Conventional printing inks are mostly produced from fossil raw materials. This catalogue is a screen-printed collection of 12 plant-based printing inks. All components of the catalogue are renewable and bio-degradable, and the majority of the pigments were cultivated, harvested and produced specially for the project.
From the first seedling to the final stitch in the thread binding, the project took one and a half years to complete. The 112-page catalogue with colour samples, multi-coloured print images and information about the production is supplemented by a comprehensive online documentation consisting of images, text and video materials on every production step and combined information about the 12 inks. The quality of the local, plant-based inks is comparable to that of conventional printing inks in terms of light fastness and print fineness. In terms of details, each ink needs be assessed individually.
«With his ‹printed plants catalog›, Nicolas Wagner has developed an outstanding example of design-orientated ecology: a catalogue of plant-based inks that not only documents his work, but arises throughout from his activities – from the growing of the plants to pigment extraction and the manufacturing process.
The project blends research, cultivation, material testing and design in a closed cycle. Wagner’s approach is radically local, completely biodegradable and aesthetically precise – sustainability is not simply claimed here, but put into practice.
This work is impressive in its methodological consistency, subtle visual language and high standards of design and ecological integrity. ‹printed plants catalog› shows how design can become a research-orientated, material-conscious and poetic practice.» – Excerpt supporting statement of the Subject Area Visual Communication
«Local plants were used to develop and apply biodegradable printing inks. Not only the carrier, but also the ink itself is derived from plant resources, which distinguishes these products from most ecological printing inks.» – Nicolas Wagner
«As a designer I see myself as someone who contributes to an open, diverse and vibrant future.» – Nicolas Wagner
