As methods in engraving and signage have evolved over the years, so has the planet as a whole. The rising fuel and power costs have made it so that many companies have had to seek out ways to become more eco-friendly, both to save face for the customers and improve their overall bottom line. Sustainability and using reusable resources whenever possible have become a powerful idea in recent years across multiple industries home improvement. Since many industries use signage at some point, these sustainability practices are only expected to trickle down to how etching and engraving are processed.
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How Do You Achieve Sustainability with Signage?
There are many ways in which sustainability can be achieved, even with company signage. Below are a few examples of eco-friendly renewable materials that can be used:
- Bamboo: Bamboo is becoming an ever-increasingly popular option for invested companies looking for a renewable substitution for nonrenewable resources such as commercial metal and wood. Bamboo is reliable, sturdy, and highly affordable.
- Reclaimed wood: Reclaimed wood comes from trees marked as unsuitable by logging companies. This is still very viable wood that has simply been discarded due to the presence of more optimal wood.
- Recycled plastic: Recycled plastic is an excellent choice for sustainable resources because its use validates the recycling process! By reusing recycled plastic, the plastic is given new life and avoids a future of harmful breaking down (or lack thereof) in a landfill.
- Water-based and low-VOC inks: Inks that are either water-based or prevent high traces of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from entering the environment are a great renewable option, allowing for even the ink your company uses to be sustainable and prevent long-lasting ecological harm.
These sustainable and renewable materials can make important safety signs and labels, ensuring your company stays safe for humans while ensuring a brighter future.
What Are Some Other Eco-Friendly Measures That a Company Can Take?
In addition to materials, industrial marking products can also be overhauled in favor of more ecological and economical options. For example, in some instances, engraving materials, equipment, and software are not entirely required. For things such as labeling paper signage and letterheadings, a simple stamp can be used with natural dyes and pigments.
The stamp can be made from other reusable materials, such as bamboo and reclaimed wood. A simple stamp can also be much more affordable for the company than heavy-duty industrial printers, which can cost the company money in the long run for power and maintenance. This also decreases electrical necessity, which would be ideal for a company in case of any local power outages.
Lifecycle assessments should also be conducted every quarter to ensure that the technology and resources used will have the longest and most efficient lifecycle possible, preventing the company from purchasing and reusing more materials and tech.
