55 Issue 252 - April / May 2024 email: news@signlink.co.uk Both sheet and resin are manufactured using 100% renewable energy providing a polycarbonate sheet with a carbon saving of over 90% compared to a similar sheet manufactured from 100% fossil-based resin. “Bio-attribution is still in relative infancy as a manufacturing process for plastic sheets but as more bio-materials become available, the opportunity to provide significantly reduced carbon emission plastic substrates will grow,” Brett Martin adds. Another option for large-format printers looking to make more planet friendly choices is Kavalan, a range of PVC-free banner and textile materials. Kavalan first came to market in 2008, with the range having evolved to offer printers access to materials suitable for outdoor and indoor applications ranging from building wraps, billboards and event banners to lightboxes, exhibition materials and wallcoverings. All Kavalan products have completed Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) that confirm their sustainable performance in comparison to traditional PVC banner materials, including a lower carbon footprint and lower water consumption. “The proprietary Kavalan Eco Calculator takes the LCA information and puts insightful and actionable comparable data at the fingertips of print businesses, helping them to demonstrate to their customers the positive impact of switching to PVC-free materials, and win new business on the ▲Matthew Anderson managing director at Sign Trade Supplies strength of the environmental transparency they are able to offer,” Kavalan says. Strengthen Relationships Also well placed to support in this area is Sign Trade Supplies. Matthew Anderson, managing director at Sign Trade Supplies, says embracing sustainability practically, positively, and effectively should be the strict policy of all companies, particularly sign-makers. “For larger companies, this aligns with the principles of corporate social responsibility, while for smaller sign-makers, prioritising environmental care plays an important role in improving society as a whole,” Anderson explains, adding: “For everyone, this fosters positive connections within the industry and strengthens relationships with customers. “Sustainability should not be just a current trend or box-ticking exercise. It is a long-term necessity that benefits everyone. Sign-makers and fitters that integrate sustainable practices into their operations are better positioned to meet market demands and regulations, ensuring longterm viability and success as a company, while fostering a greener, more sustainable future for the world.” Anderson goes on to say that for sign-makers, embracing sustainability is not merely an ethical responsibility; it is essential for maintaining competitiveness, meeting regulatory requirements, ensuring supply chain resilience, reducing costs, and safeguarding brand reputation in an increasingly environmentally conscious marketplace. “Companies that neglect sustainability within their business and the products they sell may find themselves at a disadvantage in purchasing decisions and risk losing what the industry sees as a competitive advantage,” Anderson comments. With this, Anderson goes on to say that Sign Trade Supplies offers a range of sustainable signage solutions tailored to meet the needs of environmentally conscious businesses. Options available include low-carbon aluminium extrusions, which include signposts, sign channels, and signage frames, all of which are manufactured using low-carbon aluminium billets. “Compared to many industry suppliers sourcing from the Far East, our products significantly reduce carbon emissions, making them an environmentally responsible choice,” Anderson says. Also available from Sign Trade Supplies are solutions with powder coat profile finishes, which come in a wide range of styles. Anderson explains that these are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also increase recyclability and reduce carbon footprint compared to traditional methods, such as PVC lining. “With our wood effect finishes, there's no need for a vinyl wrap, allowing for the entire product to be recycled as well as saving time and money on labour,” Anderson says. “At Sign Trade Supplies, we strive to add value to every business we serve. Our commitment to sustainability is evidence of the hard work we have put in to bring tangible benefits to our customers. Our focus is to ensure sign-makers can meet their requirements while minimising their environmental impact.” SUSTAINABLE SIGNAGE MATERIALS For sign-makers still reliant on PVC-based products, now is the time to broaden horizons Foamalux Light Bio from Brett Martin features 25% bioattributed material produced from tall oil, a by-product of the wood pulping process from sustainable forestry 25% ▲ Available from Innotech, Envirotech BIO300 is a biodegradable print media that breaks down naturally over time
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