What Are My Eco-Friendly Signage Options?
Choosing Environmentally Friendly Signage
Our planet is in a crisis, and it has been for quite some time. Ever since society’s industrialisation, our negative impact on the environment has rapidly increased. And to reverse the damage done we have to act now. Fortunately, a fresh wind is blowing.Â
Countries, companies, and individuals alike are increasingly owning up to their (corporate) social responsibility, implementing eco-friendly solutions and setting carbon footprint goals. And this includes the signage industry, which is eagerly innovating with new types of eco-friendly signage to play its part.
Eco-friendly signs use sustainable, renewable materials as opposed to the non environmentally friendly materials and finishes traditionally used in signs. For example, instead of using PVC or other plastics, which can take hundreds of years to biodegrade, eco-conscious companies have started using recyclable materials like wood or polypropylene instead.
So by choosing eco-friendly signage, you and your business can still advertise and display your brand just the way you like it while still hitting your carbon footprint targets. Curious to find out what your eco-friendly signage options are? Then read on!
Wood & Bamboo
Wood
You probably straight away think of deforestation and its negative impact on the environment. But not all wood use is bad.
Why is it eco-friendly?
As long as the wood is sourced sustainably this natural material can be used in eco-friendly signs that help you meet your environmental objectives.
The international Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) promotes and monitors the use of responsible forestry. Wooden materials that meet their strict requirements are FSC certified, which means they do not contribute to deforestation and are therefore eco-friendly.
How can it be used in signage?
The possible applications of wood in signage range from large, eye-catching external signs like monoliths or shop fronts to indoor panelling or bespoke letters and logos.
Some of the most commonly used species by signage companies are Marine Plywood, Oak, and Birch Plywood.
Bamboo
Though technically grass, Bamboo, also known as the signage super material, is an incredibly sustainable signage material.
Why is it eco-friendly?
Did you know that bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world, with certain bamboo species that can grow up to 91 centimetres per day?
And unlike most trees, once you harvest bamboo the plant won’t die and it will simply grow back in a matter of days. This makes it a super sustainable material that naturally renews extremely quickly. Bamboo also absorbs CO2 to further benefit the environment.
How can it be used in signage?
Bamboo is hard, strong, and durable, which makes it a great alternative to materials like plastic. It can easily be pressed into different forms like beams or sheets and has been used in all sorts of signage.
Whether you need outdoor sign panels or indoor wayfinding signage, bamboo can help your business meet its environmental targets.
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Aluminium & Polypropylene
Aluminium
Durable yet lightweight, aluminium is potentially the most popular material used in signs. And it’s also one of the most eco-friendly signage materials!
Why is it eco-friendly?
Aluminium is the most recyclable material there is. It can be recycled time and again, into infinity, without it losing its quality. Compare this to plastic, which can often only be recycled once or twice, after which it ends up on a landfill harming our planet.
How can it be used in signage?
You find aluminium in the structures of large signage. This is due to aluminium’s high strength and durability, and low weight. Examples include the frames of monoliths, projecting signs, and lightboxes.
Use of aluminium in signage is by no means limited to structures. It can be used in nearly everything: built-up letters, sign panels and much more. Aluminium can be polished, brushed or powder coated, It’s the go-to signage material!
Polypropylene
Durable and light, yet relatively low cost, polypropylene is an ideal material for the creation of signage. It’s also great if you want to make your business more sustainable.
Why is it eco-friendly?
Polypropylene produces less solid waste by weight than PET, PS or PVC. Thus many recycling applications exist: battery cases, paint cans, home storage, flower pots, pallets, crates, composite sheet material, and more.
It is extremely rigid, durable, and waterproof, just like plastic, but it doesn’t contain any PVC. All the benefits of PVC boards (like Foamex), but without the heavy negative impact on the planet!
How can it be used in signage?
Polypropylene is often used for display boards, printed banners, and similar types of signage. In particular, the use of polypropylene has been a massive game-changer in hoarding panels. Just think of how many m2Â of hoarding is destined for the landfill every year …
Paper & Cardboard
Paper / Cardboard Based Materials
Last, but not least, in our list of eco-friendly signage solutions is paper and cardboard. Though unexpected, these can be used in signage manufacture.
Why is it eco-friendly?
Paper is one of the most recycled materials in the world. As with wood, you do want to ensure FSC-certified paper is used to make it as sustainable as possible.
How can it be used in signage?
Paper and cardboard do have their limitations. You cannot use them for outdoor signage as they are not water-resistant. But, for indoor signage – especially temporary signage – paper offers an eco-friendly signage solution.
An added bonus of using cardboard is that it is a highly affordable material that’s incredibly lightweight as well. This is one of the reasons why you see cardboard signage used a lot in supermarkets or stores, hanging from the ceiling to tell customers about the latest offers and discounts.
Conclusion
If you want your business to meet its environmental goals you need to think eco-friendly in every possible area. And that definitely includes the signs and banners and panels you use to display your brand.Â
Luckily for you, more and more signage companies are looking into new, innovative ways to offer the same signage quality, without harming the planet.
Do you need eco-friendly signage for your business?Â
Then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of friendly experts.
