Going Green With Eco Friendly Signage

The environmental impact of signage is getting smaller and smaller. Between new technologies, careful design planning, and Earth-friendly materials, it's easier than ever to go green and feel good about business signage. Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor signage, there are environmentally friendly options for you. Below are some great options for creating eco friendly signage as well as some tips for business owners to lessen their environmental impact.

Think about your ink. Traditional inks are solvent-based, and not great for the environment. Fortunately, there are two modern alternatives that do not use solvents. One option is latex inks, which are typically used with banners and foam board, but they can also be applied to rolls of paper or wallpaper.

Another pollutant-free printing method is UV printing, which applies solvent-free inks that are dried with ultraviolet light. In UV printing, the ink is applied directly to the surface of the sign instead of an intermediary layer of vinyl, reducing the overall amount of waste created by a sign. UV printing works well with many flat materials, but it is not suited for the flexible materials in banners.

Both of these green printing methods have the added benefits of a reduced turnaround time and great color reproduction. Since UV printed inks and latex inks dry instantly, the production time is greatly reduced for any signage using them allowing you to get your marketing materials quicker. Latex inks provide sharp colors as well. UV printing is also an excellent choice for full color signage, and it is commonly cheaper than screen printing for multi-color jobs.

In addition to choosing safe materials, there is another easy method to reduce the environmental impact of your signage. When you are designing signage for an event or sale, consider if it’s likely to be a recurring function. If so, designing a sign that can be reused year after year is a great option. You can supplement it with a smaller sign including the dates if necessary, but by designing a sign to be reusable, you save money and reduce waste.

If you’re looking for ways to lessen your company's environmental impact, eco friendly signage is a great place to start. The next time you need a sign printed, inquire about environmentally friendly inks. They are not only safer for the environment, they look great and they're ready quickly, making them an excellent option in nearly any application!