Moncler Grenoble winter jacket utilises Dyneema ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) to provide a super light and ultra high performance outer layer.

In this ultra-thin product cover demonstrator, a Tepex woven carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sheet is formed and over-moulded with polycarbonate (PC-GF50), and decorated with a Kurz in-mould lamination (IML) film, in a single process on an Engel press.

In this ultra-thin product cover demonstrator, a Tepex woven carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sheet is formed and over-moulded with polycarbonate (PC-GF50), and decorated with a Kurz in-mould lamination (IML) film, in a single process on an Engel press.

Air vase by Torafu Architects, 2010. Printed and die cut paper.

Ski boot upper from injection moulded PA12 nylon polyether block amide (PEBA), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-TPA), with printed graphic stickers

Cross-section through a reusable foamed cup in polypropylene (PP), manufactured using EcoCore injection moulding technology, that integrates an insulating foam between the two outer skins (MuCell microcellular foam injection). The graphics are applied using a PP in-mould label (IML), which ensures the returnable cup remains recyclable as a monomaterial at the end of its life.

Bockatech reusable cup in polypropylene (PP), manufactured using EcoCore injection moulding technology, that integrates an insulating foam between the two outer skins (MuCell microcellular foam injection). The graphics are applied using a PP in-mould label (IML), which ensures the returnable cup remains recyclable as a monomaterial at the end of its life.

Tivoli clarified polypropylene (PP) reusable cup, injection moulded with PP in-mould label (IML) graphics. Using a single material throughout ensure compatibility of this returnable cup for recycling once it reaches the end of its useful life. However, the ink used for the decoration is trapped between the IML film and moulded cup, and so becomes contamination during recycling and means the cup cannot be recycled back into the same product.

Lego has replaced the single use plastic packaging used for their sets with paper bags. In 2024, over 90% of Lego's packaging is paper-based.

Printed linen base, with inserted wool wefts, cut to form pile.

Platilon partially-bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (bio-TPU) film from BASF, welded to make an inflatable insulating jacket. Designed by Axis Design Studio.

Stand-up pouches (SUP) like this are typically made with laminated polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, and low density polyethylene (LDPE). The laminated structure may be labelled (PET/PE) and is not recyclable. Pouches made with mono-layer LDPE, welded to create an airtight barrier, can be recycled. The reason LDPE is laminated with other plastics, like PET, is to increase barrier properties, such as oxygen and odour.

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), made up of polypropylene (PP), aluminium metallised polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, and an inner layer of weldable polyethylene (PE). While this multilayer structure offers excellent protection of food products, improving shelf life, it is impossible to separate and recycle the individual materials.

Multilayer film vacuum packaging, made up of aluminium metallised polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, and an inner layer of weldable polyethylene (PE). While this multilayer structure offers excellent protection against oxidisation and moisture, it is impossible to separate and recycle the individual materials.

Haig Club promotional packaging, in biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET), polyester, metallised and printed, manufactured by Progress Packaging. Image Progress Packaging.

Dekton sintered stone bathroom, with embedded faux marble print in an epoxy top layer. Produced by Cosentino.

Dekton sintered stone countertop, with embedded faux marble print in an epoxy top layer. Produced by Cosentino.

Dekton sintered stone samples, with embedded faux marble print in an epoxy top layer. Produced by Cosentino.

The core of a golf ball is typically polybutadiene (PB) or a blend of synthetic rubbers. A mantle is moulded around the core, creating a perfect sphere and providing a bridge between the rubber core and plastic cover. Softer balls may have more layers. The cover is moulded over the top with the characteristically dimpled texture. It is typically either polyurethane resin (PUR) or Surlyn ionomer. The graphics are pad (tampo) printed onto the cover and sealed with a high-gloss coating.

Bioplast 300 starch based bioplastic. Print coverage must be <5% to ensure compostability is maintained.

Absolut Vodka packaged in transparent glass with clear printed labels. Highly transparent glass, known as flint, appears water clear as a result of the chemistry and purity of the ingredients.
Relevant materials
Soda lime glass, Glass

Devoré relies on the chemical incompatibility of two types of fibre, such as protein and cellulose, so that one can be dissolved while the other remains intact. In this case, silk and linen (flax). The devorant paste is applied by screen printing, acting as a mask, protecting areas of the flax from the chemical etching process.

Digital printed sheer fabric made up of 73% cotton 27% silk.


Warp printed silk fabric. This printing technique involves printing the warp before the final weaving. As a result, the finished pattern has undefined edges and the quality is largely dependent on the skill of the weaver.

Number 4 department store bag, designed by Baluba, manufactured by Progress Packaging. Screen printed Tyvek outer and metallised polyvinyl chloride (PVC) lining. Image courtesy of Progress Packaging.

NEON by Victionary, 2013, features a printed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) softcover.

Wütop DB 20 from Würth is an interior roof film, used in construction, that provides an airtight, vapour-permeable (diffusive), water barrier layer. It is a three layer construction made of up high density polyethylene (HDPE) printed film top layer, reinforcing mesh, and polypropylene (PP) fleece backing layer, welded together. It prevents saturation of the thermal insulation with moisture on the room side, helping to maintain the most efficient insulation values.

Etimex Purelay blister pack produced from a single polymer to ensure ease of recycling. This monomaterial polypropylene (PP) solution provides an alternative to the conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blisters with aluminium push-through film. Image Etimex.

Direct-to-textile 3D printing by Stratasys. VeroEco Flex is a family of acrylic-based photopolymers, which are built up layer-by-layer on the surface of the textile. A strong physical bond is formed between the first layers and the fabric. These semi-flexible materials come in a huge range of colours and are available with a matte and gloss finish.

Direct-to-textile 3D printing by Stratasys. VeroEco Flex is a family of acrylic-based photopolymers, which are built up layer-by-layer on the surface of the textile. A strong physical bond is formed between the first layers and the fabric. These semi-flexible materials come in a huge range of colours and are available with a matte and gloss finish.

The North Face Summit series Dyneema jacket made with ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). It is incredible lightweight, durable and waterproof. The material is puncture- and tear-resistant. The only stitches are for the zip. All the other seams are welded.

Epson printer ink cartridge packaged in high density polyethylene (HDPE) film pouch.

Polyethylene (PE) film mailer, flexographic printed, manufactured by Progress Packaging. Image Progress Packaging.

Digital printed woven polyester spacer fabric by Colortex using Kornit digital print technology.

Philips SensoTouch shaver housing, injection moulded with polycarbonate (PC) and a multi-layer print in-mould label (IML) with integrated in-mould electronics (IME)

Phillips LivingColors remote, made from injection moulded polycarbonate (PC) with polycarbonate (PC) printed in-mould label (IML)

Games console controller cover, moulded in polycarbonate (PC), with in-mould label (IML) printed and thermoformed PC film for decoration and graphics

3D dye sublimation print onto thermoformed polycarbonate (PC) face masks.

Gaia artwork, by Luke Jerram, is a 7 m wide floating sphere depicting the earth. Made by Cameron Balloons, is it formed from 50 panels of nylon (PA) fabric coated with polyurethane resin (PUR). The surface is printed with high-resolution images of the earth as seen from space, it is stitched and welded into a globe, and filled with helium.

Crush paper by Favini is made with a mix of paper with 40% recycled fibre and 15% citrus fruit, coconut, cocoa, grapes, cherries, lavender, corn, olive, coffee, kiwi, hazelnuts and almonds – byproducts and waste from agriculture.

Arjowiggins Sylvicta translucent paper provides a renewable, recyclable and compostable packaging material that provides an alternative to plastic films such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester. This innovative material, produced from micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC), is used as a barrier layer and is suitable for printing with high resolution graphics. Image Arjowiggins.

A multi-layer paper-based film for printed flexible packaging by BillerudKorsnäs. Certified home-compostable and biodegradable, the flexible material is made up of a 60 gsm layer of kraft paper laminated with BASF Ecovio partially bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) film. The mix of paper and bio-based plastic yields a material that has expected level of printability, sealing and strength required for packaging food. Image BASF.

Push Tab paper-based blister packaging by Syntegon and Huhtamaki, using FibreForm paper-based (75%) material. It provides an alternative to conventional blister packs made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and aluminium foil. The thermoforming technology developed by Syntegon enables the production of trays, pods, blister packs and pouches - many types of packaging previously not possible with paper. FibreForm can be used on its own, or laminated or coated to provide barrier properties and heat-sealing, for example. The coating provided by Huhtamaki provides barrier and sealing properties. With biodegradable plastics it is possible to maintain the compostability of the paper. Image Syntegon.

Thermformed paper-based sweet packaging made with FibreForm by Billerud. Produced with a modified type of kraft pulp, it is more formable than regular paper, and can be shaped into trays, blister packs and pouches. Image Billerud.

Folding boxboard tea packaging made with high quality virgin solid bleached sulphate (SBS).

Close up of the laser cutting and litho printing on the Yauatcha carrier bag, manufactured by Progress Packaging.

Mast chocolate printed paper wrapper with foil liner.

70 gsm kraft carrier bag, printed one colour, manufactured by Progress Packaging. Image Progress Packaging.

Established & Sons recycled binder using unlined grey board, manufactured by Progress Packaging. Foil blocked logo. Image Progress Packaging.

Yauatcha laser cut and lithographic printed carrier bag, manufactured by Progress Packaging. Image Progress Packaging.

Hunter Laing whiskies packaging from their 2017 Kinship range. Hessian bags designed by Contagious, manufactured by Progress Packaging. Image courtesy of Progress Packaging.
Relevant materials
Jute fibre, Fibre

Screen print with gold leaf.
Relevant materials
Gold, Au, 24 ct, Pure gold

Aarau Bus terminal and station square, Switzerland, by Vehovar & Jauslin Architektur, 2014. Manufactured by Vector Foiltec, the 1,055 sqm bubble is fabricated as a single structure from printed ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), inflated with air. The ETFE structure is supported within a steel framework and secured between stainless steel cables. Image Vector Foiltec, Andreas Braun.

Aarau Bus terminal and station square, Switzerland, by Vehovar & Jauslin Architektur, 2014. Manufactured by Vector Foiltec, the 1,055 sqm bubble is fabricated as a single structure from printed ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), inflated with air. The ETFE structure is supported within a steel framework and secured between stainless steel cables. Image Vector Foiltec, Andreas Braun.

Screen printed and shaped rear window automotive glass. The side windows and rear windows on cars is typically tempered glass, and the windscreen (windshield) is laminated for added protection.

Akonite longboard features BComp AmpliTex flax fibre and carbon fibre laminated with epoxy, with a core of ash and balsa wood. Trucks are typically cast aluminium alloy A356 and the wheels polyurethane resin (PUR).

Digital printed woven linen fabric by Kornit.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, Linen yarn

Screen printed water-based ink onto organic linen, by Silk & Burg.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, Linen yarn

Established & Sons carrier bag produced from 500 micron ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), screen printed. Designed by Made Thought, manufactured by Progress Packaging. Image Progress Packaging.

This Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 55 is made with canvas and cowhide trim. The canvas is cotton coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is printed and embossed to look like leather. The plastic coating provides an extremely durable and long lasting finish, and is much less expensive than leather. The leather trim is left untreated. Known as vachetta leather, it is vegetable tanned and retains the natural colour of the skin. Over time, it has developed a rich patina.

Hancock jacket made with rubber-bonded cotton. Based on the same material as the original Mackintosh coat, it is constructed from a layer of rubber sandwiched between two layers of cotton to create a durable, waterproof fabric. The seams are handmade and bonded with rubber for a 100% watertight coat. Image Hancock.

Digital printed woven cotton satin fabric by Kornit.
Relevant materials
Cotton, Fibre

Digital printed woven denim fabric by Kornit. The print is built up in layers, which white underneath to create a 3D effect.
Relevant materials
Cotton, Fibre

Printed cotton packaging.
Relevant materials
Cotton, Fibre

Louis Vuitton envelope produced from woven, plastisol-printed cotton fabric.
Relevant materials
Cotton, Fibre

Established & Sons 12 oz. canvas bag, screen printed. Designed by Made Thought and manufactured by Progress Packaging. Image Progress Packaging.
Relevant materials
Cotton, Fibre

Calibar natural cosmetics wrapped in NatureFlex home compostable cellulose film and packaged in embossed tinplate steel tins. Image Calibar.

Tinplate packaging is printed in sheet form, prior to forming. This allows for the production of very high quality graphics with precise reproduction. The tin coating on the steel provides a bright metallic backdrop to the offset lithographic printed colour. Forming the steel, and adding ribs and features, helps to reduce the thickness needed to provide sturdy packaging.

Double-tip glass ampoule for medical and pharmaceutical products. Made from borosilicate glass, they are impermeable and can tolerate the high temperature require for sterilisation. The contents is released by breaking the glass tip.
Relevant materials
Borosilicate glass, Glass

Stella McCartney metallised laminate packaging utilising a 3-ply Tipa compostable plastic film. Tipa packaging films are based on a mix of bio-based and petroleum based compostable plastic. The quantity of bio-based ingredients ranges from 20-80% depending on the requirements of the application. This product may be composted in industrial facilities. Image Tipa.

Stella McCartney zipper pouch packaging utilising Tipa compostable plastic. Tipa packaging films are based on a mix of bio-based and petroleum based compostable plastic. The quantity of bio-based ingredients ranges from 20-80% depending on the requirements of the application. This product may be composted in industrial facilities. Image Tipa.

Andreason BA4-B model aeroplane parts, in plain-sawn lightweight balsa wood, digital printed with instructions
Relevant materials
Balsa, Light, 50-100 kg/m3

Entr’acte screen printed CD packaging made with vacuum sealed aluminised plastic film. The outer layer is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, and the inner layer is polyethylene (PE), to allow for heat sealing. The thin layer of aluminium is sandwiched between.

Metallised paper, such as used for wrapping chocolate, is produced with a thin layer of aluminium on the surface of lightweight paper. The aluminium provides functional barrier properties, as well as a bright metallic backdrop for printing. The aluminium layer is so thin that it is considered recyclable along with regular paper.

Danzka Vodka bottle, produced by impact extrusion, are made with aluminium alloy. It is coated to protect the surface from oxidising and tarnishing. Typical alloys used in these products include 3003, 5005 and 5083; similar to aluminium cans.

Aesop aluminium squeeze tube packaging, produced by impact extrusion. The surface is printed and lacquered for protection. Aluminium provides a very effective barrier to light and oxygen, ensuring a long shelf life. As a collapsible tube, it reduces the risk of contamination of the contents.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) co-extruded with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic, to provide a clear protective layer, and printed with carbon fibre composite graphic. The sheet is thermoformed (vacuum formed) into 3D shapes. These types of materials are used for transportation (bodywork, for example), off-highway, agricultural vehicles and product enclosures (electronics equipment, medical and safety).