Held in Auckland, New Zealand, and hosted by Currie Group in partnership with HP and Dscoop, the Print for the Planet Forum was a milestone. As the first Dscoop gathering held in New Zealand for several years, it delivered exactly what the name promised: a passionate, practical exploration of sustainability in print, with an unmistakable sense of progress.
For Matt Mills, managing director of award-winning agency Fuzed, the event represented something long overdue — and deeply personal. “While it wasn't the very first time Dscoop has come to New Zealand, it was the first in quite some time — and that in itself made the event incredibly meaningful,” he said. “Bringing Dscoop back to New Zealand demonstrates that we’re not just participants but active contributors to the future of print.”
That future, as emphasized throughout the event, depends on how seriously the industry embraces sustainability. From HP’s global sustainability goals to the unveiling of the HP Sustainability Amplifier Program, a tool designed to help print businesses take measurable steps toward sustainability, the forum offered attendees a clear message: Sustainability isn’t a side project. It’s central to business strategy, customer expectations, and long-term relevance.
Matt (pictured below, right), whose own company blends creative thinking with production excellence, said he was especially struck by HP’s commitment. “It’s clear that this isn’t just a passing trend, but a key pillar of their long-term strategy and investment,” he said. “HP’s leadership in this space sets an example and challenges the rest of us to push further and act more consciously.”
Australian native Kelvin Gage, global head of supply chain for Hyble and a member of the Dscoop global board, was inspired by the mindset he encountered. “New Zealand is one of the greatest countries in the world — the people are warm, friendly and progressive,” he said. “But because the market is quite condensed, print businesses need to be innovative and well run. The companies I met with in Auckland absolutely reflect that.”
For Kelvin (pictured below), the event was a long-awaited chance to engage, in person, with a local community that’s often isolated from global happenings. “It was well overdue that, in conjunction with HP and Currie Group, we spend time with these members, face-to-face,” he said.
“This event was a catalyst for real conversations, fresh ideas and renewed motivation,” Matt said. “It proved that New Zealand has both the talent and drive to shape the future of sustainable, high-quality print.” He, Kelvin and others hope to expand the Dscoop presence in New Zealand through workshops, roadshows, and deeper connections between local PSPs and the global Dscoop community.
