Emmanuel Bernard heads Argile du Velay, a company that has become the French leader in colored clay extraction in just 40 years, with an international presence in over 50 countries. Velay clays are among the purest on the French market, containing neither quartz nor silica, unlike other clays. As an added bonus, they were certified by the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) in October 2023. The company is now a benchmark, particularly in the cosmetics industry.
What are the specific characteristics of
deposit Where is the clay from Velay extracted?
Emmanuel Bernard: Velay clay has been extracted from the Soddes quarry since 1999. The deposit offers an impressively pure ore. All colors of clay are available; green is the most common, but there are also red and yellow. These clays, with their complementary properties and benefits, are primarily composed of illite, kaolinite, and montmorillonite, without quartz. This clay has been scientifically studied and found to have healing and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being helpful for digestive issues.
The company has been IGPIA certified ?
Emmanuel Bernard: Yes, in October 2023 by the National Institute of Industrial Property.
Historically, we're called Argile du Velay, but it's the clays of Velay that have been included in this geographical indication for industry and crafts. To obtain this distinction, there must be a shared interest between a group of businesses and local authorities. It's the equivalent of the PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) we know for food products.
A word about the processing plant that can be found near the quarry?
Emmanuel Bernard: The factory, located in the Nolhac industrial park, has grown considerably since 2000. Today, it comprises 20.000 m² of buildings, 4 hectares of land, and large clay storage units covering 4.000 m². Our industrial facilities are constantly evolving because the product is highly valued by consumers, whether in cosmetics, animal feed, bedding, or potting soil. The company currently employs 35 people at the Saint-Paulien site.
Velay clay is today
a benchmark in the field of cosmetics ?
Emmanuel Bernard : Velay clay has a degree of purity which gives it atypical and medicinal properties which allows the company to work in the cosmetics and thermalism sector in collaboration with the AVA laboratory which the company created in 2012.
She's the one who manufactures the cosmetic products; in fact, she's part of our group. We sell her the clay powder she uses to make rinse-off cosmetics, such as masks, toothpaste, shampoos for oily hair and dandruff, and soaps. For this, we work with the soap factory in Polignac.
With clients all over the world ?
Emmanuel Bernard: The company is present
Internationally, we distribute powdered clay, which is used to make cosmetic products. We have a presence in 50 countries, from South America to Oceania. Locally, the reputation of Velay clay, and working with a local laboratory, has allowed us to establish a network of partnerships with pharmacies in the Haute-Loire region. Nationally, major retailers such as Cattier, Le Petit Olivier, Biocoop, and La Vie Claire sell products made with Velay clay.
What are the strengths of the Velay region?
Emmanuel Bernard: I'm originally from Lyon, so my view of the Velay region is neutral. When we arrived here 40 years ago, we were called the Sputniks! Today, we're fully integrated into the area. The strength of the Velay lies in the fact that people have a strong work ethic and a desire to work. There are trustworthy and sincere people here. And then, there's been a real improvement in the road infrastructure, which contributes to the Velay's attractiveness. We load the equivalent of 4.000 semi-trailers, and I can tell you that the drivers prefer to do it here rather than getting stuck in Lyon's traffic jams. Finally, we benefit from a level of support from local authorities and institutions that I never experienced in Lyon.
The place where you like to recharge?
Emmanuel Bernard: When I'm here, I like to climb to the top of the clay quarry early in the morning to enjoy the exceptional view of the Polignac fortress and the surrounding area. There isn't a single sound, and you realize how wonderful it is here!
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