Tobias Sternbeck is the CEO of Beaver Paper, a leading innovator in the textile and dye sublimation industry. With over four decades of expertise, Beaver Paper has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing textile printing, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and cutting-edge solutions. Under Tobias’s leadership, the company continues to expand its global footprint, delivering innovative products that meet the evolving needs of industries like fashion, sportswear, and digital printing. Known for his customer-centric approach, Tobias is passionate about fostering partnerships and driving advancements in the digital textile world.
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Chris Santomasimo: I’m excited to welcome Tobias Sternbeck to the podcast. Tobias is the CEO of Beaver Paper. He and I had the chance to meet and get to know each other at the Printing United Expo back in October in Las Vegas. As we’re always on the lookout for interesting people talking about what they do and what their company does, Tobias really rose to the top. I’m thrilled to introduce him to our listeners. Tobias, welcome to the podcast!
Tobias Sternbeck: Thank you for having me, Christopher. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Chris Santomasimo: I actually think I get emails from you every single day! It was great meeting you at Printing United and coming up with the idea for this podcast.
Tobias Sternbeck: Absolutely. I’m happy to be here and to introduce your listeners to what Beaver Paper does.
Chris Santomasimo: Fantastic! So, Beaver Paper—just by the name, we can get a general idea of what the company does, but I’d love to learn more about its global connection and the products and offerings you provide. Tobias, take it away.
Tobias Sternbeck: Thank you. Beaver Paper originally started in Canada but moved south to the Atlanta, Georgia area about 45 years ago. The company has always been connected to the textile industry, beginning with products for the cut-and-sewn segment of the market—things like pattern-making paper for cutting fabrics.
In 1999, Beaver Paper became one of the pioneers in the digital world of dye sublimation. From there, we introduced products that the textile printing market—particularly those in the rotogravure and screen-printing industries—needed. Many of our customers had inkjet printers for proofing and weren’t sure how to use them in their operations. That’s where we came in, and the industry has been growing ever since.
Chris Santomasimo: That’s fascinating. Let’s dive into the connection between paper and textiles. Can you explain Beaver Paper’s role in that intersection?
Tobias Sternbeck: Of course. As I mentioned, we started in the cut-and-sewn industry, providing paper used for designing and cutting fabric patterns. Everything we wear—your shirt, my shirt—starts with being cut from a pattern before it’s sewn. That’s where Beaver Paper began, serving this foundational part of the textile industry.
When the market started to go digital, we saw an opportunity to expand into dye sublimation, which has been a transformative technology for the industry.
Chris Santomasimo: For those who aren’t familiar, what exactly is dye sublimation, and how does it fit into your business?
Tobias Sternbeck: Dye sublimation is a process where ink, in a solid state on paper, is transformed into gas using heat. The ink then penetrates polyester fibers, which open up due to the heat. Once cooled, the polyester locks the ink inside, creating vibrant, durable colors. This process works exclusively with polyester, so no cotton or natural fabrics.
You’ll see dye sublimation in sportswear, fashion, and even products like skis or mugs. It’s incredibly versatile, as long as the surface has polyester.
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