Abdij Sint-Sixtus

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Abdij Sint-Sixtus asbl

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Trappist Westvleteren is the only Belgian beer in a labelless bottle. For decades, all legally required information about the beer and the producer was mentioned on the bottle caps. That is now changing. From tomorrow, bottles of Trappist Westvleteren will carry a label again. The end of an era spanning more than 75 years.

Trappist Westvleteren bottles labelled again

Trappist Westvleteren is the only Belgian beer in a labelless bottle. For decades, all legally required information about the beer and the...

1814 Jan-Baptist Victoor settled as a hermit in the woods of Westvleteren.

Important milestones in the history of the Abbey of Saint Sixtus brewery

Trappist Westvleteren now also delivered to Belgian homes

Monks launch e-commerce pilot project

Since a year and a half, fans of Trappist Westvleteren can place an order via the website trappistwestvleteren.be. Until now, every order had to be picked up by the customer at the Abbey’s gate. This system continues to exist, but in addition, the monks of Saint Sixtus Abbey yesterday evening launched a pilot project whereby the beer can also be delivered to the home. Sales with collection at the gate remain the leading distribution channel. Only a limited quantity will be delivered to homes each month. “About half of our Belgian clientele lives in the provinces of West and East Flanders. The other customers from Belgium often have to come from much further to pick up their order. That is why a working group at the Abbey has been thinking for some time about a wider customer reach,” says Brother Godfried, prior of St. Sixtus Abbey. The sale of Trappist Westvleteren is the only source of income of the brothers of Saint Sixtus Abbey. In the spring of 2020, the monks were also confronted with the consequences of the economic lockdown. Brother Godfried: “For two months we couldn’t sell any Trappist beer at the abbey gate because only very essential travel was permitted. All kinds of alternatives were considered in order to bring Trappist Westvleteren to the consumer in case of another general lockdown. This resulted in a modified e-commerce pilot project, whereby we will have some of our beer stock delivered to the home via a parcel service. For the time being, we are only offering this new service to addresses in Belgium.” Environmentally friendly packagingThe technical adjustments to the webshop were not that complicated. The project was a lot more difficult on the production side since both the bottling and the refermentation process are fully designed to the wooden crate. However, the monks were mainly concerned about shipping the beer without breakage and the sustainability aspect. Would it be wise to ship bottles in the iconic Trappist Westvleteren crate? The monks feared that a large number of the poplar wooden crates would never return to the Abbey. “That is why, in cooperation with VPK, we designed a crate and a box made of 100% recycled cardboard, which passed the necessary drop tests. Together they weigh considerably less than a wooden crate,” says Brother Godfried. “Thanks to the cooperation with a parcel service, less kilometres will have to be covered to get our beer to the consumers. Customers who live relatively far from the Abbey will be more inclined to choose the home delivery service. We expect that the new system will also contribute to an even wider and fairer distribution of our beers.” Due to the labour-intensive nature of the recyclable cardboard crate, only a limited quantity of beers will be delivered to homes. The bulk of the production will continue to be sold by the monks in wooden crates at the gate. As with all other sales of Trappist Westvleteren, no prior publicity was given to the start of the pilot project. In this way, the monks wanted to avoid the rush to the website becoming too great and the online shop crashing. Each sales session is announced a few days in advance on the brewery’s website. About Trappist WestvleterenAccording to the Rule of Saint Benedict, Trappists must earn their own living by manual labour. Brewing and selling beer is the only source of income for the monks of Saint Sixtus Abbey. The Trappist beers of Westvleteren are in great demand. In June 2019, the monks replaced the 14-year-old ‘beer phone’ by a modern online reservation system. To give as many people as possible the chance to buy a crate, the monks have had a ‘smart’ waiting room built into the webshop. The system prioritises consumers who have placed an order some time ago or who have never placed an order, over customers who have ordered a crate more recently. Every month, there are, on average, two sales moments with pick-up options. From now on, sales sessions with delivery options in Belgium will also be scheduled. Meanwhile, almost 110,000 private individuals have already registered. Usually, between 3000 and 5000 registered visitors log in during a sales session. The smart waiting room can handle these numbers relatively easily. However, there are proportionally many more prospective buyers for each online session than there are crates available. Those who would like to buy Trappist Westvleteren may therefore have to be patient. www.trappistwestvleteren.be Message to the editor: pictures are available via https://pr.trappistwestvleteren.be/media/album/11127.

Distribution will be more equitable thanks to the "smart" digital waiting room

From now on Trappist Westvleteren can be ordered online

The monks of the Saint-Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren will organise the sale of their Trappist beers differently. The reservation system by telephone will be abolished and will be replaced by a web store on www.trappistwestvleteren.be. The new system has a number of important advantages for Westvleteren enthusiasts. For example, while stocks last, the consumer will be able to choose freely between the three types of Trappist Westvleteren, with a maximum of two crates per purchase. The monks have a "smart" waiting room built into the web store. As a result, private individuals who have ordered beer a long time ago or have never placed an order are given priority over consumers who ordered Trappist Westvleteren less recently. Until 2005 it was possible to buy Trappist Westvleteren on set days and hours in the sales centre of the Saint-Sixtus Abbey. Due to the hype that suddenly arose, the demand became much greater than the supply. The monks then switched to reservations via the so-called "beer telephone" in order to introduce a distribution system for the collection of the beer. This system has worked well, but over time it became increasingly clear that it was time for a better alternative. The beer telephone put a lot of stress on the people in the Abbey, and was a source of discontent for many customers because of the long waiting queues on the phone. For these reasons, the monks developed a more customer-friendly alternative. “The new sales system meets the needs of many Trappist Westvleteren enthusiasts. We have thought long and hard about a good and customer-friendly alternative. Beer sales at the Abbey will remain exclusively aimed at private customers. The web store is therefore only accessible to consumers, not to professional buyers," stated Brother Manu Van Hecke, abbot of the Saint-Sixtus Abbey. “We want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to purchase Trappist Westvleteren at the correct price. Anyone who does not adhere to the sales rules and abuses the system will be denied access to the online store." Thanks to the digital waiting room, consumers who placed an order a long time ago will be given priority over those who have recently ordered a Trappist Westvleteren crate. The online sale also offers benefits for the Abbey. Thanks to the new system, inventory management is now fully integrated and automated. In addition, the traceability of the products based on the lot numbers of the various brews will also be simplified. In addition to the three beers from Trappist Westvleteren (Blond, 8 and 12), consumers will also be able to buy Trappist Westvleteren glasses and products from other Trappist monasteries online. Orders can only be collected at the sales centre of the Abbey. The web application was developed by the digital company DUO. Ingenico ePayments is responsible for the secure payment platform. For more information regarding the brewery and the beers of the Saint-Sixtus Abbey: www.trappistwestvleteren.be

The "Trappist Westvleteren" can only be purchased through the web store and can be picked up at the sales centre located at the abbey. The web store has limited opening hours which are advertised on the calendar on the website. The possible pick-up moments are also indicated on this calendar with the indication to which sales moment they are linked through the use of the same background colour). The sale of the beer is not for commercial purposes and is available only to individuals who have registered in advance. Upon registration, the user creates an account with personal details (name, date of birth, address, mobile phone number, e-mail and number plate of the car with which you will pick up the purchased products). You will then receive a link via e-mail to validate the registration. Once your registration has been validated, you can log in with your e-mail address and a password of your choice. OrderingAfter logging in you will enter a waiting room. When it's your turn you can...

The New Beer Sale System

The "Trappist Westvleteren" can only be purchased through the web store and can be picked up at the sales centre located at the abbey. The web...

The "Trappist Westvleteren" can only be purchased through the web store and can be picked up at the sales centre located at the abbey. The web store has limited opening hours which are advertised on the calendar on the website. The possible pick-up moments are also indicated on this calendar with the indication to which sales moment they are linked through the use of the same background colour). The sale of the beer is not for commercial purposes and is available only to individuals who have registered in advance. Upon registration, the user creates an account with personal details (name, date of birth, address, mobile phone number, e-mail and number plate of the car with which you will pick up the purchased products). You will then receive a link via e-mail to validate the registration. Once your registration has been validated, you can log in with your e-mail address and a password of your choice. OrderingAfter logging in you will enter a waiting room. When it's your turn you can access the web store. While waiting, you can already browse and reserve other products that we sometimes offer in addition to our Trappist beers. When you enter the web store you can choose from the available Trappist beers specifying the desired quantity. You can also select the pick-up time. After this step, a code is sent to your cell phone and this code must be entered to confirm the order. You will then be directed to the Ingenico platform to make payment for the entire order, including the deposit for the empty goods (crate + bottles). Once the payment is successfully processed, you will return to our website and your order will be complete. You will receive a QR code via e-mail together with a summary of your order. This QR code must be presented when collecting your order, either printed on paper or on your smartphone. We will also confirm the number plate of your car against the information on your profile. When collecting, you can also receive a refund for the deposit of the empty goods that are being returned from a previous order. This amount is refunded to your payment card. The summary of your order and of the refund for the empty goods is sent to you by e-mail immediately. Next week there will be two initial sales moments (on Tuesday 18th June and on Friday 21st June) to test the web application.The first regular sales moment will take place on Wednesday 26th June 2019. Because of the limited amount of beer that is brewed, two sales moments will be organised every month (every two weeks, alternately on Wednesday afternoon and on Wednesday evening).

The monks of Westvleteren apply the traditional infusion brew method, only using natural ingredients. First, warm water and ground barley malt are mixed. The mash is heated until the present starch is converted to sugars. The sediment forms a layer of filter. The bright filtrate that is obtained is called wort. Next the wort is heated, and hops are added after which the boiled wort is cooled down. In the early 70s, problems with the quality of the beer occasionally occurred. The staff magazine of the Abbey mentioned the recall of sold beer. The most likely cause of these quality problems was the different kind of infections due to insufficient awareness of the importance of hygienic methods during the brewing process. Therefore, the monks of the Saint-Sixtus Abbey requested the aid of Brother Thomas, brewer of Westmalle Abbey. He initially informed them that only some minor adjustments were needed. Eventually the cooperation between the monks of Westvleteren and Brother Thomas...

The Brewing Process

The monks of Westvleteren apply the traditional infusion brew method, only using natural ingredients. First, warm water and ground barley malt are...

The monks of Westvleteren apply the traditional infusion brew method, only using natural ingredients. First, warm water and ground barley malt are mixed. The mash is heated until the present starch is converted to sugars. The sediment forms a layer of filter. The bright filtrate that is obtained is called wort. Next the wort is heated, and hops are added after which the boiled wort is cooled down. In the early 70s, problems with the quality of the beer occasionally occurred. The staff magazine of the Abbey mentioned the recall of sold beer. The most likely cause of these quality problems was the different kind of infections due to insufficient awareness of the importance of hygienic methods during the brewing process. Therefore, the monks of the Saint-Sixtus Abbey requested the aid of Brother Thomas, brewer of Westmalle Abbey. He initially informed them that only some minor adjustments were needed. Eventually the cooperation between the monks of Westvleteren and Brother Thomas resulted in a thorough re-engineering of the brewing and fermentation process. A new brewing method Until 1976 the Saint-Sixtus Abbey used a coolship and the wort was exposed to the open air and its micro-organisms. In 1976 the coolship was replaced by a closed wort cooler. A fermentation room with six open fermenting tanks, that can be cooled separately, was built. The in-house laboratory allows to monitor accurately the quality of the beers. The first test brews were produced shortly afterwards. In 1978 the new method was implemented. The monks abandoned for once and for all the sweet-and-sour beer recipe and laid the essential foundation of Trappist Westvleteren’s high quality. Fermentation, lagering, bottling and secondary fermentation in the bottle Since the open stainless steel fermenting tanks came into operation, yeast now solely from the Trappist brewery of Westmalle, is added to the wort. The fermentation itself takes about 7 days. During this period the monks accurately monitor all aspects of the fermentation process (temperature, degree of acidity and fermentation…). Subsequently the beer undergoes a second fermentation. During this process the remaining sugars ferment. The beer becomes clearer, and the taste refines. The process takes 5 to 12 weeks, depending on the type of beer. Once the beer is judged on its brightness, degree of carbon dioxide, aroma, and taste, it is bottled. Fresh yeast and sugars are added for the in-bottle fermentation, which results in a natural saturation with carbon dioxide. This refermentation takes place in a heated warehouse and usually requires 2 weeks. The unfiltered, non-pasteurised beer remains some more time in the warm rooms before it is released for sale.

The Saint-Sixtus Abbey forms part of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Ordo Cisterciensis Strictioris Observantiae (O.C.S.O.)). The monks lead a life of seclusion focused on rest and contemplation within the abbey. They divide their time between prayer, contemplation, and work. According to the Rule of Saint Benedict the monasteries must be self-sufficient and independent. That is why the monks of Saint-Sixtus Abbey also develop an economic activity: brewing beer. Although the sale of Trappist Westvleteren is the only source of income for the monks, production and profit maximisation are not their main goals. The proceeds are used to pay for the livelihood of the monks, the maintenance of the monastery, the remuneration of the people who are working in the abbey, and the necessary brewery investments. The remainder is spent on social projects and charity. The annual production is around 7,000 hectolitres, spread over some 40 brewing days per year. In short, the...

About the Saint-Sixtus Abbey

The Saint-Sixtus Abbey forms part of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Ordo Cisterciensis Strictioris...

The Saint-Sixtus Abbey forms part of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Ordo Cisterciensis Strictioris Observantiae (O.C.S.O.)). The monks lead a life of seclusion focused on rest and contemplation within the abbey. They divide their time between prayer, contemplation, and work. According to the Rule of Saint Benedict the monasteries must be self-sufficient and independent. That is why the monks of Saint-Sixtus Abbey also develop an economic activity: brewing beer. Although the sale of Trappist Westvleteren is the only source of income for the monks, production and profit maximisation are not their main goals. The proceeds are used to pay for the livelihood of the monks, the maintenance of the monastery, the remuneration of the people who are working in the abbey, and the necessary brewery investments. The remainder is spent on social projects and charity. The annual production is around 7,000 hectolitres, spread over some 40 brewing days per year. In short, the monks of the Saint-Sixtus Abbey brew to live. They do not live to brew. Currently 19 monks are living at the abbey. They also employ nine laic workers, six of whom work under the supervision of the monks in the brewery. For more information regarding the community of the Saint-Sixtus Abbey: www.sintsixtus.be.

The monks of the Saint-Sixtus only use natural ingredients to brew three Trappist beers: Blond, 8 and 12. These beers each have their own colour, taste and aroma. All beers are unfiltered and not pasteurised, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. All this contributes to the taste and aroma. Trappist Westvleteren exists in three different types: Trappist Westvleteren Blond 5.8 vol.% alc. Trappist Westvleteren 8 (dark) 8.0 vol.% alc. Trappist Westvleteren 12 (dark) 10.2 vol.% alc. Deposit of the empty goods Wooden crate + 24 bottles = € 15 (€ 12.60 for the crate and € 0.10 per bottle). Only authentic bottles with a ring with the word “Trappistenbier” embossed can be refunded. Moreover, the deposit can only be refunded if the empty goods are not damaged. The wooden crates retain their value when stored in a dry place. Empty goods can also be returned to the sales centre...

About Trappist Westvleteren

The monks of the Saint-Sixtus only use natural ingredients to brew three Trappist beers: Blond, 8 and 12. These beers each have their own colour...

The monks of the Saint-Sixtus only use natural ingredients to brew three Trappist beers: Blond, 8 and 12. These beers each have their own colour, taste and aroma. All beers are unfiltered and not pasteurised, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. All this contributes to the taste and aroma. Trappist Westvleteren exists in three different types: Trappist Westvleteren Blond 5.8 vol.% alc. Trappist Westvleteren 8 (dark) 8.0 vol.% alc. Trappist Westvleteren 12 (dark) 10.2 vol.% alc. Deposit of the empty goods Wooden crate + 24 bottles = € 15 (€ 12.60 for the crate and € 0.10 per bottle). Only authentic bottles with a ring with the word “Trappistenbier” embossed can be refunded. Moreover, the deposit can only be refunded if the empty goods are not damaged. The wooden crates retain their value when stored in a dry place. Empty goods can also be returned to the sales centre at the Abbey at any time during the collection times indicated on the calendar of the website www.trappistwestvleteren.be.

In 1814 Jan-Baptist Victoor settled as a hermit in the woods of Westvleteren, where monastic communities had already living long before. The history of the Saint-Sixtus Abbey started when some monks of the French abbey Mont-des-Cats joined the hermit in 1831. Aside their monastic activities the monks also cultivated the fields around the abbey, produced cheese… in order to be self-supportive. Already in the early days beer was brewed in small quantities, not for sale but just for their own consumption. The Saint-Sixtus Abbey’s archive reveals that the first expenses for a brewery were made in June 1838. In May 1839, the Abbey received a brewer’s licence signed by king Leopold I on April 19, 1839. Most likely a first test brew was produced the same month. In June 1839 the first official brew was produced. The 25,45 Belgian francs paid for the rights of the two brews bear witness to this. The first brew house was installed in the first monastery, where most likely the forge was...

The History of the Brewery

In 1814 Jan-Baptist Victoor settled as a hermit in the woods of Westvleteren, where monastic communities had already living long before. The...

In 1814 Jan-Baptist Victoor settled as a hermit in the woods of Westvleteren, where monastic communities had already living long before. The history of the Saint-Sixtus Abbey started when some monks of the French abbey Mont-des-Cats joined the hermit in 1831. Aside their monastic activities the monks also cultivated the fields around the abbey, produced cheese… in order to be self-supportive. Already in the early days beer was brewed in small quantities, not for sale but just for their own consumption. The Saint-Sixtus Abbey’s archive reveals that the first expenses for a brewery were made in June 1838. In May 1839, the Abbey received a brewer’s licence signed by king Leopold I on April 19, 1839. Most likely a first test brew was produced the same month. In June 1839 the first official brew was produced. The 25,45 Belgian francs paid for the rights of the two brews bear witness to this. The first brew house was installed in the first monastery, where most likely the forge was located later. In 1849 the monks not only built a new church but also a second monastery. Around 1860 a vast complex of buildings for amongst others sheds, a guesthouse, barns and a second brewery, was built. It remained however a small domestic brewery for personal use. Only from 1878 on production increased due to a good turnover of the tavern ‘In de Vrede’. Between 1886 and 1896 a third brew house, fully operational as from 1896, was built. On 20 March 1922 the monks started the expansion of the brewery. On 27 October 1927 for the first time steam was used to brew in the modernised, fourth brew house. This brew house was operational till 5 January 1990. In the early 70’s a couple of adjustments were made to the mill and the brew house. The abbey community bought a malt mill and malt transport was mechanized. The open refrigerated coolship was replaced by a closed wort cooler in 1976. In 1976 a fermentation room with six open yeast vessels and a laboratory were installed. Fermentation in open yeast vessels, a method that is used very rarely, is essential for the ester profile of the Trappist Westvleteren. A laboratory was built next the fermentation room to follow the brewing process more precisely. In 1979, a bottling line was put into operation with a capacity of around 12,000 bottles per hour. Almost a century and a half after the first brew house was put into use, preparations were made for the construction of a fifth brew house. The present brew house was officially put into operation in 1990. In 1999, on the occasion of the opening of the In De Vrede meeting centre, the dark Westvleteren 6 was replaced by the Westvleteren Blond, a fresher version of the former 6. A continuous pursuit of quality improvement with respect for tradition and the environment.The new bottling plant was put into operation in 2013. Since 2014, two brews are made per brewing day. This meant a considerable saving in terms of energy consumption and man-hours. The lager cellar and the fermentation chamber were modernised and automated, but because the capacity did not change, production also remained unchanged. The production amounts to approximately 6,000 hectolitres annually, spread over 42 brewing days. In 2016 a new secondary fermentation unit with storage space was built. The monks also invested in a new, large water treatment plant. Recently, the Abbey also partly supplies its own energy thanks to a large photovoltaic installation on the roof of the water treatment plant.

1.General Saint-Sixtus Abbey is the owner of the registered figurative trademark Abdij ST-SIXTUS Westvleteren, registered on 21 April 2021 under trademark number 018355617. This trademark is registered for the following classes:- 30: Yeast- 32: Beers- 35: Merchandising. The logo in the figurative trademark of Saint-Sixtus Abbey is a stylised adaptation of the Abbey's coat of arms, which follows the ecclesiastical heraldry. Its use goes back to the 19th century. The coat of arms:The coat of arms is in sinople green (CMYK 100-0-100-40; RGB 54-120-60), one of the five basic colours used in heraldry. The crosier:Symbol of administrative power, it is turned to the right in the coat of arms of the Abbey. The crossed keys:The crossed keys or papal keys refer to bishop Sixtus II, who died as a papal martyr in the third century. The palm tree:Reference to a verse from Psalm 92:13 "Justus ut palma florebit" (The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree). 2. Consent required for trademark...

TRADEMARK POLICY

1.General Saint-Sixtus Abbey is the owner of the registered figurative trademark Abdij ST-SIXTUS Westvleteren, registered on 21 April 2021 under...

1.General Saint-Sixtus Abbey is the owner of the registered figurative trademark Abdij ST-SIXTUS Westvleteren, registered on 21 April 2021 under trademark number 018355617. This trademark is registered for the following classes:- 30: Yeast- 32: Beers- 35: Merchandising. The logo in the figurative trademark of Saint-Sixtus Abbey is a stylised adaptation of the Abbey's coat of arms, which follows the ecclesiastical heraldry. Its use goes back to the 19th century. The coat of arms:The coat of arms is in sinople green (CMYK 100-0-100-40; RGB 54-120-60), one of the five basic colours used in heraldry. The crosier:Symbol of administrative power, it is turned to the right in the coat of arms of the Abbey. The crossed keys:The crossed keys or papal keys refer to bishop Sixtus II, who died as a papal martyr in the third century. The palm tree:Reference to a verse from Psalm 92:13 "Justus ut palma florebit" (The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree). 2. Consent required for trademark use The figurative trademark of Saint-Sixtus Abbey can only be used with the written permission of Saint-Sixtus Abbey. Such permission is specific, i.e., it applies only to the relevant situation and purpose for which the permission has been obtained. Every other use than that permitted by Saint-Sixtus Abbey constitutes a trademark infringement that can be punished based on the Belgian Code of Economic Law. The amendment or modification of the figurative trademark does not automatically lead to the trademark being allowed to be used. Certain adjustments or changes may in fact result in the trademark still being considered 'used'. If you wish to obtain permission to use the figurative trademark, please contact us at tmp@sintsixtus.be. Please include your identity details, the desired trademark and its intended use and purpose. We will then contact you in order to approve, modify or refuse the relevant application. Saint-Sixtus Abbey reserves the right to withdraw, at any time and at its own discretion, without having to give any reasons, the permission to use the figurative trademark resulting from this Trademark Policy. In any case, this permission will be automatically revoked without prior notice in case the user does not respect the Trademark Policy. Saint-Sixtus Abbey can change or withdraw this Trademark Policy at any time. The users declare to agree with and to comply with the latest version of the Trademark Policy. 3. Unauthorised uses According to the legal requirements, it is not permitted to use the registered figurative trademark in the following cases. These are purely indicative and non-exhaustive. Not permitted is: - A use of the sign in the categories of yeast, beers, or merchandising, as a trademark, to identify goods or services in commerce. This may be the case, for example, when used on goods or their packaging, when used as a trade or business name, when used in advertising or comparative advertising, or when used for the import or export of goods. - Use of the sign as a trademark in categories other than those listed above if this could mislead the relevant consumer as to the origin, quality, or advertising of the goods and/or services. - Use of the sign in any manner other than as a trademark if this could detract from one or more of the essential functions of the trademark. - Use of the sign as a trade name or company name. - Use of the sign on social media in such a way as to mislead the consumer as to the origin of the goods or services in question or in such a way that it creates the impression of an economic link between the two companies. - Improper use of the sign in a publicity way that is unwanted by the company. This may, for example, consist of setting up a social media page with the trademark name in question. - Use of the sign which may turn it into a generic name for the goods or services in question. - Improper use of the sign as a domain name, link, meta tag, as well as any other use on a website when this is in bad faith or could mislead the relevant consumers as to the origin, quality or publicity of the goods or services concerned. - Use of the sign in any way that damages the trademark, its reputation, or the goods/services to which it refers. Also, use of the trademark in such a manner that it is apparent to the relevant consumer that the two companies are connected in an economic manner. - Use of advertising material in which the trademark Abdij ST-SIXTUS Westvleteren® appears is also not allowed without the permission of Saint-Sixtus Abbey. 4. Permitted uses According to the legal provisions, however, it is permitted to use the registered figurative trademark in the following cases. These are purely indicative and non-exhaustive. Permitted is: - Use of the sign for other than economic purposes. - Use of the sign for private purposes, which are not pursued with a view to making a profit. - Use of the sign for educational or informational purposes. - Use of the sign as a decoration or for aesthetic purposes not pursuing profit. - Use of the sign if it is necessary for the provision of own (complementary) goods or services. For example, the trademark may be used to inform the consumer about the provision of the (complementary to the trademark goods) proprietary goods. - Use of the sign for advertising, other than comparative advertising, if its purpose is to recommend or assess the trademark or inform consumers about its qualities. - Use of the sign for journalistic purposes intended to inform the reader, listener, or viewer about the trademark in question or the goods/services connected with it. - Use of the sign in comparative advertising, if it is intended to inform the consumer and cannot mislead or confuse the consumer, nor does it affect the good name or reputation of the trademark, nor unfair advantage is obtained through the use of the trademark, nor does it present goods or services as imitations of the trademark-related goods or services in question. - Use of the sign for classes other than those listed above, if the relevant consumer cannot be misled as to the origin, quality or advertising of the goods and/or services. These permitted uses must, however, be made dependent on respectful and reverent use of the figurative trademark Abdij ST-SIXTUS Westvleteren®, without Saint-Sixtus Abbey, its employees, services or goods suffering any damage as a result. In these permitted uses, the figurative trademark Abdij ST-SIXTUS Westvleteren® must not be particularly emphasised over the name of the goods/services concerned. 5. Mention Each time the figurative trademark is used, the following wording must be stated. "The figurative trademark Abdij ST-SIXTUS Westvleteren® is protected by European trademark law and belongs to Saint-Sixtus Abbey. Every improper use can lead to a trademark infringement". This wording should be mentioned in a clear manner, close to the relevant trademark. Whoever mentions the trademark undertakes to encourage third parties to apply the same practices in order to maintain fair commercial practices. 6. Distinctive image Each time the figurative trademark is used, it must be displayed in a separate and distinctive manner. Thus, the trademark must not be depicted in any combination, collage or in indistinct manner. The figurative trademark must be depicted in a clear manner, separate from other trademarks or signs, on such a background as to make it possible to distinguish the trademark. 7. Trademark symbol Whenever the figurative trademark is used, it must be accompanied by the ® symbol. 8. Compliance with our general terms and conditions Furthermore, any use of the trademark must be in accordance with our general terms and conditions, which can be found on our website. 9. Contact If you have any further questions concerning this Trademark Policy, the use of our figurative trademark or any other question concerning our intellectual property rights, please contact us at tmp@sintsixtus.be.