PDL: The Art and Expertise Behind the Paper That Brings Crossway’s Bibles to Life

A Film Tribute to Excellence

When Crossway, the renowned American publisher of luxury Bibles, set out to document the craftsmanship behind its most prestigious collections, they crossed the Atlantic to capture the story of three exceptional partners: the supplier of fine leather bindings, the master printer Royal Jongbloed, and PDL, French papermaker whose Bible paper embodies a century of precision and expertise.

In the recently released film, Crossway’s team takes viewers on a journey through Europe to uncover the artistry and dedication required to create a book that is more than just read — it is experienced.

A Sensory Experience Crafted on Paper

At the heart of every Bible lies a delicate balance: the words may hold spiritual meaning, but it is the paper that gives them life.

PDL’s paper does not merely serve as a medium — it defines the reader’s experience. When you turn a page, you hear the subtle rustle that signals care and quality. When you run your fingertips across the surface, you feel the softness and smoothness that invite reflection.

“At PDL, we believe that paper is not just a material — it’s an experience,” says Stéphane Barbereau, General Director at PDL. “When you open a Bible, the way the paper feels and sounds is part of the connection between the reader and the book. Our role is to make that experience timeless.”

This sensory harmony is no accident. It is the result of generations of expertise and a continuous pursuit of perfection in papermaking — qualities that have made PDL the trusted partner for some of the world’s most demanding publishers.

The Complexity of Crafting Bible Paper

Making a book is already a challenge. Making a Bible — one that must combine thinness, opacity, strength, and longevity — is a feat of precision. Creating a premium Bible adds yet another layer of complexity.

PDL’s Bible paper must be light enough to allow hundreds of pages in a compact volume, yet strong enough to resist wear, handling, and the passage of time. Its surface must be smooth for readability, yet opaque enough to ensure that words do not show through. Each of these properties must coexist perfectly — achieved through meticulous formulation, controlled fiber selection, and state-of-the-art manufacturing technology.

This is where PDL’s century of expertise truly shines. The company’s engineers and craftsmen have mastered the science and the art of paper — adapting, testing, and refining each production run until it meets the exacting standards that luxury publishers like Crossway demand.

When Tradition Meets Innovation

While PDL’s heritage stretches back over a hundred years, its approach is firmly anchored in innovation. The company continuously invests in precision machinery, sustainability, and traceability technologies, ensuring that every reel of Bible paper meets both environmental and quality standards.

From fiber selection to finishing, every step of production reflects the same values that guide the creation of a fine book: respect for materials, mastery of technique, and commitment to durability.

This combination of tradition and technology allows PDL to produce paper that is beautiful, sustainable, and built to last — qualities that align seamlessly with Crossway’s vision of Bibles as lifelong companions and cherished heirlooms.

Built to Endure, Designed to Inspire

A Bible is not a disposable object — it is meant to last for generations. Many are handed down from parent to child, carrying not just words, but memories.

That longevity begins with the paper itself. PDL’s Bible paper is engineered for resistance and durability, capable of withstanding decades of use while preserving its original beauty and feel.

Every sheet is a testament to craftsmanship and care. Each page turned is a silent acknowledgment of the artisans who designed, refined, and perfected a material that serves both function and emotion.

A Partnership of Shared Values

PDL’s collaboration with Crossway goes beyond supply — it is a meeting of shared values: excellence, heritage, and respect for craftsmanship. Together, they form the invisible foundation of a book that millions around the world hold close.

As Crossway’s film beautifully illustrates, the making of a Bible is not only a technical achievement — it is a story of trust, expertise, and dedication. For PDL, being part of that story is both a responsibility and a source of pride.

A Century of Expertise, a Future of Innovation

From its origins as a specialist in fine papers to its current status as a global reference in Bible paper manufacturing, PDL continues to uphold its legacy while looking ahead to new challenges.

Because just as the words printed on its paper have endured through time, so too does PDL’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and innovation — ensuring that every page turned, today and tomorrow, is a celebration of craftsmanship at its finest.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Alizée Degorce

Email: alizee.degorce@avere.pro 

Phone: +33 698961146

About Papeteries du Léman: Papeteries du Léman (PDL) is a leading specialty paper manufacturer, known for its high-quality, eco-conscious products such as Primabake baking paper. With a century of papermaking expertise, PDL is committed to driving sustainable innovation and crafting reliable solutions for professionals in the culinary and packaging industries. Learn more at pdl.fr