Flexibelle

Who else but bookbinder Bubu AG could have imagined transforming solid cartonboard into a flexible book cover? In this article on the art of bookbinding, discover what inspires this innovative Swiss family enterprise and how they turn their ideas into reality.

“We came up with the idea of the Flexibelle notebook when we were experimenting with laser engraving on grey cardboard,” says Mr Hans Burkhardt, co-owner and Honorary President of Bubu AG. The technique of laser punching was used to make the book cover flexible, but there was another challenge to be overcome. “We couldn’t cover the supple grey cardboard, as the cover material wasn’t stretchable”, says Mr. Burkhardt. However, using crepe paper as endpapers worked perfectly with the flexible cover.

As they couldn’t cover the grey cardboard, Bubu decided to use Alpha BlackCore instead. This paperboard is dyed solid black throughout and is the preferred option for applications where style counts and where the paperboard edges are an integral part of the design. “The hard cardboard is less susceptible to damage from use and has the added advantage that the smear marks that sometimes occur during laser engraving are not visible on the deep black,” explains Mr Thomas Freitag, co-owner and CEO of Bubu AG.

The laser punching is adapted to fit the trimmed size and is cut to the final sheet size prior to gluing.  This prevents the spine from tearing. “A flexible book cover is surprising, especially as it feels so different to a solid book cover. That’s why we used a thick cover material,” says Mr Burkhardt. Not only is the new technique fascinating, but the coloured crepe paper is also extremely pleasing to the eye, as it perfectly matches the deep black of the 2 mm thick cardboard cover.

Bubu’s customers can choose whether they want the flexible cover of the Flexibelle book at the back or the front. The bookbinder opted for the back, as it feels pleasant when leafing through a book held in the hand. Other customers prefer the hard cover at the back, to provide a firm base for writing. 

Bubu has been binding books and demonstrating a passion for innovation since 1941. They get their ideas from working with books, talking to customers or friends, and visiting elegant bookshops or museum shops. Workshops with graphic design students at universities or technical colleges have also proved fruitful in the past.

Some of the ideas are then incorporated into their New Year’s books, which Bubu gives to their customers and business partners at the end of the year as a thank you for their support. In keeping with Mr Burkhardt’s motto – the best way to say thank you is with a flower from your own garden – the bookbinder creates a surprising new book every year. Past versions have included a book with a special shape (pocket book), a book to make you smile (the pregnant book), or a book that uses a new material (soft touch) or a new technique (flat book).

Most importantly, Bubu sees itself as a company that sparks emotion with books and that connects traditions and visions with people across generations.