Wayfinding: Acorn ECO Sign Solutions

Acorn Sign Graphics in Richmond, VA has developed a series of Eco-Friendly sign solutions. The Acorn Eco Series was designed using environmentally friendly materials and fabricating processes while meeting the intended purpose of a wayfinding solution. The following principals were used:

- Modular Components
- Eco-Friendly Substrates
- Recycle-Able Content and Components
- Minimum Use of Adhesive and Paints

Example: ae02 Series (third sign from the left)

Longevity
Over the lifespan of a building, there are typically multiple design changes to the buildings interior elements and signage. The AcornEco ae02 sign system was designed with components that meet the typical design lifecycle. NovAcryl-ECR photopolymer panels were used to create the tactile portion of the sign which has a life span of 5-10 years. All other components including the mounting system, aluminum pucks/strips and ¾” Bamboo back plate meet or exceed the 5-10 year lifecycle.

Air Quality
This sign system incorporates materials that do not outgas high levels of VOC once installed in a buildings interior. Color was applied to the tactile images with Low VOC Heat Transfer Foil. There are no adhesives used in the system.

Disposability
The amount of waste produced in the fabrication of the sign system and its components including the photopolymer panel is minimal. The effluent from the photopolymer is 100% bio-degradable.

Recycle-Ability
The NovAcryl-ECR photopolymer panel incorporates 3forms EcoResin which has 40% post consumer recycled content and can be recycled after its use in this system in multiple ways; through 3forms Reclaim recycling program; or recycled through other plastic supplier recycling programs. The aluminum puck/strip can be sent to a recycling facility to be up-cycled or they can be re-purposed by the fabricator.

Energy Efficiency
The AcornEco ae02 system incorporates low energy materials, like Bamboo for the back plate and a photopolymer / PETG base for the tactile element. Although the aluminum pieces incorporated have many advantages on the recycle-ability front, aluminum as a whole can be considered a high energy material due to the high temperatures required to manufacturer and recycle the raw material.

Architectural Drawings

Acorn Eco ae01

Acorn Eco ae02

Acorn Eco ae03