Reviving Tradition: How a Second-Gen Printer is Turning Paper Waste Into a Sustainable Business

In a world where environmental concerns are more pressing than ever, the issue of paper waste is becoming critical. Singapore alone generated 1.4 million metric tons of paper waste in 2022, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions. As landfills grow and deforestation continues, one major question arises: what happens to all the discarded paper?

For Marcus, a second-generation printer and founder of Print n Matters, the answer is simple—upcycling. Marcus grew up watching his family’s print business grapple with vast amounts of paper waste, but where others saw waste, he saw opportunity. His innovative approach to sustainability involves transforming paper offcuts into artistic creations through workshops focused on paper pulp painting and marbling. His work is reshaping the print industry, showing how a trade traditionally associated with waste can evolve into an eco-friendly enterprise.

Marcus’s efforts go beyond reducing his own business’s waste. By hosting quarterly markets and partnering with eco-conscious brands like Aesop and The Body Shop, Print n Matters is creating a community around sustainability. One notable example includes a recent visit from a group of Korean exchange students, who chose to attend Marcus’s upcycling workshop as part of their study abroad itinerary, eager to learn about sustainable practices firsthand.

The company’s innovative products, such as plant-growing seed paper, are gaining attention, proving that even in the digital age, print has a place—if it’s done sustainably. Marcus’s work is not only reviving his family’s legacy but also showing the world that sustainability is more than just a trend—it’s the future of business.