Fedrigoni’s reach is seriously vast. Since establishing in Italy in 1888, they have cultivated lasting international recognition with their rich, global history, extensive portfolio and long tradition of creativity and artistry. Their specialist papers permeate a long list of industries – including architecture, design, food, advertising, publishing, art and fashion – and an even longer list of clients.
As you might guess, I’m curious about Fedrigoni’s relationship to the North of England, and more widely how they navigate the threshold between their intangible global scale and the material itself – tangible, hand-held; the warp and the weft at the centre of it all. How might their ambitious brand identity and their design-focused, sustainably driven ethos translate into the materials they produce?
Considering the intricacies between industry and material, I put a few questions to Lindsay Robinson (Managing Director UK), Ambra Fridegotto (Head of Marketing UK) and Penny Greenwood (Packaging and Paper Consultant). They tell me all about their brand ethos and evolution; how they build local connections from the ground up, in the North and further afield; their commitment to sustainable practice; their philosophies and motivations; as well as some exciting new materials and upcoming events. Readers, read on!
Let’s get right into it. It’s clear to see Fedrigoni is a global brand, with a vast client base. How do you ensure your nurture and build connections on a local level?
“It’s all about balancing our global expertise with local attention, so we are able to cultivate deep, lasting relationships and contribute to the thriving creative scene in each region. This ensures that our local presence is just as impactful as our global reach. While we are a global brand, we also know that strong, meaningful relationships are built on a local level. Our team members, like Penny, spend a significant amount of time directly interacting with designers, and users and printers, particularly in the North of the UK where we work with a wide range of clients, from independent designers to large creative agencies and print houses. Whether face-to-face meetings, creative workshops, or events like the Northern Design Festival, her role involves providing a direct link between the creative community and our products. Penny is essential in building relationships and providing tailored solutions to customers in her region.
“Our initiative Fedrigoni 365 is an annual publication, showcasing the creativity and diversity of designers and artists by having a different creative interpret each day of the year, before collating it into a book. It's a fantastic way for us to connect with local creatives, sharing and celebrating the work of both established and emerging talents from across the UK and beyond. For the 2025 edition, we held launch events in Manchester & London, and we were thrilled by the response from the creative community in the North! We are definitely looking into hosting more events in this region, ensuring that our northern creatives feel connected to our work and vision.
“We also sponsor and participate in events, exhibitions, and gatherings, where we can engage with creatives, showcase our products, and offer tailored advice and solutions. Our London Studio serves as a creative hub, where creatives can explore our range of materials and experience firsthand how our papers can elevate their work.”
What would you say is the motivating factor at the heart of Fedrigoni that ties together the broad scope of clients and industries you work with?
“The driving force that ties together our diverse range of clients and industries is a shared passion for creativity, quality and craftsmanship. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that paper is a canvas for creativity, and it’s this perspective that motivates everything we do, and allows our clients to push the boundaries of design and print.
“Another hugely important driving factor is our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We adapt as the world continues to evolve, offering cutting-edge paper technologies and eco-friendly options, supporting the creative ambitions of our clients while considering the impact on the environment.
“Ultimately, what ties our clients and industries together is the pursuit of excellence. Whether working with high-profile agencies, independent creatives, or large corporate brands, we are united by the goal of elevating creativity and shaping ideas that not only look incredible but feel memorable.”
Let’s get a little more into those sustainable practices that are so important for the holistic evolution of any organisation. What are your experiences with sustainability in the design industry?
“Sustainability permeates every aspect of our work and as a leading paper manufacturer, we are acutely aware of the impact that paper production can have on the environment. Our EcoVadis Platinum rating places us in the top 1% of companies globally for sustainability performance, and this commitment to sustainability starts at the source. We carefully select raw materials that come from responsibly managed forests, certified by organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), which guarantees our paper is produced with minimal impact, maintaining biodiversity and protecting ecosystems. From there, we are continually innovating in the development of our sustainable papers, including recycled options and papers made with alternative fibres, such as cotton and hemp. These not only reduce the need for virgin wood pulp but also offer new textures and characteristics that can inspire fresh designs. And our production facilities are designed to minimise environmental impact, incorporating efficient energy practices and waste management strategies.
“Designers are more mindful than ever of the materials they use, and brands are increasingly seeking sustainable options for packaging and print collateral. We see it as our responsibility to help designers, brands, and businesses make more informed choices about the materials they use: to empower the industry to elevate sustainability, ensuring that great design can coexist with a commitment to the planet.”
And looking to the future – are there any exciting new materials, collaborations or events in the pipeline you could talk us through?
“Absolutely, we have several exciting initiatives in the pipeline! Firstly, we’re continuing our commitment to supporting young creatives and university lecturers through workshops, sponsored projects, and collaborative briefs. We’re developing new products with a focus on circularity, sustainability, and alternative fibres, as well as expanding our range of innovative materials, such as Sylvicta – a translucent, food-safe paper that opens up new possibilities for packaging and design. And keep an eye (or ear) out for a brand new podcast we’ll be launching on design, where we’ll interview internationally renowned creatives, diving into their process and the intersection of design and culture.
“We’re already working on the 2026 edition of Fedrigoni 365 and launch events in Glasgow, Manchester & London. The response we received in Manchester this year was fantastic, and it really highlighted the strong creative community in the region. We’re excited to continue strengthening those connections and offering a platform for northern creatives to come together, celebrate paper, print, and innovation, and be inspired by one another. It’s all part of our commitment to nurturing creativity in every corner of the UK.”
Thanks so much to the team at Fedrigoni for shedding some light on the amazing work they do, and for supporting ours! Follow them on Instagram at @fedrigoni_uk for all new updates.
