The label - Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant

Label awarded for craftsmanship and traditional techniques of excellence.

A company can be labelled "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant", if it meets several criteria which are characterized by: the implementation of its expertise and French craftsmanship, as well as its traditional techniques of excellence.

A company may also have this label if it meets one of the following three criteria :

  • If it demonstrates ownership of a specific economic asset that is to say, if the company has equipment, tools, machinery, rare manufacturing techniques or if it has ownership rights over its products, such as a brand or a name.

  • If it possesses recognized skills thanks to its traditional techniques of production which is not accessible and cannot be acquired by a normal training course, but which can be taught by an employee who has graduated and has been recognized by titles or rewards ;

  • If it proves its age and reputation that is to say if the company has been established for more than 50 years in a single location and if it has a name or a brand that distinguishes it from other national companies.

The printing workshop –Imagerie d’Épinal respects these three criteria. Since its creation in 1796 and up to today, the company has become the most famous printing workshop in the world despite it having experienced many economic difficulties which it overcame. It is the only one still in activity today. Thanks to the techniques and skills of its employees, it has always distinguished itself from others and this is why it has been awarded the label – “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant”.

The printing workshop – Imagerie also complies with the third criteria because it was established and still is in a building listed as a Place of Historic Interest.

The label - " Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant " certifies the quality and durability of the goods that are produced by the company. These products are guaranteed 100% French and have been validated by the French State.