The Munken Agenda project aims to support students by giving them an opportunity to work on longer creative projects as they learn about paper and its benefits as a tool for communication.

For 2026, students from Istituto Europeo di Design, Milan, have designed more than just a calendar. It’s an object that combines planning with creativity – its double-sided format lets you choose between a classic weekly planner (‘Calendar Side’) and a colourful space filled with games, prompts and blank pages (‘Creativity Side’).

Polo & Astro – your companions for the year.

This year’s edition comes to life through two stars who guide the user throughout the year: Polo – the reliable companion of the ‘Calendar Side’, focused on clarity, structure and organisation. Astro – the vibrant spirit of the ‘Creativity Side’, encouraging play, experimentation and self-expression. Together they make Munken Agenda 2026 not just a tool, but an inspiring experience.

The Munken Agenda 2026 concept, STAR(t), was developed by Elienai Barboza, Emma Mapelli, Blu Rigassi and Nour Tabka – students of IED Milan. They are responsible for the entire creative direction of the agenda: from readability and structure to the graphic language, colour palette and the storytelling brought to life by Polo and Astro. The visual identity of the project is inspired by the Aurora Borealis, a tribute to Arctic Paper’s Nordic heritage.

It was printed by Åtta45 using Munken Design Kristall Smooth 400gsm for the cover, and a combination of Kristall, Polar, Lynx and Pure 120gsm in both Smooth and Rough finishes for the text sheets. The book was bound with an open spine, in the style for which the agendas are known.