Corporate gala dinners and award nights are dazzling showcases — moments where brands shine, people connect, and months of meticulous planning unfold in just a few short hours. But once the applause fades and the ballroom lights come up, there’s a less glamorous scene that often follows: the clean-up.
The waste left behind at major corporate events can be staggering. One repeat offender we noticed at Dovetail was the humble plastic centrepiece — a staple of the event industry for years. They’re chosen because they’re sturdy, customisable, and can be illuminated to display sponsor logos beautifully under ambient lighting.
But here’s the problem: for an event of 400 guests, that’s around 40 hard plastic centrepieces heading straight to landfill at the end of the night. Occasionally, one or two might be repurposed as party hats in the afterparty festivities — but most are simply thrown away.
At Dovetail, we believe every event should not only celebrate success but also reflect responsibility.
From Plastic to Paper: Reinventing the Centrepiece
With more than 30 years of print experience, our team turned to a simple yet powerful idea — replace plastic with paper.
Paper is renewable, recyclable, and, with the right treatment, just as striking under lights. The challenge was finding a stock strong enough to hold its shape, smooth enough to print sponsor branding clearly, and translucent enough for illumination without visible texture or flecking.
After months of testing every digital-friendly artboard and stock available — experimenting with weight, translucency, and strength — and in partnership with one of our trusted Sydney print partners, we found the perfect material.
The result? A durable, paper-based centrepiece that’s cheaper to produce, easier to recycle, and every bit as beautiful as its plastic predecessor.
Designed for Creativity — and Sustainability
Since this breakthrough, we’ve developed a range of shapes and formats including circular tubes, diamond pyramids, and cube-style lampshades — each designed to transform any event space while dramatically reducing environmental impact.
Creative applications are endless:
- Anniversary dinners – Feature a different historical photo or milestone on each centrepiece.
- Award nights – Give each sponsor a spotlight while keeping a cohesive design theme.
- Corporate Gala’s – Use centrepieces to tell brand stories, highlight partners, or celebrate achievements.
Every paper-based centrepiece can be customised for your event theme, colour palette, and lighting setup — all while helping your organisation make a measurable step toward sustainability.
Small Change. Big Impact.
Not every event requires a branded centrepiece. But when it does, choosing a recyclable, paper-based option from Dovetail means you’re making a smarter choice — for your brand, your budget, and the planet.
So, if your next corporate event calls for an elegant, sustainable, and fully customisable alternative to plastic, Dovetail has the answer.
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