On November 20th, 2022, the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. This raised a few eyebrows due to the amount of carbon emissions it took to fly out world leaders to the Egyptian coastal city. But a very important matter was agreed upon at COP27. Parties agreed that limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires rapid and committed reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions, with around 200 countries all invited to give their input with the goal of them all reaching net zero by 2050. So, you can see the importance of being a sustainable business in today’s world. A modern day signage company needs to have sustainable practices at the forefront of everything it does. Putting profit before the planet is no longer acceptable, and with plenty of ways to be sustainable, this means businesses can start to make a big difference. To reverse the damage, the time to act is now. Implementing eco-friendly solutions and setting goals to reduce carbon emissions are just a few things a signage company can do to be more sustainable. Focusing on the use of renewable materials in sign-making can have a positive impact. For example, PVC or other types of plastics can take over 100 years to biodegrade and contain toxic additives which can be harmful to consumers. But more eco-conscious materials like wood or polypropylene are much more friendly to the planet, with many businesses starting to see their overall potential for use. January 28th, 2023 marks International Reducing C02 Emissions Day, with the reduction of C02 emissions needing to be the top priority for businesses as the world looks to change its ways. It’s never too late to change, and if you like the sound of being sustainable, then the following businesses offer some tangible examples of what can be achieved within the world of sustainability. The drivers of change One of those drivers is Applelec, a trade supplier of signs, displays, and lighting for over 20 years. The company dedicates immense levels of time and detail to its craft, which includes everything from displays to LED lighting solutions for some of the biggest brands in the world. Michael Crotch, head of Applelec’s signage division, says that when operating in a high waste industry, manufacturers have a responsibility to look both inwards and to THE TIME IS NOW New sustainable methods and technologies are being developed on a regular basis. With an increasing focus on the importance of the environment, could it be that being a sustainable business is the only path to take moving forward? 26 February / March 2023 - Issue 245 www.signlink.co.uk FOCUS ON / BEING SUSTAINABLE
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