Materials & Sustainability

Bringing together a mix of modern techniques and traditional printing methods from her home Letterpress print studio, Elle uses a combination of tools to bring her designs to life, with sustainability being an important consideration throughout the process. 

Stationery Paper 

G F Smith Colourplan paper is fully recyclable, biodegradable and FSC certified – meaning the pulp used is from managed forests. It is also Heavy Metal Free and classified as ECF due to the lack of harmful chlorine used in the bleaching process. 

Somerset® Printmaking Paper is made from 100% cotton to high archival standards with a soft, gentle texture. 

Handmade papers from independent artists are also used where detailed, including paper made from my own waster paper.  

Letterpress Inks 

Prints are made using the Adana® range of letterpress inks that can all be mixed to achieve a thousand different shades and are supplied in150ml tubes, therefore there is no skinning and no waste! 

These Oil based letterpress printing inks contain a selection of organic and earth pigments dispersed into a traditional vegetable oil varnish. Especially formulated for use with the Adana® and other letterpress printing machines. 

Letterpress Cleaning  

Avoiding white spirit through the production process is also important to Elle. Instead, she uses vegetable oil and cloths to clean, and then rinses with soap and water. 

 When larger runs are required, Zest-It Printmakers Cleaner is used. This is a Low VOC alternative which is non-flammable and non-toxic. 

Digital Prints  

Digitally printed on Matt Ultra 240gsm, this all-purpose paper provides a smooth finish and high-quality feel. Its wide colour gamut and matt coating means vibrant colour and amazing attention to detail too. Printed by DStudioUK, who have been carbon neutral since 2019.  

Prints are backed with recycled 1mm greycard - a 'very green' recycled board made using 100% post-consumer waste.  

Envelopes

Cards and invites come with G F Smith Colourplan envelopes to match or miss-match each piece. These envelopes are made from 135gsm Colorplan papers as used in the cards & letterpress invitations themselves. 

Packaging 

Products are packaged in Eco Craft Clear Compostable EN13432 film (made from vegetable starch) and can be popped in your vegetable waste bin to biodegrade.