Our planet is in desperate need of some environmentally friendly materials to be used across every sector of society. Since we have become a more industrialised society, the negative impact on the environment is becoming far more pronounced. To reverse any damage done, we must act immediately. Companies, countries, and individuals themselves are owning up to their environmental responsibility, and signage options are no different. Here we discuss the most impressive eco-friendly signage options you have at your disposal today!
Wood
Not all wood use is considered negative. As long as the wood used is sourced by sustainable means, eco-friendly signs made out of wood will help you meet your environmental standards. Internationally, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) monitors and promotes the correct use of responsible forestry methods. Wooden materials such as these that meet their strict requirements are then certified by the FSC, meaning they don’t contribute to deforestation and can therefore be considered eco-friendly.
Bamboo
Though it is technically grass, bamboo is a fantastically sustainable signage material. Because bamboo won’t die once it is harvested and simply grows back within days, this makes it a brilliantly sustainable material that renews in a rapid amount of time. Bamboo will also absorb carbon dioxide from the environment to benefit the environment further.
Aluminium
Aluminium is lightweight but durable, potentially being the most commonplace material used for signs. It also happens to be the most recyclable material out there. Aluminium can be recycled over and over again, without losing its quality. When you compare this to plastic, which can only be recycled a couple of times at most, it becomes clear why aluminium is so popular as an eco-friendly option for signage.
Aluminium can usually be found in the larger structures of signage. This is because of its durability and strength, along with a lighter weight. For example, projecting signs and lightboxes.
Polypropylene
Light and also durable, polypropylene is an ideal material for signage due in part to the low cost. Polypropylene produces far less solid waste (by weight) than PS, PVC, or PET. There are many applications for recycling that exist for polypropylene, including paint cans, battery cases, flowerpots, pallets, and crates. The material is extremely durable, waterproof, and rigid, in the same way that plastic is, but does not contain PVC. In this way it can provide you with all the benefits of PVC boards such as Foamex, but without the significant negative impact on the planet.
Cardboard/paper
Last but certainly not least, cardboard and paper can both be used in the manufacture of signage. Paper is a material that is one of the most recycled in the world. Just as you would do with wood, you want to make sure that the paper is FSC certified in order to make it as sustainable as possible.
However, cardboard and paper do have certain limitations. They cannot be used for signage outdoors because they aren’t water-resistant. For indoor signage – especially signage that is temporary – paper offers a perfectly eco-friendly signage option. The added benefit of using cardboard is that it is lightweight but also incredibly affordable. This is why you will see it frequently in cardboard signage used in stores or supermarkets, since it can hang from the ceiling to inform customers on products and deals.
Severn Signs are Gloucestershire’s leading sign makers and printers. Severn Signs has grown to become the largest independent and trusted sign makers in Gloucestershire, with a knowledge of the sign business that’s second to none. If you’re a new or existing business that’s looking for professional and experienced sign makers in or around the Gloucester area, then take a look at our website www.severnsigns.co.uk or give us a call on 01452 739 156 – we’d be happy to help!