This S’porean built a whole brand to solve a challenge in his family’s printing biz

Growing up in a printing factory might sound unusual, but for Marcus, it was his playground. “The staff have known me since I was a kid,” he shared with Vulcan Post, reminiscing how the place holds sentimental value. 

As the Creative Director of Print N Print—a family-run printing company founded in 1990 by his parents—Marcus saw an opportunity not just to continue his family’s legacy but to modernise it with an eco-friendly twist.

So, at 29 years old, he turned his passion for paper into something truly impactful with his business, Print N Matters. 

But it’s not just nostalgia that drives Marcus. He’s always had a creative edge, having worked in various design agencies before founding Print N Matters.

Combine that with a deep-rooted sense of responsibility to the family business, and his goal was to give paper waste a new lease on life.

Marcus’s journey began when he returned to the family business after the COVID-19 pandemic hit. 

Print N Print had been running for over three decades, but Marcus saw room for growth. Specifically, he noticed the large amount of paper waste that came from everyday production—a common challenge in the printing industry. 

The spark for change came when Marcus spent a year living in Japan, where he was inspired by the country’s efficient and minimal waste culture. This experience led him to question whether paper waste could be upcycled instead of discarded.

“With a bit of creativity, we can change the way we view and handle paper waste,” Marcus said. This thought became the foundation for Print N Matters, which officially launched in 2022.

Workshops that matter

The idea started small. Marcus began offering workshops on paper upcycling as a way to engage with the community while reducing waste. 

His first workshops were experimental, offered for free just to gauge interest. But to his delight, the response was overwhelming. People were keen to learn how to transform offcuts from his family’s factory into beautifully crafted stationery and paper products.

Marcus explained, “It started with families and couples during the pandemic, but after that, I began to pivot towards corporations and schools.” 

Today, Print N Matters offers workshops that range from papermaking to creating planners from recycled materials, catering to a wider audience. 

Corporate collaborations have also become a big part of the business. Marcus has partnered with over 40 organisations, including names like KPMG and PSA, to run team-building workshops focused on sustainability. He has even collaborated with brands like The Body Shop, transforming their paper bags into handmade paper for events.

One of the standout offerings? A seed paper-making workshop that allows participants to create plantable paper embedded with seeds. It’s one of the most popular activities, blending sustainability with creativity in a way that leaves a lasting impression.

The challenges of a second-generation entrepreneur

While Print N Matters is now stable, Marcus admitted the journey wasn’t always easy. As a second-generation business owner, he had to balance tradition with new ideas.

“I really had to earn my place and build respect with the older folks in the company,” he shared, recalling how he initially broke the ice by buying kopi (coffee) for the factory workers. “I didn’t want to be seen as just the owner’s son who took over.”

There’s also the tension between running two businesses that, while related, serve different audiences. Print N Print caters to more traditional clients, while Print N Matters focuses on younger, more eco-conscious customers. 

“I have to adapt my leadership style,” Marcus explained. With Print N Print’s older, more experienced team, he takes a more structured approach. But at Print N Matters, where Gen Z staff are the norm, the atmosphere is more collaborative and flexible. 

“I want to build strong relationships with my teams. I might be the boss, but I also want to be approachable,” he added.

Creating a sustainable future

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for Marcus. It’s at the heart of everything he does with Print N Matters. 

“I want to inspire both individuals and companies to think more consciously about the environmental impact of their choices,” he said. But Marcus is also realistic. “You can’t force people to change. It has to come from within.”

For Marcus, part of leading the sustainability charge is making sure that his business practises what it preaches. 

Print N Matters primarily sources the materials for their workshops from paper offcuts in the family’s factory. Not only that, a local florist who supports the upcycling effort provides the dried flowers used to decorate the paper.

It’s this attention to detail that has won Print N Matters a loyal following. The business has also garnered over 4,000 Instagram followers and grown its corporate workshop sign-ups from just 10 participants to over 500, said Marcus.

Looking ahead, Marcus has big plans for expanding Print N Matters. He’s already hosted over 50 workshops in schools and institutions. These workshops are more than just hands-on crafting sessions—they’re educational experiences that teach participants about the importance of reducing waste.

One of Marcus’s proudest achievements is launching THE WORKSHOP MARKET®, a quarterly event that brings together local makers and creators for workshops, sales, and collaboration. 

“It’s amazing to see people come together to learn and share their skills,” Marcus shared. “The whole idea is to build a community around sustainability and craftsmanship.”

This sense of community is what drives Marcus forward. “Ultimately, I want Print N Matters to be a space where people not only learn new skills but also connect with others who share a passion for sustainability.”

Featured Image Credit: Print N Matters