Introduction

The ecological voice of Shiro Echo resonated through the Grimaldi Forum Monaco at Luxepack 2024, with the introduction of four unique shades. The new colours enhance the recycled content of this paper, perfect for print and luxury packaging applications.

The distinctive feature of Shiro Echo is its composition, it is made from 100% recycled fibres. A raw material that was already used in China in 105 A.D. when paper was first produced from used fabric rags. Marco Polo also described other raw ingredients used in China in the making of paper, such as tea and rice straw, bamboo reeds and hemp straw.

Jumping forwards in time and arriving at the present day, an Assocarta Report on 2023 production shows a significant trend: More than 5 million tonnes of recycled paper was used, while virgin fibre reached 3 million tonnes[1].

Shiro Echo: A story starting in 2006

Shiro Echo is evocative of Oriental culture through its name: ‘’Shiro’’ meaning white/pure in Japanese which correlates to the original shade of this brand, which was created in 2006 in response to the demand for high-quality, recycled white paper.

‘‘Echo’’, on the other hand, plays with the concept of  ”repeat‘’ and helps us to reflect on a key element of this paper: Shiro Echo is FSC™ recycled certified, as it is entirely made from recycled material, thus eliminating the use of virgin pulp in its production.

Initially, the brand encompassed a wider collection of highly sustainable papers including Tree Free and Alga Carta. In 2020, Shiro Echo separated from these brands, introducing three new colours of understated elegance: Raw Black, Raw Sand and Raw Grey. The available range weights were also expanded, in particular with the addition of a heavyweight 350gsm board to offer the market a recycled paper that is also ideal for packaging. The natural rough finishes of the new colours also offered a unique tactile sensation, perfect for the product they were intended to promote.

Finally, in 2024 Shiro Echo introduced four new colours, chosen on current fashion and interior design trends. Raw Blue, Raw Red, Raw Green and Raw Anthracite respond to the demand for more subdued and muted colours. Above all, interior design is defining new styles dictated by the need to create spaces of relaxation and serenity with more sober colours to counteract the stimuli of everyday life dictated by bright colours, excessive contrasts and bright screens. The new colours are available in grammages 120, 250 and 350 and are ideal for luxury packaging and print applications that require unique visual and tactile characteristics: The recycled identity is reflected in the flecks visible to the naked eye and the roughness of the surface to the touch.

What does Shiro Echo have in store for the future? These four new colours have expanded the range, opening up new possibilities for the use of this paper, engaging those looking for both recycled and coloured papers. This move was made possible by observing the market and identifying emerging trends; the intention is to continue on this path and to consider new developments if colour trends suggest interesting new inspirations.

Dominic Joyce on Shiro Echo: The new mailer

Future and modernity are concepts expressed by the new mailer, which was created to introduce the new Shiro Echo colours to the market. Some geometric and contemporary paintings by artist Dominic Joyce, inspired by modern architecture and urban environments, were printed on the new Shiro Echo papers.

The format of the mailer is unusual and differs from those previously produced by Favini: Four quartets of different sizes have been assembled to perfection. The result is a play on space and depth that creates the artistic illusion of a three-dimensional volume emerging from the surface.

This depth is enhanced not only by the different cutting, but also by the use of litho and foil embossing in the mailer’s pages.

In particular, the use of both classic litho as well as UV litho which allows for a greater ink coverage and, consequently, greater image definition.

The depth of the geometric image was also created through foil and die–cutting. In particular, the foil was stamped with a micro-etched die, with its angular patterning  giving the image three-dimensionality.

With the launch of the new colours, Shiro Echo is able to look ahead, embracing new trends and applications. This move, as we have seen, is rooted in old traditions and historical developments of Shiro paper.

[1] L’industria cartaria nel 2024, Assocarta (2024).

Intro

Shiro Echo’s recipe is simple: 100% recycled fibres! This recycled paper meets high quality standards and is versatile to print: A worthy ally for printed communication. The light shades are perfect for four-colour print (and more!) while the Raw line, tinted and pleasantly rough to the touch, adds a distinctive touch without compromising sustainability. Which one do you prefer?

Shiro Echo is a pillar of the collection that brings together the most ecological papers by Favini: Paper from our Echosystem. Together with the other five brands, Shiro Echo is the answer to the most challenging and diverse needs. Put it to the test.

As part of Paper from our Echosystem collection, Shiro Echo is guaranteed to be:

• Made from eco-innovative raw materials, in this case 100% recycled fibres;
• Measured and all unavoidable emissions are totally offset;
• Made with renewable energy sources, in the case of Shiro Echo is certified 100% Enel Energia;
• Proudly FSC™ certified, highlighting its commitment to being both recyclable and biodegradable;

In our plant, we monitor and constantly improve production processes, with the goal to always achieve the best possible consumption efficiency.

Intro

Given the nature of our product Shiro Echo, 100% recycled high quality paper, the visual book traces the paper production process, by showing “Behind the scenes”. The Shiro Echo visual book is an editorial project conceived and designed using images, photographs and artworks reproduced with different print and finishing techniques using all of the colours from the range. Favini especially wanted this booklet to be capable of inspiring designers as well as telling the concept with which the Shiro Echo paper is made.

Read on to discover the concept behind the creation of the “Factory Records” editorial project and the print techniques used to show how Shiro Echo paper is produced through the pages of the booklet.

The concept phase: The theme and the connection with Shiro Echo

To tell the behind the scenes story of the production cycle of the 100% recycled Shiro Echo ecological paper by Favini, we asked two artists to create illustrations and artworks that would accompany the images of the paper mill.

Artist Lyndon Hayes has immortalised the essence of the production processes of our Shiro Echo recycled paper, translating the sounds and grandeur of the Rossano Veneto paper mill machinery into drawings.

The Raw Black, Raw Grey and Raw Sand colours of Shiro Echo paper are in harmony with the works composed of white and dark strokes on soft backgrounds, typical of Lyndon’s style.

Since it is a recycled material, we have included two collages by Melinda Tidwell, who skilfully creates new images by using scrap paper.

Waste paper and cardboard evoke a particular fascination in the eyes of artists and designers.

Humble materials, with which we are surrounded every day and which manage to surprise us when displayed in art exhibitions, or in the form of the packaging of a prestigious perfume.

The production phase: printing techniques

Unlike ordinary recycled card, Shiro Echo can achieve superior results in print, it can be used to make luxury packaging and any high quality ecological application. The visual book is a physical example of technical print performance.

The dust jacket of “Factory Records” recalls the colours used for the Shiro Echo swatches and was offset litho printed CMYK and white.

We found ourselves inspired by some of the logos and name plates that can be seen within the production environment and experimented with hot foil and screen printing on 100% recycled Shiro Echo paper.

One of these is the logo that is found on the paper machine and we first show it on the cover of the visual book and then later it can be discovered in detail inside the booklet.

We have reproduced the “Maule” logo of the paper machine by a silver screen print, while the FCG logo has been printed with gold hot foil.

Moving through the Favini paper production plant, we come across symbols and signals that we wanted to reproduce in the “Factory Records” visual book.

The warning signs and flow regulator of the paper machine’s headbox are a great example of how logos and symbols can be screen printed on Shiro Echo recycled paper and achieve excellent print results.