Why paper still matters in the age of digital and AI

In this episode, Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello host Andy Curson and Rob Slowe from Arctic Paper as they dive into sustainable papermaking, the role of print in a digital age, and collaborations with emerging designers. Discover how Arctic Paper balances environmental responsibility with innovation, and how print continues to evolve as a meaningful medium for creativity and storytelling.

• Arctic Paper’s portfolio: mills in Sweden and Poland, offering coated, uncoated, book, and high-end papers
• The relationship between Arctic Paper and the Munken Design Brand, and insights into their global activities
• Collaborations with European design schools for over 20 years, fostering youth creativity
• The evolution of agenda design: flexibility, interactivity, and the shift from static to fluid layouts
• The value of physical books and print in an era dominated by screens, emphasizing quality and sensory experience
• Arctic Paper’s sustainability initiatives: FSC, Cradle to Cradle, CO2 reduction, water conservation, and environmental stewardship
• Challenges in translating digital files to print, ICC profiles, and ensuring color fidelity
• Digital tools like Munken Sans font and Munken Creator for hybrid design approaches
• The future of print: high-end books as niche luxury items, akin to vinyl records
• The impact of AI on design and print, emphasizing the importance of tactile, slow media for deep engagement

Resources & Links:

• Arctic Paper Official Website: https://www.arcticpaper.com
• Munken Paper: https://www.arcticpaper.com/brands/munken/
• Munken Sans Typeface: https://colab.munken.com/munken-sans
• Munken Creator Web Tool: https://colab.munken.com/munkencreator
• FSC Certification: https://fsc.org
  

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to the Eyes on Design theme and guests from Arctic Paper
02:29 - Arctic Paper’s global presence and product offerings
04:09 - Clarification of Arctic Paper and Munkin Brand relationship
05:34 - The backgrounds and careers of Andy and Rob in the paper industry
11:34 - Long-standing collaboration with European art and design schools
14:32 - Big shifts in youth design practices: flexibility and interactivity
16:33 - How COVID influenced innovative student projects and engagement with paper
19:04 - Challenges of translating digital files to print on uncoated paper
21:03 - The role of paper quality in creating memorable experiences
24:47 - Arctic Paper’s commitments to sustainability and environmental impact
27:31 - Innovations in reducing water and energy consumption in papermaking
30:14 - The physical environment as part of sustainability and community well-being
31:24 - How Arctic Paper bridges expectations between digital and print media
34:41 - Digital tools and experiments like Munken Sans font and Munken Creator platform
39:24 - The future of luxury books and print as a niche market akin to vinyl records
41:59 - The timeless value of physical books and passing on treasured works
42:35 - AI's role in design, print, and storytelling: preserving tactile skills amid digital growth
45:09 - Looking ahead: embracing both digital and physical mediums, fostering new creatives