What is RISO Printing?
RISO (short for Risograph) printing is a sustainable and energy-efficient printing process known for its bold colors, unique textures, and eco-friendly approach. Unlike traditional digital or offset printing, RISO uses soy-based, biodegradable inks and requires no heat during printing, significantly reducing energy consumption. Additionally, RISO machines work with stencil-based technology, which eliminates the need for toner, harsh chemicals, or excess waste during printing. These qualities make RISO especially popular among artists, designers, activists, and independent publishers, who use it to create low-cost and serialized publications such as zines, posters, art prints, and books. Because of this special printing process, each print may vary slightly, making each one-off and unique.
A shared space for creativity
Publishing in Albania isn’t easy. There’s little support, few investment opportunities, and a small book market. As a result, access to books and independent publications, especially in Albanian language is limited. This is where RISO printing comes in: a low-cost, creative, and sustainable alternative that makes publishing more accessible to artists, writers, and activists. But RISO is more than just a printing method. It’s a tool for collaboration and democratic storytelling. In Albania, where social movements and alternative spaces are often fragmented and underfunded, having a shared creative space is essential. That’s why hbs Tirana established the RISO Printing Lab—a workshop where progressive actors can experiment with self-publishing, and share ideas through print.
Our printing lab
The Tirana Feminist Printing Lab is equipped with everything needed to bring creative projects to life. At its core is the RISO MH9350 machine along with:
- five printing colours
- an electric paper cutter
- a folding machine
- an eletronic stapler
- an electric comb binding machine
With these tools, creators can produce zines, posters, books, and other experimental publications, choosing from a range of binding options.
*A special thanks to TuWas – Stiftung für Gemeinsinn & Stiftung Frauen und Europa for their trust and support in helping us set up our printing lab.
Events
Coming soon – stay tuned for upcoming RISO events and workshops! These sessions will help designers, illustrators, and activist groups get acquainted with RISO printing, explore its creative possibilities, and experiment with self-publishing.
