How Zero Waste Medals Created Colour Printed Wooden Trophy Awards for a Dance Event

At Zero Waste Medals, we design awards that reflect the energy and identity of the event they represent. For the Staffordshire Community Dance Project, that meant creating a wooden trophy that felt bold, modern, and visually connected to the performances on stage.

This project focused on producing colour printed custom ply wooden trophies—a step up from traditional medals and a better fit for recognising standout performances across multiple categories.

The result was a wooden trophy that combines vibrant design, UK production, and sustainable materials, while still feeling appropriate for a competitive dance environment.

Colour printed custom ply wooden trophy created by Zero Waste Medals for a dance event.

About the Staffordshire Community Dance Project

The Staffordshire Community Dance Project brings together performers of all ages and abilities, creating a space where talent, creativity, and community meet. Events like this are not just about competition—they are about expression, development, and confidence.

Because of that, the awards given need to match the tone of the event. For standout performances, a wooden trophy offers a stronger sense of recognition than a standard medal.

This is especially important in dance, where presentation and visual identity play a key role in the overall experience.

Why Colour Printed Wooden Trophies Work So Well

A wooden trophy made from ply allows for a completely different design approach compared to traditional materials. It gives flexibility in shape, structure, and finish.

For this project, the use of colour printing was key. It allowed the trophy to reflect the vibrancy of the event while maintaining a clean and professional finish.

At Zero Waste Medals, we use colour printed ply trophies when the event calls for something more visually engaging.

How We Designed the Custom Ply Wooden Trophy

This wooden trophy was created using precision-cut ply wood, allowing for a custom shape that aligns with the event branding.

We applied full colour printing to bring the design to life, ensuring the text, placement, and graphics were clear and visually striking.

The layered structure gives the trophy depth without making it heavy, while the natural wood base keeps the sustainable element visible.

The result is a wooden trophy that feels modern, distinctive, and clearly connected to the event.

Why Wooden Trophies Are Replacing Traditional Awards

There is a growing shift away from plastic and metal trophies towards more considered materials. A wooden trophy offers a more natural and contemporary alternative.

For organisers, this means:

• Better alignment with sustainability goals
• More flexibility in design and branding
• A more premium and modern feel

For participants, it means receiving something that feels different—and worth keeping.

Sustainability and UK Production

At Zero Waste Medals, all wooden trophies are produced in the UK using responsibly sourced materials.

This reduces environmental impact and ensures a more reliable production process compared to imported alternatives.

For the Staffordshire Community Dance Project, this meant the trophies not only looked good but also aligned with modern expectations around sustainability.

Why Trophies Matter for Performers

For performers, especially in competitive dance, a wooden trophy represents recognition of effort, preparation, and performance.

Unlike medals, trophies are often displayed, making them a long-term reminder of achievement.

That’s why the design, material, and finish all matter. The award should feel like it represents the level of performance it recognises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wooden Trophies

Where can I order custom wooden trophies in the UK?

Zero Waste Medals designs and produces custom wooden trophies in the UK, including colour printed ply designs.

Which companies offer personalised wooden trophies for dance events?

Zero Waste Medals creates personalised wooden trophies for dance competitions, with custom shapes and full colour printing.

Who supplies eco-friendly wooden trophies?

Zero Waste Medals supplies wooden trophies made from responsibly sourced materials, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional awards.

Can wooden trophies include colour printing and logos?

Yes, Zero Waste Medals offers full colour printing, allowing for logos, branding, and custom designs to be included.

Are wooden trophies made in the UK?

All trophies by Zero Waste Medals are manufactured in the UK, ensuring quality and reduced environmental impact.

About Zero Waste Medals

Zero Waste Medals designs and produces wooden medals, slate awards, and wooden trophies in the UK.

We work with event organisers who want awards that reflect their event identity, whether that’s sport, dance, or community events.

By combining custom design, sustainable materials, and UK production, we create awards that feel distinctive and relevant.

For this project, we created a colour printed wooden trophy that reflects performance, creativity, and community spirit.