





Marco Castellini & Michela Bertanza
Papermaker
Toscolano Maderno, Italy
Roots in the valley of paper
- Marco and Michela carry forward a 700-year-old tradition of papermaking
- Their eco-packaging creations are embedded with flower seeds to allow paper to be planted after use
- They draw inspiration from the mossy stones and ruined mills of their hometown
Marco Castellini and Michela Bertanza grew up in the Valle delle Cartiere of Toscolano Maderno, where paper production dates back to the 1300s. To honour this local history, they founded MC Paper, where they handcraft high-quality paper using cellulose sourced from responsibly managed woodlands. Their process involves refining pulp, manual sheet-forming, pressing and air drying, followed by smoothing for a perfect finish. “Placing paper at the heart of our decisions was a return to what matters,” Marco and Michela say. “In Toscolano Maderno, the sound of water and the scent of cellulose have shaped the landscape and collective memory for centuries.” The duo chose to honour the ancient tradition of papermaking with a fresh perspective. “Paper is not a simple support, but an absolute protagonist in our creative process,” they say.
Discover their work
INTERVIEW
Our creativity is fuelled by history and nature. In Toscolano Maderno, the stream reminds us that paper is a living, fluid element. We draw inspiration from the textures of the Valle delle Cartiere, where mossy stones and ruined mills celebrate the beauty of imperfection. This is reflected in our deckled edges and in a vision where the white sheet is a space of possibility.
Innovation is not about replacing the hand, but putting ancient expertise at the service of new sensibilities. It means engaging with the contemporary world by producing papers for designers, digital artists, photographers, calligraphers and modern printers who seek a level of customisation in handmade paper that industry can never replicate. We keep this tradition alive by exploring modern weights and colours.
Our work is a balance of technique and aesthetics. Michela focuses on creative research, colours and textures, defining the visual identity of our collections. Marco handles the technical production at the vat and in fibre management. However, we never work in isolation. Every recipe is born from constant dialogue, and every single sheet literally passes through both our hands.
Our specialty is the paper’s identity itself. Each sheet is an extension of its creator: our signature lies in the unique balance of fibre, smoothness and the manual rhythm of the frames. We do not seek industrial perfection, but a distinct character defined by touch, density and light. This makes our work immediately distinguishable.
Marco Castellini & Michela Bertanza
Papermaker
Toscolano Maderno, Italy
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+39 3651904662
LANGUAGES
Italian, English
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