The renewable materials manufacturer has teamed up with board game experts Game Brewer, French artist Jules Dubost, and specialist production house Cartamundi to create Arboro – a board game that deploys different FSC-certified paper stocks for specific functions including paper money.

Arboro, inspired by the Latin word for tree, is described as “a strategic board game that brings the sustainability story of modern papermaking to life through creative gameplay”.

Players compete to become ‘Papermaker of the Month’ by being the best at managing the papermaking process.

Sappi Europe head of marketing Conor Evers commented: “We've created something truly unique here... This immersive game experience lets players discover our technical capabilities whilst engaging with our sustainability story in an entirely new way.”

The game is described as challenging and thought-provoking, with outcomes based on strategy rather than just luck.

Players are tasked with managing forests, water resources and energy production in “a unique blend of competition and cooperation”, as players also need to work together to sustain the circular economy. 

The box and game board are made using Fusion Embossed papers, while action cards have been produced on Algro Design Duo for repeated play handling.

The paper money is on Magno Matt, with the rulebook on uncoated Magno Volume.

Evers said that game publishers were increasingly looking for sustainable production methods but without compromising quality.

“With Arboro, we're demonstrating how innovative paper solutions can enhance both the playing experience and environmental credentials of modern board games.”

Sappi said the game helped bring its paper portfolio to life through design, tactility, and storytelling.

Copies of Arboro are available on request for stakeholders in the printing, packaging, board game publishing and design communities.