Beyond the Page: D&K Origins Promo
photo credit: The Office of Ordinary Things
At D&K Printing, we believe that print is more than just ink on paper—it’s an experience. It’s the weight of the stock, the texture of the finish, and the story behind every material.
That’s why we are so excited to officially share the D&K Origins Promo. This project isn’t just a showcase of what we can do; it’s a deep dive into where we came from and where the future of sustainable printing is headed.
A Journey from Garage to Green
Our story began in 1964 in a small garage in Boulder, Colorado. Founded by Vernon Dietz and Jim Kinkead, D&K has always been a family-owned shop driven by a simple mission: to make great companies look even better.
Today, that mission has evolved. Under the leadership of Gary Bennett and his son, we’ve combined our humble origins with a high-tech commitment to the planet. The Origins project was designed to pull back the curtain on that process, offering total transparency into the materials, methods, and supply chains that bring your designs to life.
What Makes "Origins" Different?
Created in collaboration with The Office of Ordinary Things, this promo was designed to be a foundational resource for designers. We wanted to show that "going green" doesn't mean sacrificing quality or playfulness.
The project features a suite of interactive pieces held inside a unique outer sleeve:
Eco-conscious Inks: Printed using low LOC (volitile organic compound) and high BRC (bio-renewable content) process inks. Plus Living Ink Algae Ink—a revolutionary,
Next-Gen Materials: We didn’t just use 100% post-consumer waste paper. We used coated and uncoated papers to show how paper changes the visual effect of design. And innovative papers like Mohawk Renewal Straw Wheat.
Interactive Design: The promo comes alive through sliding, tearing, and unpacking. The outer sleeve features "zip strips" that spell out D and K.
Educational Insight: Every spread details the specific paper, inks, and production methods used on that spread. We even list where the materials we used were made and how they got to out print shop.
Why It Matters
Manufacturing demands a significant environmental footprint; at D&K, our mission is to manage that impact with intentionality and restorative action. We uphold this commitment by diverting over 522,000 pounds of waste from landfills annually and maintaining a rigorous Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. Through strategic partnerships with organizations like PrintReleaf and our pioneering adoption of algae-based pigments, we aim to demonstrate that uncompromising design and environmental stewardship can—and should—coexist.
photo credit: The Office of Ordinary Things
photo credit: The Office of Ordinary Things
photo credit: The Office of Ordinary Things
photo credit: The Office of Ordinary Things
Watch the Origins walkthrough:
Ready to start your own origin story? Contact Tanner at tannerb@dkprinting.com for a quote on your next project.