Beyond Paper: Printing on Cardboard, Cork, and Felt

Take a stroll through the Summit Graphics PDX print shop—or Classic Exhibits, our parent company—and you’ll quickly realize one thing: we’ll print on just about anything. From rigid boards to soft textures, if it fits through our machines, it’s fair game.

Just last week, while weaving through a maze of in-progress projects, I spotted something that made me stop: prints on cork, felt, and even good ol’ fashioned cardboard.

I could almost hear our clients' voices echoing through the shop:

“Boy, those Summit folks… they’ll print on anything!”

And they wouldn’t be wrong. Whether it’s for a trade show, retail pop-up, or branded environment, our team thrives on creativity and craft. We’re not just pushing pixels—we’re solving brand challenges through bold materials and smart design.

The Sustainable Side of Printing

One of the materials that often raises eyebrows is cork. Yes, cork. And no—it’s not endangered. In fact, it’s one of the most sustainable natural materials out there. Don’t believe us? Ask Patrick from the Natural Cork Council. He’s one of our longtime clients, and we recently helped him bring a trade show booth to life—printed cork panels and all.

Cork is renewable, biodegradable, and incredibly versatile for printing. It offers a natural aesthetic that stands out in any event space or corporate installation.