Our Story
ROTERFADEN manufactures long-lasting products for analog organization – since 2006.
ROTERFADEN manufactures long-lasting products for analog organization – since 2006.
ROTERFADEN and the Taschenbegleiter began as part of a diploma thesis in 2006. The original idea was to develop a flexible planner system based on how calendars and loose papers are saved. The project became the ROTERFADEN cooperative.
ROTERFADEN is an independent manufacturer of individual organizer systems based in St. Johann, Saarbrücken. Come visit us, we are always happy to welcome guests and will be happy to advise you on organizers, paper, and writing instruments. Find the Taschenbegleiter for your needs here.
ROTERFADEN and the Taschenbegleiter began as part of a diploma thesis in 2006. The original idea was to develop a flexible planner system based on how calendars and loose papers are saved. The project became the ROTERFADEN cooperative.
ROTERFADEN is an independent manufacturer of individual organizer systems based in St. Johann, Saarbrücken. Come visit us, we are always happy to welcome guests and will be happy to advise you on organizers, paper, and writing instruments. Find the Taschenbegleiter for your needs here.
The most important thing is to do things, not to have done them. — Karl Lagerfeld
ROTERFADEN evolved out of Beate Mangrig’s diploma thesis in design studies at the Hochschule der Bildenden Künste Saar (HBK Saar) in 2006. Instead of solely designing the components of a calendar, her research focused on how people use their planners and calendars. How do they write, sketch, and organize with them?
The goal was ambitious: a planner that works without special formats or punching holes. Beate invented a modular solution; a unique clip mechanism inside the organizer ensures maximum flexibility. Consequently, various paper, formats and even notebooks from other manufacturers fit into the Taschenbegleiter.
From a design diploma in 2006 – to a cooperative in 2024
From a design diploma in 2006 – to a cooperative in 2024
Building ROTERFADEN followed a mostly straight path, though there was much trying, testing, building, and researching until the project reached the patent office. The diploma thesis received the highest grade from the university and was honored with a distinction. Naming and corporate design were part of the thesis from the beginning; it was clear that this project would go further.
Despite challenges, the project’s development moved forward. Finding a suitable manufacturer for the clips proved to be particularly time-consuming. In July 2007, the business ROTERFADEN was officially registered. Demand for the TASCHENBEGLEITER was high from the very beginning. At first, small, owner-operated stores stocked ROTERFADEN products. The first web shop went online in November 2007.
From 2008 on, there were many positive press reports, which were instrumental in attracting new customers and retailers. Since then, more formats and material options were added. People all over the world began using the Taschenbegleiter because the clip system can elegantly accommodate all kinds of notebooks.
In 2011, our store opened in our home town Saarbrücken. ROTERFADEN continues to work with its solid and long-standing network of various German manufactures and suppliers. In addition to its online store, ROTERFADEN products are available in owner-operated office supply stores, bookstores, and concept stores worldwide. See all Retailer here.
ROTERFADEN TODAY
One year of the cooperative! Nils, Milena, and Beate in July 2025.
In 2024, ROTERFADEN became a cooperative! How? Two long-standing employees, Milena and Nils, became co-owners by founding a self-managed cooperative together with Beate. 18 years have passed, ROTERFADEN is now of legal age. There is no longer a boss in the new ROTERFADEN TASCHENBEGLEITER eG.
