Gelato Self Printing

Pioneer in the print-on-demand industry

Summary

Gelato Self Printing is a forward-thinking technology company revolutionizing the manufacturing and logistics landscape for creators and makers worldwide. Unlike traditional manufacturers, Gelato does not own physical assets but instead focuses on developing cutting-edge software that connects e-commerce entrepreneurs with local production hubs and printers. By leveraging the world’s largest network of production and logistics partners, Gelato enables the production of personalized goods in 32 countries, reaching over 5 billion people globally. This unique approach transforms how businesses and consumers access and create personalized products.

History

The journey of Gelato began with its founder, who brought a wealth of leadership experience as the former CEO of Tele2 Norway, a $400 million telecom company. Driven by a desire to innovate and make a global impact, Gelato was built by a team of technology experts passionate about enabling creators and makers to succeed. With a clear focus on simplifying production and reducing environmental footprints, Gelato emerged as a transformative force in the world of on-demand manufacturing.

Gelato has redefined traditional manufacturing by shifting from centralized mass production to localized, on-demand production. This approach ensures products are created only when ordered, reducing overproduction and wastage. By producing goods closer to end consumers—such as manufacturing an item in California for a Californian buyer—Gelato drastically cuts transportation emissions and eliminates the need for carbon-heavy air freight. With advancements in 3D printing technology, the company is amplifying these benefits, enabling precise, on-demand manufacturing with reduced material waste, while supporting local economies and fostering sustainability.

Gelato operates through three distinct business lines, each addressing specific needs within the production ecosystem. GelatoCreate empowers creators and entrepreneurs to launch global on-demand production services without upfront investment, connecting them to new markets and customers through Gelato’s expansive network of local production partners. GelatoConnect is a comprehensive print production software that streamlines operations for production hubs, optimising efficiency and quality with a mobile-friendly, machine-agnostic platform. Finally, Optimalprint, the company’s consumer-focused division, has played a foundational role in refining Gelato’s production workflows and delivering high-quality products to customers across 23 countries.

Gelato is just at the beginning of its journey, driven by the philosophy of being “smarter, faster, and greener.” The company’s relentless commitment to innovation and sustainability continues to inspire a growing community of creators, entrepreneurs, and makers. By embracing local production and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Gelato aims to reshape global manufacturing for a more sustainable and inclusive future. Together, the Gelato team and its partners are charting a path toward a greener, more efficient world of personalized production.

In the latest news, e-commerce sellers on the US Amazon marketplace can now supercharge their business with Gelato’s integration with Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer. This collaboration enables creators to connect their stores in minutes and sell and distribute their products through Gelato, without the hassles of managing inventory, production or shipping. “The Amazon x Gelato integration helps empower the global creator economy by coupling the world’s largest online marketplace with the world’s largest network for production on demand,” says Gelato Founder and CEO Henrik Müller-Hansen. “Amazon’s vast reach and Gelato’s robust network of local makers gives anyone the opportunity to scale their business in a way that is better for people and the planet.”

Vision

Gelato envisions a world where creativity and innovation thrive without the barriers of geographic constraints, environmental impact, or logistical complexities. By revolutionizing traditional printing through its global print-on-demand platform, Gelato aims to empower businesses and individuals to share their ideas and products with the world seamlessly. The company is committed to fostering sustainability by prioritizing localized production, reducing waste, and minimizing carbon emissions. This vision aligns with their goal of building a more eco-friendly and accessible future, where anyone can turn their creative ambitions into tangible, high-quality products delivered efficiently to a global audience.

At the heart of Gelato’s vision lies a dedication to democratizing access to premium printing technology. Gelato strives to eliminate the challenges associated with traditional supply chains, enabling entrepreneurs, designers, and artists to scale their operations without significant upfront investment or risk. By continuously innovating and expanding their platform’s capabilities, Gelato aspires to be the go-to solution for creators seeking flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency. Their mission extends beyond providing a service; it is about inspiring and supporting a global community of creators to realize their dreams, grow their businesses, and connect with customers in meaningful ways.

Mission Statement

Gelato’s mission is to make global printing simple, sustainable, and accessible for everyone. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a distributed network of local print partners, the company is committed to eliminating inefficiencies in traditional printing and logistics. Gelato’s approach allows individuals and businesses to produce high-quality, customized products that are printed and delivered close to their customers, reducing environmental impact and shipping costs. Through this mission, Gelato not only supports the growth of small and large enterprises alike but also champions a more sustainable way of doing business in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Central to Gelato’s mission is its dedication to empowering creators and entrepreneurs by removing barriers to entry in the print-on-demand industry. The company provides tools and resources to enable users to focus on their passions—whether it’s creating art, building a brand, or scaling a business—while Gelato handles the complexities of printing, inventory management, and logistics. Gelato’s mission is not just about offering a service; it is about creating opportunities for innovation, fostering a global community of creators, and contributing to a more sustainable and efficient economy for everyone involved.

Products And Services

Gelato Self Printing offers a seamless solution for businesses and individuals to create and distribute custom printed products with ease. Specializing in print-on-demand technology, Gelato provides a broad range of customizable products, including apparel, wall art, photo books, stationery, mugs, and more. With an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency, Gelato’s global network of local printing partners allows users to produce and ship products closer to their end consumers, reducing carbon emissions and delivery times. This system ensures a streamlined production process and eliminates the need for holding inventory, saving time, money, and resources while maintaining high-quality standards for every order.

In addition to its extensive product catalog, Gelato also provides an integrated suite of services to support its users in scaling their businesses. These services include intuitive design tools, integrations with leading e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce, and automated order processing systems. Users can also leverage Gelato’s analytics and reporting features to gain insights into sales trends, customer preferences, and operational efficiency. By combining cutting-edge technology with a customer-centric approach, Gelato empowers businesses to focus on growth and creativity while handling the complexities of printing and logistics in the background.

Recognition And Awards

Gelato has earned widespread recognition as a pioneer in the print-on-demand and global logistics industry. Its innovative approach to localized production and commitment to sustainability have been applauded by businesses, environmental organizations, and industry leaders alike. Gelato’s unique model, which eliminates the need for centralized production and long-distance shipping, has positioned the company as a trailblazer in reducing carbon footprints while maintaining efficiency and quality. Esteemed industry publications and platforms have highlighted Gelato’s efforts to combine technology and eco-conscious practices, solidifying its reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the printing sector.

The company’s accolades extend to partnerships and endorsements from global e-commerce platforms and creative communities that rely on Gelato for seamless product creation and distribution. Recognized for its ability to adapt and scale with market demands, Gelato has received awards for innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. This industry recognition underscores Gelato’s dedication to providing creators and businesses with sustainable, efficient, and accessible solutions, affirming its place as a trusted and reliable partner in the rapidly evolving print-on-demand landscape.

Leadership Team

  • Henrik Müller-Hansen Founder CEO
  • Rebecca Razulis COO
  • Jose I. Herrero CFO
  • Minna Philipson CMO
  • Bobby Edmundowicz CRO

References