JUNO and Lineto’s collaborative identity for Munken includes free access to their new custom typeface

Swedish paper mill Munken, founded in 1871, is known internationally for its high-quality papers produced in Munkedal, Sweden. With the mill being surrounded by nature reserves, fjords and rivers; the immediate access to nature has rubbed off on the production, being one of the world’s most environmentally friendly paper mills. To underline the future direction of the brand, Munken approached German branding agency JUNO for a rethink of its identity. The result is a multi-faceted and fascinating brand, alongside a new collaborative creative platform, a comprehensive physical handbook and custom typeface, Munken Sans, crafted in collaboration with Zurich-based type foundry, Lineto. Contextualising the rebrand, JUNO explains that “over several decades Munken has built an international reputation as a dependable paper brand in harmony with nature,” and is always there to support fresh visions and exciting creative projects. To this end, JUNO aim for Munken’s fresh identity was “to underline its premium quality, Swedish heritage and its design brand character,” without losing the spirit it has cultivated over the centuries. The rebrand began with the Munken CoLab, a creative and collaborative initiative with the intention to nurture partnerships across the creative industry in order to produce new thoughtful and inventive concepts – citing engagement, diversity and collaboration as the roots of creativity, as well as core to Munken’s philosophy. “The brand Munken has always been about nature, design and creativity,” JUNO tells us, explaining the pioneering environmental spirit Munken has forever maintained “when it comes to nature protection.” With this in mind, “to continue bringing nature and paper in a sound balance, Munken wants to create new solutions with the aid of creatives from different fields,” JUNO recalls, expounding that the Munken CoLab’s future endeavours are to “develop new and sustainable solutions in the areas of paper, publishing and design.”