Green design has found its way into most industries, including retail signage. A growing number of entrepreneurs are finding new ways to make signs that are friendly to the environment while still being attractive to consumers. As eco-friendly retail signage is trending right now, it makes sense to hop on the train.
When it comes to eco-friendly signage, there are plenty of easy-to-implement steps you can take that will bring your brand into the green side of things. Here are the most popular trends in eco-friendly signage:
1. Recycled Acrylic Sheet Signs
To help save energy, many businesses have begun using recycled acrylic in their signs. Large-scale chains such as Starbucks have been leaders in using recycled acrylic in their signs for several years now. Not only does recycling old, castoff materials help you be green, but it also means that your signage will last much longer than if you used plastic sheeting.
In addition to being more durable and long-lasting, recycled acrylic signage is also cheaper when compared to other materials on average. You can expect to pay between 10% and 20% less per square foot of material than with traditional plastic or metal sheeting. Another plus: these signs tend to be lighter and easier to work with because they’re made from high-quality sheets of thin materials.
2. Wooden Signs
Today, many of our signs are made from renewable materials such as paper and wood. This not only makes them better for the environment, but it can also save you money. Wooden signs come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes and often look great with rustic decor. Most importantly, they’re easy to customize, so you can create just about any kind of sign your business needs and save money at each turn.
3. LED Signs
LED signs and LED lightbox frames are other options for sustainable signs. LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, use less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs. As a result, more businesses are using LEDs in their signage to reduce energy consumption and save money. A single light-emitting diode emits less heat than a standard incandescent bulb of equal brightness.
In addition, LEDs emit visible light rather than infrared radiation – making it safer to view for extended periods. Finally, since LED signs consume far less power than other types of signs do, an LED sign will have a longer lifespan while saving money on utility bills in addition to operational costs.
4. Digital Signs
Today’s consumers are accustomed to having information at their fingertips, including signage. In an increasingly digital world, businesses have found a myriad of ways to keep them engaged on a variety of devices, from smartphones and tablets to kiosks and even virtual reality goggles. An increasing number of retailers have jumped on board with digital signage—and for good reason.
At a glance, digital signage offers a way to visually display information that shoppers can browse without leaving their current area. Plus, there’s less cost associated with keeping up with inventory if you decide you need more signs in different areas of your store.
5. Signs With Non-Aqueous Ink
Signs printed with non-aqueous ink are also options for eco-friendly signage. As opposed to non-aqueous ink, inkjet inks are generally water-based. This means that when they’re printed on a flexible substrate, they tend to be less durable and won’t last as long as signs printed with solvent-based inks.
Additionally, solvents can cause problems when printing onto polyethylene or other plastic substrates, which makes them a less desirable option for eco-friendly retail signage applications. Solvent inks also tend to use more material and energy than aqueous inks, making them a little bit more wasteful—though not by much.
6. Biodegradable Signs
With a high-quality biodegradable sign from your local provider, your business can promote your eco-friendly practices. These signs are made from renewable resources and will break down without harming wildlife or polluting waterways. These biodegradable materials can even enhance existing ecosystems.
With so many options available it can be hard to know which eco-friendly signage options will work best for your business. Keep these trends in mind as you look for more sustainable options for your signage.
