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Sustainable Materials Explained
David Dixon • 4 May 2023

In recent years, sustainability has become an increasingly important topic in all areas of our lives. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, people are becoming more conscious of the impact their actions have on the environment.


This has led to a rise in the popularity of sustainable products and practices, and the world of visual communication is no exception.

Printing to Plywood

Printing directly onto plywood can have several environmental benefits compared to traditional printing methods.


It can reduce the use of harmful chemicals and solvents typically used in printing processes. Third, direct-to-wood printing can result in less waste, as it allows for precise printing and reduces the need for overprinting or reprints.


Additionally, using digital printing technology can help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional printing processes. Overall, direct-to-wood printing can offer a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for printing on a variety of surfaces.

The Green Star System

All of our materials where possible are direct printed on our environmentally friendly HP Latex flatbed.


Visual communication is all around us, from billboards and packaging to advertisements and social media graphics. It is an essential part of our daily lives, and it plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and attitudes. However, the materials used in visual communication can have a significant impact on the environment.


We work with our key suppliers such as Antalis who use a Green Star System™


We have also let you know the recycling code for all of these products.


In this blog post, we will explore the importance of using sustainable materials for visual communications.

Xanita Print


A rigid, high strength, ultra lightweight, sustainable, closed-cell fibre board for a wide range of point of sale and display applications, exhibitions and shop-fittings.


This has 5 Green Stars

  • Core is made from 100% post-consumer kraft
  • Fully recyclable and repulpable alongside normal paper waste
  • FSC certified virgin fibre outer liners.
  • ECF certified (chlorine free) 
  • VOC-free adhesives
  • Re-usable
  • Excellent crush resistance
  • Available in 6mm, 10mm and 16mm thicknesses
  • Recycling Code 21 PAP

Ask us for pricing for printing onto this material.

Xanita Kraft


Xanita Kraft is a lightweight and highly versatile kraft paper board with excellent stability and flat panel properties for internal applications.


It exhibits an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and is ideal for eco-chic fitouts. We direct print this with white ink.


This has 5 Green Stars

  • Core is made from 100% post-consumer kraft
  • Fully recyclable and repulpable alongside normal paper waste
  • FSC certified virgin fibre outer liners.
  • ECF certified (chlorine free) 
  • VOC-free adhesives
  • Re-usable
  • Excellent crush resistance
  • Sustainable alternative to MDF
  • Available in 10mm and 16mm thicknesses
  • Recycling Code 21 PAP

Ask us for pricing for printing onto this material.

Correx


Fluted polypropylene for short and medium term signage, display and packaging applications.


Fluted polypropylene is one of the easiest and most commonly recycled plastics in our industry.


This has 3 Green Stars

  • Lightweight
  • Strong and durable
  • PVC free
  • Manufactured in the UK
  • 3mm to 10mm thicknesses
  • 100% recyclable
  • Recycling Code 5 PP

Ask us for pricing for printing onto this material.

Triaprint


A strong and durable polypropylene sheet with a cell structured core. Smooth corona treated layers top and bottom result in excellent print results.


The sheet has strength and rigidity whilst being extremley lightweight. Triaprint is a perfect alternative to foamex board for indoor and outdoor signage, point of sale, exhibition and display work.


This has 3 Green Stars

  • Excellent rigidity and stability
  • High white
  • Lightweight
  • PVC free
  • 100% recyclable
  • Available in 2.7mm to 10mm thicknesses with 3.4mm and 5.7mm as standard stocks.
  • Recycling Code 5 PP

Ask us for pricing for printing onto this material.

DISPA Board


A sign and display board with a flat, smooth, bright white surface. Unique embossed layered core provides rigidity and stability.


This has 4 Green Stars

  • Excellent rigidity and stability
  • 100% paper
  • Full recyclable
  • FSC Certified
  • A great environmetal alternative to foam boards or foamex board for indoor use
  • Available in 3.8mm and 2.4mm thicknesses
  • Recycling Code 21 PAP

Ask us for pricing for printing onto this material.

Smart-X


Distinctive and unique lightweight foamboard with surfaces or UV and wether resistant polystyrene and expanded polystyrene core.


This has 3 Green Stars

  • 100% recyclable
  • High stability and very low weight
  • No adhesive between core and outer layers
  • PVC free
  • Recycling Code 6 PS

Ask us for pricing for printing onto this material.

Priplak Classic Black


Lightweight yet strong and flexible plastic sheet for display, packaging and stationery applications. Available in a range of finishes in white and black.


This has 3 Green Stars

  • 100% recyclable
  • Wide range of finishes
  • PVC free
  • Up to 35% lighter than PVC
  • Corona treated on both sides
  • Recycling Code 5 PP

Ask us for pricing for printing onto this material.

Dilite White 3mm


Lightweight but strong aluminium composite panel. Features a virgin polyethylene core. It's the go to for outdoor signage and other 2D applications


This has 3 Green Stars

  • Excellent print quality
  • Protecive film both sides
  • Available in a wide range of colours and finishes.
  • Ecological manufacturing
  • Long term outdoor use
  • Recyclable with aluminium recyclates
  • Recycling Code 41 Alu

Ask us for pricing for printing onto this material.

Katz Outdoor Board


A stable spruce wood pulp display board available in 1.2mm and 2mm thicknesses for short term outdoor use. This is an environmentally firendly alternative to plastics for short term external signage and point of sale.


This has 4 Green Stars

  • Excellent print quality
  • Lightweight with good rigidity
  • Recyclable in standard waste paper streams
  • Ecological manufacturing
  • Up to 12 weeks outdoor use depending on location and weather conditions
  • Recycling Code 21 PAP

Ask us for pricing for printing onto this material.

Coala Canvas PET


260gsm 100% polyester bright white stretch canvas offering high imaging performance. The uniform canvas texture makes this a good choice for high volume art and photo reproductions.


This has 3 Green Stars

  • 100% polyester canvas
  • Matt white print surface
  • Stretchable canvas
  • Good opacity
  • Recyclable
  • Recycling Code 1 PET

Ask us for pricing for printing onto this material.

Ecotex Mesh banner PVC Free


180gsm PVC free polyester mesh banner for indoor and medium outdoor signage. Polyester construction makes the mesh durable yet lightweight, perforations allow air egress, ideal for building wraps and general signage.


This has 3 Green Stars

  • 100% PVC free mesh, unlined
  • Free from heavy metals and plasticers
  • Withstands hugh winds due to high tear resistance
  • Low transport costs and resource efficient CO2 reduction
  • Fire rated
  • Recycled for fuel with harmful toxins

Ask us for pricing for printing onto this material.

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