Did you know that most billboards and storefront signs contribute to an ever-growing pile of waste, leaching harmful chemicals into our soil and water? Historically, inks, solvents, substrates, and even the printing process have made large format sign printing environmentally problematic. Thankfully, times are changing.

New printing techniques and innovative materials have brought greener alternatives to the forefront. And just in time, too. “Going green” isn’t just a catchphrase anymore. It can also impact the bottom line, as clients tend to favor printing providers that focus on sustainable materials. With this in mind, we’ve put together a guide to help you choose durable, high-quality, green alternatives for your next banner or large-format graphics.

Traditional Large Sign Printing Materials vs Sustainable Materials

Traditional non-sustainable materials have always been the go-to because they are lightweight, durable, and affordable. But their environmental footprint is significant. Plastics, like PVC board, and other non-biodegradable substrates are tried and true favorites because they are inexpensive and can stand the test of time (and the elements).

Traditional solvent inks are also problematic. Some contain substances that pose potential health risks to humans and the environment as they degrade. So even if a large format sign is printed on eco-friendly material, the inks can make recycling difficult. Here is a breakdown of several types of sustainable materials available to wide format printing companies.

Going Green: Sustainable Materials and Inks

Small formatting printing was the first to shift to sustainable materials and practices. Large formatting printing has been slower to adapt, mainly due to size, durability, and price point. Fortunately, the industry has caught up and now there are several green alternatives for large format print providers.

Types of Sustainable Substrates

Two immediate alternative substrates are canvas, a rigid biodegradable material and soft signage options like fabric banners set in tension displays. However, several PVC-free plastics and recyclable materials are now available for large sign and banner printing.

Paperboard – Paperboard is a paper-based material that comes in a variety of grades and provides a sturdy, rigid surface suitable for printing signs and displays. Kroma Displayboard is a popular paperboard substrate made of paper fiber from renewable raw materials and is 100% sustainable and recyclable.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) – PET is a recyclable plastic material often made from consumer plastics like bottles or jugs. It can be a sustainable substitute for PVC in various applications, including large format printing.
Polypropylene – PP vinyl, or polypropene, is a 100% recyclable thermoplastic polymer suitable for heavy-duty outdoor vinyl signs, shop backdrops, and other durable large format print needs.
Honeycomb board – Also known as corrugated plastic board or corrugated polypropylene, honeycomb board is fully recyclable, reducing waste and conserving resources. Its lightweight construction and durability ensures a longer lifespan. Falconboard, one of the materials offered by Color Reflections, is an example of this type of PVC-free substrate.
Styrene – Styrene is plastic and so it can still sit in landfills for decades without decay. But its simple polymer structure makes it possible for this substrate to be recycled into new products.
Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) – ACM is a sustainable alternative to PVC vinyl for large sign printing. It is lightweight yet rigid, highly durable, and weather-resistant. While it’s not biodegradable, it can be recycled rather than sent to a landfill.
Kavalan – Kavalan is a new and excellent alternative to PVC vinyl banners. It’s an innovative, PVC-free, lightweight and durable substrate that features a polyester base fabric coated with a biodegradable, water-based coating made from natural polymers.

Not sure whether you should use grommets, pole pockets, or zip ties to hang your banner? Check out our guide for hanging large banners.

Types of Eco-Friendly Inks

Sustainable inks prioritize non-toxic formulations that are safe for both human health and the environment. They minimize or eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring safer handling and disposal practices. Here are some of the sustainable ink alternatives that can be used to help keep substrates biodegradable.

Eco-solvent Ink – Remarkably low in harmful VOCs, these ink blends get up to half of their composition from environmentally safe sources like plants and biomass. Paired with LED curing technologies rather than traditional mercury-based methods, they ensure vibrant prints with a significantly lighter carbon footprint.
Latex Ink – These inks are 70% water-based and rival traditional solvents in substrate penetration and recyclability. They also excel with their fully biodegradable properties, degrading naturally. Odorless, gas-free, and completely devoid of environmentally damaging VOCs, latex inks allow for safer indoor printing applications.
Algae Ink – Unlike conventional inks that derive their black pigment from petroleum, these innovative inks utilize renewable algae cells, making them a more environmentally friendly option. Traditional inks contribute significantly to carbon emissions, but algae inks have the potential to reduce these emissions by up to 200 percent. They’re also good for outdoor signage as they are UV light-resistant.
UV inks – While not 100% biodegradable, these inks take the spotlight in resource-efficient printing. Designed to outpace traditional inks by avoiding evaporation losses and employing a heat drying process, these inks proficiently use up to 20% less product. Integrating UV lamps directly with the printhead equates to on-the-spot ink curing, boosting throughput while advocating for reduced ecological impact.

Speaking of UV, the ink-printing process itself has also become more eco-friendly. Using LED UV curing methods versus traditional mercury lamps for large format printing consumes less energy and does not emit ozone or mercury vapors.

Color Reflections Focuses on Sustainable Large Format Printing

The choice to go eco-friendly with large sign printing is more than a nod to environmentalism. It’s a commitment to a healthier planet and, ultimately, a healthier business model. There are also certifications that recognize sustainability, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED is a globally recognized green building rating system that offers a blueprint for creating efficient, cost-saving, and sustainable buildings. Signage or graphics that are eco-friendly help businesses achieve LEED certification.

By selecting sustainable materials, inks, and printing methods, Color Reflection significantly lessens our environmental impact while still printing and installing high-quality, vibrant, and durable signs and banners. Contact our team today to learn more about sustainable options for your next large banner, trade show display, or event signage.

The post Eco-Friendly Choices for Large Sign Printing appeared first on Large Format Printing & Event Graphics.