is made from algae!  The internal pages are made from high quality recycled paper, produced from 100% post-consumer recycled waste. It is FSC certified, and has been manufactured with ‘green energy’, carbon-free.. Each step in the production process reflects a commitment to reducing waste and reinventing traditional manufacturing methods.

 

To further strengthen its mission of inclusion, Punto Ciego collaborates with the ALAPAR Foundation, an organisation that provides employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Marta describes the joy of working with this foundation, where “the energy and humanity of the workers add a unique dimension to the process.” 

And the positive impacts don’t stop there: Customers can find the exact composition of the materials in each notebook, in addition to certifications such as ISO 14001, FSC, and CO2 Neutral, which validate its eco-friendly ethics. Every detail, from sourcing to production, reflects the belief that sustainability is not a luxury, but a necessity.

 

Marta, collaborating with a writer, Pablo, and an illustrator Raquel, created notebooks that inspire and connect – a business strategy that resonates with conscious customers and partners. For instance, the Tasana model is aimed at creative minds, while the Aluna model is “especially dedicated to people who like to preserve beautiful things.” This enables the company to operate under a dual model, serving both individual and corporate clients, selling its products online, and forming partnerships such as with the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid. This partnership resulted in the creation of customisable notebooks with frames inspired by the museum’s works, uniting art and functionality while increasing the brand’s visibility.

“We are increasingly aware of this harmonious need we call sustainability. In the end, what is harmonious is more profitable. It doesn’t pollute, it is durable, it doesn’t ‘bother,’ it saves us time as we don’t have to deal with waste or repeatedly produce again and again… It brings peace and well-being.” – Marta Plana
Creativity and inspiration printed in eco-friendly notebooks | The Switchers

Marta’s advice to aspiring green entrepreneurs is based on her own experiences – “take things slowly, share the story behind your work, and remember to balance the demands of business with the joys of life outside it.”

Like any entrepreneurial journey, Punto Ciego’s path has not been without challenges. The use of sustainable materials often means higher costs, and educating customers about the value of these materials must be done through engaging narratives to connect with them on a deeper level. Building a community of collaborators and consumers with similar values is something the founder says is essential to overcoming obstacles and sustaining her method of production.

Looking ahead, Marta envisions a world where sustainability becomes something usual, where production processes are harmonious and holistic. For her, sustainability is not just about preserving the environment – it’s about creating beauty, fostering connections, and enhancing well-being.

Through Punto Ciego, she continues to prove that it is possible to create products that are not only functional but also deeply meaningful, leaving a positive impact on the people and planet.

To learn more about Punto Ciego and its inspiring journey, visit puntociego.xyz , or follow her in IG.

Punto ciego Resource efficiency & sustainable waste management