ENVIRONMENT / NEWS 14 Market analyst Keypoint Intelligence has said environmental sustainability will continue to play a major role in shaping the shape and trends of wide-format print for at least the next four years. In its latest report entitled ‘Wide-Format Print Market Forecast: 2021-2026’, Keypoint cites sustainability as a factor in the evolution of the wide-format market. According to Keypoint, demand for sustainability will continue to grow, with efforts to address this including the use of nonPVC materials, reduction of harsh chemicals in ink, and error and waste reduction. In addition, the report highlights how turnaround times are shortening, leading to the rise in webto-print and workflow automation. “While it’s not expected that print service providers (PSPs) will become 100% automated, web-toprint systems, digital MIS, and production tracking software usage continue to grow as PSPs to produce more products with fewer resources as a result of increased expectations from print buyers,” Keypoint principal analyst Eric Zimmerman says. Clear Channel boosts number of Bee Bus Stops Clear Channel UK has continued its work to improve pollution and biodiversity in UK cities The report says demand for sustainability will continue to grow Novograf calls for more environmental excellence Design and graphic company Novograf has reached out to companies urging them to look at how they can use their commercial property to create impactful environmental branding and enhance their own image. Environmental branding, Novograf says, fuses a number of design features such as graphics, interior design and signage, to create an immersive brand experience. As all these elements have a visual and emotive impact, Novograf says they offer the ideal way for companies to get their green message across – something that is becoming more important in the modern, competitive market. “It can have a great impact on the customers’ journey and decision-making process,” Novograf says, adding: “Having a memorable experience starts from first impressions to the moment they leave through the door, and this can make or break a deal. “Having a pleasant physical space isn’t enough anymore. Customers are looking for a one-of-a-kind branding experience in a highly competitive market.” Sustainability to drive trends Graphics and signage can showcase a company’s environmental message Out-of-home (OOH) company Clear Channel UK has celebrated the installation of its 100th Living Roof in Cardiff following a successful rollout to locations like Glasgow, Brighton, Bristol, and Sunderland. Clear Channel sees the milestone as just a stepping stone in its overall ambition to install 1,000 Living Roofs or 1 in 30 bus shelters nationwide. The bus stops, also known as Bee Bus Stops, have been created to encourage flying insects in the UK and aide in the resurgence of flower-rich locations. Clear Channel sees the initiative as a way of creating a healthy ecological network across the country instead of in isolated scenarios. The Living Roofs use plants selected by Clear Channel UK and the Wildlife Trusts, and also absorb rainwater and heat through thoughtfully fabricated modular structures. Cardiff Council’s cabinet member for climate change, Cllr Caro Wild, says: “The Bee Bus Stops help build nature and biodiversity into the fabric of cities. There are 11 Bee Bus Stops in Cardiff now, with many more to come in the future, and that’s the key, individually one bus stop roof isn’t a huge amount of space for nature, but if you think about the number of bus stops in a city, it soon adds up to something much more significant.” Will Ramage, Clear Channel’s managing director, says: "Reaching this tremendous milestone speaks volumes about how integral our Bee Bus Stops can be to creating greener communities for all.” Locations like Bristol have recently acted as test locations for replacing bus shelters and improving the biodiversity of the city. Speaking about the development, Ramage says: “As a company, we have a real responsibility towards the local communities that we operate in. The projects we’re helping to set up and support will have a tangible positive impact on the lives of many people from the likes of Bristol and we hope to see more Living Roofs across the city in the future.” Councillor Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, adds: “Replacing bus shelters that have come to the end of their useable lives with the Living Roof system could help us to bring down air pollution at the roadside and give a boost to our bee population. “This trial, being carried out at no charge to the council, will help us decide whether Living Roofs are right for the city.” By David Osgar By Rob Fletcher By Rob Fletcher www.signlink.co.uk February / March 2023 - Issue 245 @signlink @signlink @signlinkmagazine
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