rhodia

Rhodia may refer to two distinct, historically related entities originating in France. Rhodia S.A. is a French multinational chemical company that emerged from the Rhône-Poulenc specialty-chemicals division. It specialized in specialty chemicals, polymers, and performance materials with a global footprint, serving industries including automotive, electronics, and consumer products. In 2011 Rhodia was acquired by Solvay, a Belgian multinational, and the Rhodia operations were integrated into Solvay’s broader business structure.

Rhodia is also a well-known stationery brand recognized for its orange-covered notebooks and pads. The Rhodia notebooks are noted for smooth writing paper and formats such as dot-grid and ruled lines, and they have a strong following among writers, designers, and professionals. The brand originated in France and is marketed internationally, often associated with Clairefontaine, a major French paper company that distributes Rhodia products in many markets.

The two uses of the name—Rhodia as a chemical company and Rhodia as a paper and notebook brand—reflect the distinct paths the term has followed since the 20th century. In corporate contexts, Rhodia commonly refers to Rhodia S.A. or its successor operations within Solvay, while in stationery contexts, it refers to the popular line of notebooks and paper products.