Recognising a need to improve the impact of signage and printed banner waste, Probo, one of the largest print and sign companies in Europe, has launched SignAgain. The product is the very first sheet material made from used banners and printed offcuts and offers a fully circular solution to signage applications. Based in Dokkum, Netherlands, Probo employs 350 full-time employees and produces a range of products such as canvases, panels, posters, textiles, stickers, and labels. Everything at the production facility is fully automated and completed 100% in-house with the company’s main focus being on innovation. “By continually anticipating changes or creating changes, Probo distinguishes itself in the digital print market,” explains Jordy de Jong, brand builder at Probo. The launch of SignAgain is a great example of the way the company looks for ways to improve processes within the print and sign industry. Described as “just the beginning”, SignAgain is the very first 100% circular sheet material in print made entirely from used banners and cutting waste. “The goal is to no longer buy and sell print once, but rather bring it into the loop and keep it there,” de Jong says. “We are aware of the environmental impact print has, and as an industry we are the owner of this problem. We want to give print an endless lease on life and transform it into zero-waste circular products and materials.” The topic of sustainability is not a new one and when quizzed on why now was the right time to launch this product, de Jong describes the industry as being on a tipping point with many printed materials disposed of after use. He also raises the issue that whilst there is a rise in the number of recyclable materials available, these are not actually being recycled due to there not being clear options to do so. “With SignAgain we want to stop wasting print materials and commit to full circularity. To this end, we process factory waste and turn used prints into new sheet materials for printing. In this way, print remains affordable and available and we are not dependent on increasingly scarce raw materials.” So, how does it work? Once the cutting waste has been collected, it is processed into regrind and pressed into new printable rigid sheets. As well as being used for signage, SignAgain can also be used for applications such as flooring and for other wall and interior purposes. The product is water repellent, bendable, fire retardant, and can be recycled again and again. In the rollout of SignAgain, Probo has opted for a franchise community model to enable the quick upscaling of SignAgain. Within this model, the company will offer the brand, licence, hardware, technology, product development, and support and training; and the franchisee will be able to contribute to a sustainable story, operate using a new business model, and bring production in-house. “Only together we can change the print and advertising industry into zero waste and make SignAgain available across the world. If we want to make an impact on scale, we need to do so internationally and together as an industry. This is why we are looking for partners to become part of this sustainable journey,” de Jong concludes. You can find out more about SignAgain by visiting www.signagain.com or by contacting nosigntowaste@signagain.com or signagain@probo.nl. New innovative recycled sheet material launches By Carys Evans Probo, one of the largest print and sign companies in Europe, has developed an innovative signage solution, SignAgain of Probo’s work is produced in-house 100% 14 Issue 247 - June / July 2023 www.signlink.co.uk ◄ Probo has launched the very first 100% circular sheet material in print made entirely from used banners and cutting waste ► According to Probo, 4.9kg of banner material can be turned into 1m2 of SignAgain material ◄ The offcuts of banner material are regrinded and pressed into the new printable material ENVIRONMENT / NEWS @signlink @signlink @signlinkmagazine
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