Start-up 250gram, based in Cape Town, which lets Instagram users print images from their picture feed in a Polaroid-type format, has been launched, hoping to tap into the growing interest in the social image-sharing service.

The company requires a minimum of 15 Instagram prints to be ordered at a cost of R4/print (a total of R60), which are then delivered for a flat fee of R30.

The prints measure 105mm x 90mm, with a square printed area of 82mm x 82mm on high-quality, 250g/m² Lustre photographic paper using long-lasting ink.

“We began with the idea to revive photographic print culture by providing an online digital printing service that connects with your Instagram account,” says owner Lucas Adams.

Adams says timing, opportunity and his ever-growing interest in the digital world spurred his interest in 250gram. He also owns Kraftisan.co.za, a company that designs, builds and sells laptop stands, lights and pinboards using local materials.

250gram has an online payment engine that accepts credit and debit cards, the ability to send an order as a gift to someone else with a special message, and customisable gift vouchers that can be e-mailed.

“The new prints are no longer square, but rather utilise a Polaroid format with the traditional white bottom section. We also worked very hard on our new ‘freshly sealed’ packaging,” says Adams.

If you are going to do something, whether it be packaging design or a product, you have to try your best to elegantly execute all the elements right, down to the ‘development pics you post on Facebook’, says Adams.

“I’m interested in the world of minimalist design, especially in the Japanese and Scandinavian contexts. The concept of ‘less, but better’ has something to teach everyone in design.”

250gram has a second service, called #SocialPrinting, that caters to brands and companies. “It allows guests at a party to interact with a brand via Instagram, and the reward for this interaction is beautifully printed Polaroids from us, at the event.”