GF Smith Tearing it up in Glasgow
We were thrilled to attend the recent Glasgow event celebrating the exciting new partnership between GF Smith and GMUND.
This collaboration brings an expanded palette of coloured papers to UK creatives, uniting GMUND’s renowned commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship with GF Smith’s expertise and reach.
Creative Innovation
The event buzzed with creative energy, offering attendees a chance to explore a variety of engaging exhibits. From delving into the nuances of colour and texture to discovering innovative packaging solutions and admiring the winners of the 2024 GMUND Awards, each display offered valuable insights into the shared vision driving this collaboration.
The Importance of Paper
Florian Kohler, owner of GMUND, delivered an inspiring talk on the significance of paper, highlighting the natural synergy between the two companies. He emphasised their shared values, focusing not only on producing exceptional quality paper but also on their unwavering dedication to sustainable practices.
A memorable moment involved a demonstration with A5 sheets of paper – one plain white, the other a shimmering, metallic gold. While the audience readily crumpled and tossed the white paper, there was a palpable hesitation when asked to do the same with the gold, beautifully illustrating the inherent value we place on handcrafted, quality materials. It perfectly highlighted the message of the event.
The event also saw the launch of their new paper search engine, a practical tool designed to streamline the selection process for paper professionals, showcasing the extensive GMUND collection in a convenient book format.
GMUND’s commitment to sustainability extends to their packaging. They strive to create packaging so beautiful it can be repurposed and kept, minimising waste. For items less likely to be retained, they offer biodegradable hemp paper as a responsible alternative, acknowledging its higher cost while championing its environmental benefits.
Finally, we were impressed to learn about The GF Smith Charitable Trust. This commendable initiative supports young creatives in Hull through grants, resources, and training in graphic design and visual arts. With 2% of GF Smith’s annual profits directly funding the Trust, alongside work experience placements, factory tours, and team visits, they are truly investing in the future of the creative industry.
Find out more about GF Smith, their Charitable Trust and GMUND, please click the links below.
