The latest sustainable solutions in non-digital signage

While by no means a new concept in the market, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of daily life for sign-making businesses. Here, Rob Fletcher shares some of the non-digital materials to help companies become more planet friendly.

If there is one stand-out piece of advice that will remain relevant for many years to come, it is the need to become more sustainable. To put it simply, not paying enough attention to the environment puts your business at risk of being left behind by competitors that can deliver a sustainable service to customers.

Of course, becoming an environmentally friendly operation is much easier said than done, especially for some sign companies that work with various materials across a range of markets. How can they make effective changes to shine a greener light on their business?

Simple modifications such as changing the type of material you use to produce signage can go a long way in helping you achieve your sustainable goals. With this in mind, we pick out some of the more planet friendly materials to support you in your quest.

Strength in sustainability

Antalis offers a wide range of solutions for use in print-focused signage applications, several of which are designed with sustainability in mind. One such product is Xanita, a collection of 100% repulpable, engineered, closed-cell fibreboard, manufactured with a part-recycled Kraft core.

“As well as being environmentally friendly, Xanita is also lightweight and very strong, making it the ideal solution for a wide range of decorative and structural applications, including POS, shop-fit and exhibition design,” Antalis said.

Within the wider Xanita range are three core product types – Print, Kraft and Aspect – with the former of these being particularly popular in sign-related applications. A recent example of this solution in action saw Cotswold Printing in the UK use Xanita Print to create a display for the Turning Point charity’s exhibition at Kensington Palace.

Developed by Cotswold Printing in partnership with MHP Group, the walk-through exhibition celebrated 60 years of Turning Point, telling the stories of people involved with the charity. All the display panels and plinths for the exhibition, housed within the newly opened Clore Learning Centre at Kensington Palace, were made from Xanita Print 10mm.

Product manager for visual communications at Antalis, Paul Neale, said: “It’s a great example of the endless versatility of Xanita. Its key features, such as strength, durability, and light weight, encourage experimentation in display design, plus, it’s fully recyclable as paper waste at the end of its life, so an ideal sustainable replacement for other bulkier materials like MDF.”

Premium service, premium solution

Also able to support is Soyang, which will be exhibiting at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 on Stand 4.2-A51. Gareth Newman, technical applications manager at Soyang Europe, said by adopting an eco-friendly approach, printers and sign-makers can align with customers’ demands and open up their services to clients across a wide range of markets that place great value on the environment.

Soyang Europe supplies a range of environmentally minded solutions for sign-making

“It is no secret printers and sign-makers are facing increasing pressure from customers when it comes to sustainability,” Newman said. “Clients are increasingly prioritising environmental responsibility and seeking out partners who offer sustainable printing services. Switching to more planet friendly options can not only shine a more sustainable light on a business but also allow you to respond to rising demand for such services.”

Newman said historically, eco-friendly materials carried a significant price premium. For instance, the cost of recycled polyethylene (PE) materials was once approximately 30% higher than their non-recyclable counterparts. That difference has decreased to around 5%, making sustainable options more financially accessible without compromising on quality.

“A significant portion of customers now prefer sustainable options, amid encouragement from their clients, who are often willing to pay a premium for them,” he said. “By offering such solutions, businesses can attract new clients and enter into markets where sustainability is key, thereby enhancing their competitiveness.”

Newman said Soyang Europe is devoted to producing environmentally friendly products. It counts 601 RCY Starlight Backlit among its solutions. Made from 100% recycled ocean PET waste, this allows users to create a host of applications including roll-up banners.

Meanwhile, the SoTex range of printable fabrics includes textiles for direct dye sublimation and transfer printing, as well as coated textiles for solvent, eco-solvent, UV and latex, opens plenty of markets.

Reacting to demand

Another FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 exhibitor that can assist is Drytac. Based on Stand 4.2-A10, visitors can find out more about its wide-reaching portfolio, which includes several eco-friendly solutions.

“When it comes to business, there is increasing consumer demand for more environmentally friendly products,” said Mark de Lancey, who is UK and Ireland sales manager at Drytac. “Consumers are seeking solutions that have less impact on the world around them. This is creating a competitive advantage for those offering sustainable options to their customers.

“Tying in with this is brand reputation, Being sustainable can enhance a company’s image, positioning it as a responsible and forward-thinking brand, helping it secure business from customers that also place importance on the planet.”

As to how Drytac can help, de Lancey said the company has a range of signage solutions designed with sustainability in mind. These include SpotOn SynTac, a polypropylene wall graphic media specifically developed for a simple, easy and tool-free installation.
Polar Street FX from Drytac is a PVC-free, aluminium print media for outdoor floor and wall graphics without the need for lamination

There is also Polar Street FX, a PVC-free, aluminium print media for outdoor floor and wall graphics without the need for lamination. Sister product Polar PET 170, also PVC-free, is scuff- and tear-resistant for short-term indoor applications where the printed graphics remain visible and vibrant.

Other options include ViziPrint Impress Clear, an optically clear PET film that allows users to create applications such as window advertisements, screen displays and white goods. On top of this, ReTac Clear PET is a PVC-free film for windows, walls, and counter-top graphics.

In addition, Paper Fleece Smooth, a PVC-free, non-woven wallcovering print media, is designed for long-term use on custom wallcoverings in various settings like homes, retail stores, hotels and offices.

For more insight into the sustainable solutions available to sign-makers, visit the European Sign Expo 2025 at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2025. Taking place from 6-9 May, the event will showcase cutting-edge products, visionary concepts, and transformative developments shaping the future of signage. Click here for more information.