FAQ

Because materials are never just background. As a designer, every paper, fibre or texture you choose becomes part of the story you tell, not only visually, but also physically.

Biobased materials invite you to design with more than just form. They offer natural irregularities, unexpected textures, even a scent. It creates subtle details that make a printed piece linger in someone’s hands and memory. They shift the experience from image to object. But biobased or sustainable doesn’t mean rough or raw. These materials can be refined, clean, and premium. It's a misconception that nature-inspired means low-quality.

But beyond aesthetics, biobased materials also reflect intention. They show that you’ve considered what it’s made of, where it comes from, and where it will go. That awareness matters, not only to the planet, but to your practice. As sustainability becomes a shared responsibility, the materials we use are no longer neutral choices.

Exploring biobased options means stepping into a more conscious way of creating; one that adds value to your work, your voice, and the world it lives in.

Arveta was created to awaken a more conscious way of thinking about materials in graphic design. The project encourages designers to look beyond aesthetics and functionality, and to reflect on what materials communicate: through texture, weight, origin and tactility. The goal is to inspire designers to explore biobased and sustainable alternatives in print, packaging and promotional work, and to offer tangible ways of integrating those materials into their creative process.

Arveta is for curious graphic designers, students or professionals, who work with analogue output like packaging, print, editorial, or promotional design.

You may not have much experience with sustainable materials yet, but you’re open to new ideas. You’re looking for inspiration, physical samples, and ways to apply biobased options in real projects. Time, budget, and uncertainty can get in the way. That’s why Arveta keeps it clear, tactile, and grounded and helps you explore, experiment, and grow at your own pace.

Arveta doesn’t just list materials, it places them in context. Every material is connected to story, sensory experience, and creative possibility. This platform is made specifically for designers.

Instead of technical data sheets, the focus is on how materials feel, where they come from, and how they can support your process. You’ll find examples of how other designers use these materials, as well as inspiration for your own work. The emphasis isn’t on the companies behind the materials, but on what you can do with them.

Each material was chosen based on three core criteria:
biobased origin, creative potential, and practical accessibility.

Some are made from agricultural byproducts, others from fast-growing fibres or industrial waste streams. All have been tested, touched and printed. All are already being used in real projects by real designers. Every material in this collection adds a unique layer of meaning or texture to a design, helping you tell a richer and more considered story.

For most materials: no. The papers and print finishes included in Arveta can be used with standard design tools and commonly available printers. Each material in the library includes information about which printing techniques are suitable, so you can explore what fits your workflow. But if you're working with more specialised techniques, like risograph, screen printing, or letterpress, these methods invite creative experimentation. Arveta encourages that spirit of exploration, because stepping into new materials also means stepping into new ways of designing.

Start by asking the right questions:
Where does it come from? How is it made? What happens after use?

Labels like FSC, Cradle to Cradle or ECF can help, but true sustainability goes beyond certification. Things like local sourcing, low water usage, use of renewable energy, or non-toxic processing all matter too. And if a company genuinely cares about these things, they’ll often be transparent about their goals and sustainability practices. Look for that transparency and stay critical. Do their answers match the questions you’re asking?

The materials featured in the material library were chosen because they offer more than just claims. While no material is perfect, each brings tangible environmental benefits, some through production methods, others through circular design.
We share what we know, but encourage you to stay curious.

Then it’s your opportunity to open a conversation.
Material choices affect how design is perceived. Thoughtful material use can elevate a brand, express its values, and build emotional connection. If you lead with intention, clients often follow. And even if they don’t: small shifts still make a difference.
Let your work and reasoning speak for itself.