Novel font uses holes to save ink and the environment

Holepuncher makes novel savings

Dutch creative communications agency Spranq has developed a sans serif typeface with small circular holes that offers over 20% in ink savings – and environmental benefits too. Roughly 3.5 litres of oil are used to manufacture one new conventional laser cartridge – so the less ink onto paper, the less oil consumed.

Following feedback from companies with brand-specific fonts, Spranq has also developed Ecofont Professional, a plug-in for MS Office that enables companies to add holes to their original font. The professional version costs a small fee, explains Alexander Kraaij, co-owner of Spranq, as the “application was a much bigger investment and companies profit financially by saving ink”.

Not everyone is a fan. Paul McNeill, lead tutor in graphic design at the London College of Communications, likens the font to “the rough equivalent of drilling holes in food in order to reduce waste. But,” he adds, “it has triggered ideas about economy in print communications. It’s a good provocation.” And maybe that’s the real purpose of the Ecofont, to make you think before you print. – Giovanna Dunmall

17 December 2009

Giovanna Dunmall

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