Printing with Tetrapaks

Printing with Tetrapaks is an environmentally friendly form of intaglio printing. In this course, you'll turn used juice or milk cartons into printing plates. Using an etching needle and other tools, you'll scratch fine lines into the inside of the packaging. You'll then apply printing ink, work it into the indentations and wipe it off the smooth surface. Next, you'll press dampened paper onto the plate and transfer the ink from the grooves of the Tetrapak.

By the end of the course, you'll take your own prints home and will have learned a printing technique where used packaging becomes new printing plates.

What you will learn:

  • Introduction to tetra pak / eco intaglio printing
  • Preparing and cutting tetra pak plates
  • Drawing and scratching into the surface
  • Understanding line, tone and texture in intaglio printing
  • Ink application and wiping techniques
  • Printing on the intaglio press
  • Creative work with recycled materials

How it works:

  • Introduction to the technique
  • Material and motif preparation
  • Experimental work on the homemade plate
  • Ink application and printing

Who is this course for?

This course is open to beginners and anyone who wants to explore experimental and creative printing techniques.

What to bring:

  • Paper (can also be purchased on site)
  • Scissors or cutter
  • Tetrapak materials: Clean, flattened food or beverage cartons (milk, juice, plant-based drinks, etc.)

For printing, it’s best if the paper is 100% cotton, acid-free, and fine-textured, with a weight of 150–300 gsm depending on the technique.Lighter paper is generally better suited for hand-printing techniques, while heavier paper works better for machine printing. 

What's included:

  • Tools (shared)
  • Inks
  • Rollers
  • Cleaning materials
  • Access to the press

Good to know:

  • Cancellations are free of charge up to 72 hours before the course begins.
  • From 72 hours before the course starts, we are unfortunately unable to refund the course fee in case of cancellations or no-shows.
  • Private group courses and 1:1 sessions are available upon request.