Our Values

At Smart Set, values are not a marketing angle. They are the foundation of how we make decisions, how we treat people, and how we approach every printed piece that moves through our shop. We believe that great printing should be thoughtful, responsible, and rooted in care for both people and the planet.

As a Certified B Corp printer for over a decade, we are part of a global community of businesses that meet rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. This certification is not just a label. It is a commitment we actively uphold through our daily practices, long term goals, and relationships with clients, employees, and the broader community.

We take pride in being the only Certified B Corp printer in Minnesota. That distinction reflects years of intentional choices, from how we source materials to how we structure our workplace and contribute to the world around us.

Environmental Responsibility Through Digital Printing

One of the core ways we live our values is through our commitment to digital printing. We chose digital production not only because of its quality and flexibility, but also because of its significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional offset processes.

Digital printing eliminates the need for toxic inks or chemicals used in conventional offset printing. It produces almost no makeready waste, meaning far less paper is discarded during setup. All of our waste and scrap paper is recycled directly to paper mills. This reduction in waste allows us to be more responsible with resources while still delivering high quality results for our clients.

We also take responsibility for our consumable materials. All eligible parts are returned to manufacturers for refurbishment rather than ending up in landfills. This closed loop approach reflects our belief that sustainability should be built into every step of production.

To make responsible choices easier for our clients, we print any job on 100 percent post consumer recycled paper at no additional charge. We also use plant based toner, reducing reliance on petroleum based materials and supporting a cleaner printing process.

A Union Print Shop That Values People

We are proud to be a union print shop in Minneapolis as members of The News Guild, a division of the Communication Workers of America. This affiliation reflects our commitment to fair labor practices, worker dignity, and shared accountability.

Being a union shop means more than collective bargaining. It means we value our employees as skilled professionals whose expertise, creativity, and care make our work possible. We invest in their growth, safety, and well being because we believe that ethical treatment of workers leads to better craftsmanship and stronger relationships with our clients.

We pay a living wage and provide benefits because we believe that people who make beautiful work deserve stability, respect, and financial security. Our team is not just a workforce. They are partners in our mission to produce thoughtful, high quality printing with integrity.

A Long Standing Community Partner

Smart Set has been part of the Minneapolis creative and business community since 1986. Over nearly four decades, we have worked alongside artists, designers, small businesses, nonprofits, educators, and organizations that care about craft and purpose.

Our history is deeply tied to this city. We have grown alongside the local creative scene, supported emerging artists, and provided reliable printing for community driven initiatives. Many of our clients have worked with us for years, building relationships based on trust, quality, and shared values.

Giving back is an essential part of who we are. Each year, we donate 5 percent of our profits to community organizations and causes that align with our mission. This is a meaningful way to reinvest in the people and places that have supported us throughout our history.

Printing With Intention

Our values shape how we approach every project, no matter how big or small. We see printing as a collaborative process that connects people, ideas, and impact.

When you work with Smart Set, you are partnering with a B Corp printer that prioritizes thoughtful decision making, ethical production, and meaningful relationships. Whether you are printing cards, posters, books, wedding materials, or fine art, your project is handled with care and respect.

Why Our Values Matter to Your Project

Choosing where to print is not just a technical decision. It is also an ethical one. The printer you work with shapes how your project is made, who benefits from it, and what impact it has beyond the final product.

By choosing Smart Set, you are choosing a partner that treats workers fairly, minimizes environmental harm, and invests in the community. You can feel confident that your work is being produced in a way that aligns with your own values.

Let’s Work Together

If your values align with ours and you are ready to start a project, you can upload your files through our site or reach out through our Contact Us page. If you are still exploring ideas, we are happy to talk through your goals and help you find the best path forward.

We look forward to partnering with you to create work that looks great, feels intentional, and does good in the world.