THE 6 BEST SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS FOR ECO-FRIENDLY SIGNS

If there was ever a sign to go green, this is it. Discover the best sustainable signage materials you can use to make a lasting impact on your clients and the planet. As climate change threatens our environment, taking action to become more sustainable as a business is essential. This includes company signage. With 56 million tonnes of paper recycled in 2020 and 80% of paper now recycled each year in the UK, further innovation in the industry is developing eco-friendly alternatives to signage across materials, inks and renewable energy for manufacturing processes.   The question is, where do you start? In this guide, we provide a thorough breakdown of all the best materials for your eco-friendly signage solutions to help remove some of the guesswork. WHY ARE ECO-FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS IMPORTANT FOR SIGNAGE? Eco-friendly signs play a significant role in sustainable practices for printing and signage brands alongside companies who require their services. Due to the nature of business for many years, the print and signage industry developed strong associations with disposable practices and a “throw-away” culture. Because with paper and ink at the heart of the sector, the challenge of adaptation and evolution proves more difficult when these issues are so entrenched. Issues such as office waste, harmful chemicals in ink, plastic cartridges and general leftover stock will all add to the overall carbon and environmental footprint. But for the past few years, things have started to change for the better, with more businesses adopting sustainable practices to meet national net-zero objectives. Plus, showing consumers and clients that you care about the environment provides a crucial business incentive based on values and vision for the future. A report in 2022 from the Office for National Statistics claimed that 65% of UK consumers consider the environmental impact of products they buy. So, it pays to go green. Now, eco-friendly signs include various benefits such as reducing waste, upcycling and investing in recycled materials alongside purchasing high-quality signage products with long-lasting properties. 6 ECO-FRIENDLY SIGNAGE MATERIALS While reducing waste is a crucial component of sustainable signage, you can also take a step closer to hitting net-zero objectives or reducing your carbon footprint by investing in signage made from sustainable materials. Here’s a list of the best options on the market:
  1. PVC-FREE BANNERS
When it comes to the growing threat of climate change and environmental pollution we are all in the same boat. We all do our bit to cut down in our day-today lives, but what about the millions of square metres of PVC banner material used to advertise our businesses and events? PVC-free banners are made from robust polyester base with a PVC-free non-toxic resin coating. With the performance, look, and feel of traditional PVC, these banners can provide a durable eco-friendly sign material suitable for inside and outside conditions. A guaranteed GREEN ending! Regardless of whether you decide to recycle your signage, you can rest in the knowledge that PVC free banners will decompose in landfill like paper and will burn cleanly if incinerated, no longer releasing toxic chlorine or dioxins as a PVC banner would. Your PVC-free banner is also a versatile material ideal for multiple signage applications with stitching and welding properties.
  1. PVC-FREE VINYL GRAPHICS
PVC-free vinyl graphics made from polyester are great eco-friendly sign solutions for printing and imprinted designs. They offer plasticiser and phthalate-free properties for full recycling capabilities. The PVC-free potential of vinyl graphics for eco-friendly signage also means they do not contain chlorine, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or halogenated fire retardants. Instead of these harmful substances, PVC-free vinyl graphics will use water-based inks and coatings.
  1. RECYCLED ACRYLIC
Despite its plastic associations, acrylic is a sustainable material due to its highly recyclable nature. Even after it’s recycled, acrylic will deteriorate in condition. Acrylic is also notoriously durable and can sustain its quality inside and outside for significant periods compared to other less sustainable plastics. Unlike other plastics, with high UV resistance, acrylic is very weather resistant and can withstand an impressive temperature range. However, despite its recyclable advantages, acrylic is neither compostable nor biodegradable. So, the emphasis on recycling acrylic is essential to remain a sustainable signage material.
  1. RECYCLED FOAM BOARD
Recycled foam board is an ideal eco-friendly material for making numerous sustainable items, including traditional and digital signage. In reclaiming post-production waste, recycled foam board can become 100% recyclable to suit digital and static screen printing alongside vinyl and graphic applications. Plus, with further renewable manufacturing potential, recycled foam board remains lightweight and easy to handle.
  1. RECYCLED CARDBOARD
For printing purposes, cardboard is a highly sustainable signage material solution made from renewable wood. Printing on recycled paper may cost a shade more than regular paper stock but is much less than it once was and continues to fall as sustainability objectives take priority across society. Recycled cardboard is an ideal eco-friendly sign material that can create various packaging solutions alongside printing paper and corrugated cardboard.
  1. DIGITAL SIGNAGE
Investing in digital signage will provide interactive and engaging visuals that captivate your consumers compared to your standard print. In fact, digital signage captures 400% more views than static signage. Compared to paper productions, going digital will reduce water and CO2 emissions with one screen capable of running numerous campaigns.  By producing less waste and using less energy, digital signage is not only a sustainable alternative to traditional signage. It also proves more effective in capturing your consumer’s attention. But before we get carried away in thinking digital signage is entirely eco-friendly, we must remember the energy costs in electricity usage, light pollution, and overall production costs. SPEAK TO A SPECIALIST IN ECO-FRIENDLY SIGNAGE SOLUTIONS PB Signs is a leading print and signage manufacturer, specialising in large format eco-friendly sign solutions for brands and businesses. With 20 years of industry experience and a fast 24-hour promise on project turnaround, we continue to receive five-star ratings from our dynamic client base across the UK. Get in touch today for more information on how we can provide eco-friendly signs and sustainable print solutions for your business. 
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