Paper talk

Securing the future and continued quality of the Pith products you know and love.

WORDS

Andrew Hardie & Liam Goward (Pith co-founders)

PHOTOGRAPHY

Lola Stammberger

READ TIME

2 minutes

When we launched Pith just under two years ago we set out three benchmarks that we initially used to source materials and create our products. Environmental impact, creative functionality and quality.

The aim has always been to contract the circle in which our materials are sourced as much as possible - Fewer miles in which materials travel = fewer emissions and a reduction in environmental impact. So when the opportunity to move the manufacturing of our Sketchbook paper arose we jumped at the chance. It's taken some time, a lot of testing and back and forth with our new UK-based paper mill, but we are extremely happy with our upgraded signature Sketchbook paper. The initial aim was to replicate exactly the features and qualities of our original paper, however, after feedback and testing with our community of artists, illustrators and experts, we have a far superior paper.

Over the next few weeks, we will gradually be transitioning the Oroblanco, Tangelo and Kabosu Sketchbooks to this new material. We are excited to hear what you all think and welcome your feedback with open arms.

Andrew & Liam

Here are more details on what you can expect from the new and improved paper.

170 to 200 gsm

The first thing you will notice on the spec sheet is our change from 170 gsm to 200 gsm, allowing more resistance to cockling with light washes and less show-through.

Surface

The medium tooth texture has been smoothed slightly allowing a finer pencil line and reduced pilling with paint, markers and wet materials. This adds a minor increase in drying time but with improved performance.

Colour

Natural off-white (Acid-free), Identical to our previous paper.

Environmental impact

Like the original, our new paper is fully FSC certified and best of all it only travels 132 miles from the mill to our factory in Northumberland. 

THANK YOU

To everyone who has helped, advised and tested the many paper samples we have sent your way.

Dave Watson & Morag Eaton for allowing us to photograph one of our many meetings. www.foldyard.co.uk

Photography by Lola Stammberger - lola-film