Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
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.
Topics:
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: arcticpaper.com
Munken Paper: arcticpaper.com/brands/munken
Munken Sans Typeface: colab.munken.com/munken-sans
Munken Creator Web Tool: colab.munken.com/munkencreator
FSC Certification: 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
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.
Topics:
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: arcticpaper.com
Munken Paper: arcticpaper.com/brands/munken
Munken Sans Typeface: colab.munken.com/munken-sans
Munken Creator Web Tool: colab.munken.com/munkencreator
FSC Certification: 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
