71_73_Calendars_Developments.qxp_Calendars Grid 17/01/2025 12:44 Page 72
PROGRESSIVE CALENDARS: DEVELOPMENTS & NEWS
STILL GOING STRONG The demise of the physical calendar and diary has been predicted ever since the digital age began but even with the plethora of smartphones, apps and online links there’s something about the tactile nature of writing down appointments and dates that still resonates. is determined to ensure they’re also kind to the planet. “We’ve been working hard on improving our sustainability,” he explained. “We want to ensure we’re doing everything we can to reduce our impact on the environment. With this in mind, we have a brand-new square wall calendar format, complete with envelope, which protects the finished product and extends durability. This is completely plastic-free and printed on FSC-certified paper.” With many eco-friendly moves under its belt, the Danilo team remains steadfast in its dedication to sustainability, and MD Daniel Prince commented: “In 2025, we will complete our carbon footprint assessment for 2024 and expand our Scope 3 emissions reporting to include a broader range of factors. “This effort underscores our ambition to join the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) imminently, aligning our carbon reduction goals with global climate objectives. Furthermore, we’re committed to introducing even more products with plastic-free packaging, ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of our product development process.” All Flame Tree calendars and diaries are produced with FSC-certified paper and plastic-free packaging, ensuring products align with environmentally friendly practices, and brands the company works with are also meeting the same goals. MD Frances Bodiam said: “We are proud to eliminate non-recyclable materials in our packaging.” Products from Andrews McMeel Publishing feature fully recyclable materials, such as sturdy chipboard easels in place of plastic. Amber Lotus furthers these sustainability efforts by using soy-based inks and wraparound cover flaps instead of shrink wrap. “They also partner with How2Recycle and Trees For The Future, providing resources and training for farming communities in sub-Saharan Africa, and have now planted over 1,250,000 trees. Abrams will also be introducing plastic-free packaging to the 2026 calendar range.”
Sustaining the planet Sustainability is the watchword in the calendar world, with Carousel Calendars having committed to the rigorous Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) back in 2022. Avonside Publishing is also among those staying ahead of the curve by removing all plastic packaging from its products. Happy with the consistent levels of business year on year, both in the domestic and export markets, MD David Higgins said: “Our slim calendars have been plastic-free packaged for three years and, from this point, all Avonside Publishing calendars will have no plastic packaging as we’ll stop using shrink wrap, so the entire range of 2026 wall calendars will be PFP too. “Our solution is to use a printed cardboard envelope which will have identical artwork as the calendar within. The envelope is made of board, sturdy enough to replace the stiffener used previously to assist with displaying the calendar.” Art Angels is always looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint, having moved to biodegradable cello many years ago, and operations manager Rory Hill commented: “This year we’re looking into ways to reduce this need altogether, balancing our many customers’ varied needs.” The publisher has also come up with ways to extend the life of its Above right: Flame Tree’s products, introducing a desk calendar in 2024 Amber Lotus brand. Below: All Avonside products that features 12 artworks with perforated borders are now plastic-free. so they can be used as postcards once the month Below right: Art Angels’ postcard calendar. ends, where Rory added: “We saw really strong demand.” Creating inspiring designs is always important at The Gifted Stationery Company and founder Nigel Parr
Putting it on paper The team at Carte Blanche has been busy learning new skills for its latest Me To You PhotoFinish calendars with the Paper Craft concept. Having evolved from a blend of photographic and illustrated images, this is a fully photographic representation of the iconic Tatty Teddy character. And Carte Blanche’s PhotoFinish designer Martin Pickering has seen his role expand to include responsibilities such as photographer, model maker, set builder, paper engineer, and digital artist. Printed in larger sizes than traditional designs, the calendars offer a new level of visual impact, aimed at telling stories and creating scenes that draw the viewer in and hold their attention. Marketing executive Natalie Pearce said: “Paper Craft takes the trend in sustainability, origami and quilling to new heights, using paper
Right and below: Designer Martin accents to Pickering sets up a shot for the create a totally Paper Craft calendar. hand-crafted world for Tatty Teddy to star in, which stay true to the handmade essence of the Me To You brand. “Each image features paper crafted elements, whether it's intricate folds, layers, or textures. These designs bring the scene to life in a way no other calendar can.”
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