What’s New in Wall Graphics & Sustainable Interiors?

Environmentally sustainable interiors have been trending for years. Wall graphics are one category where sustainable choices have become a focus as time progresses. And there are good reasons for it

Sustainability is more than a fashionable buzzword and it impacts the construction industry, encouraging them to reduce the impact on the environment.

​Of course, this is an opportunity for sign companies.
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If you need to learn exactly what constitutes a sustainable material of choice in wall graphics ​for the signage industry, read on.

No, Life Was Not Better Before

​Within the AEC industry, there are standards and guidelines to help drive these goals such as LEED certification.  
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A signage company with interest to participate in the overall effort can refer to these guidelines and standards and figure out how to appropriately respond through material sourcing and processes.

Until recent years, most eco-conscious signage teams would have:
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• Put in place a reclaim system for vinyl and their backers - at a different moment of their respective lifetimes, of course. 
• Used latex inks to help eliminate the use of solvents. 

An overall sound attempt to be more eco-compliant, but not ultimately as eco-friendly as intended.

But, as one can expect, things have changed over time. 

Transitioning to Sustainable Solutions

Nowadays, sign companies have access to a range of sustainable solutions beyond latex printers from manufacturers such as HP.  

One perfect example is PVC-free wallpaper that appeared in the market in recent years.

​PVC-free substrates wonderfully grew alongside that wave of greater awareness of and sensitivity towards the world’s limited natural resources; growing demand for healthier and environmentally responsible homes and workplaces.

While many people were complaining about a major set back the reality is that the benefits of utilizing these newer technologies like HP PVC-free Wallpaper to enhance sustainable interior projects established themselves in the market. 

Why’s that?

Is it because people’s perceptions changed in the process? Or is it because these new materials confirmed their practical value proposition?

Most likely, the answer is a little of both.

Perhaps the main aspect that helped settle the argument is that products such as HP PVC-free Wallpaper do not technically limit sign companies, who can still create full-size murals to bring any design or graphic project into reality.

The application of this “new” PVC-free wallpaper is easy and does not require a long list of additional materials. They are applied with water! 

In other words, they can save time, money, and effort by eliminating:
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• Pastes, glues and other adhesives which are difficult to apply. The result is a long-lasting print without the odors that typically come with an application of this type.
• Intensive labor to apply the wallpaper

And Things Get Better from There

Through innovation, many companies look to add PCRC (Post-Consumer Recycled Content) into their formulations or integrate bio-sourced raw materials while leveraging sometimes complicated supply chains.

With the development of these additional sustainable materials, inks, printers, and water-based adhesives, the sign industry can dramatically increase the number of possibilities to transform spaces, without any compromise on quality and options.

What’s Next?  

​If you are designing a new space or redesigning existing space, leverage your signage consultant who has access to leading materials, inks, technologies and application processes.  

We at Insignia Signs and Wraps can help you expand your scope of possibilities or bring your sustainable interior to reality.