Sustainable Zinc

Architectural Record has an interesting article called Zinc: The Sustainable Choice among Architectural Metals. 

Growing Plastic

Bioplastic (plastics made from renewable biomass resources) have been around for awhile now and  are being used for all kinds of applications, including signage. Metabolix is one of the companies that has created different types of bioplastic and has recently found a way to grow bioplacstic in saw grass.

Below is a great video  from BioDigest that talks about bioplastic and how they are grwoing it in sawgrass at the end of the video.

NovAcryl GR Press Release

One of my goals for 2010 was to develop and introduce a new line of photopolymer substrates that meets the growing need for greener solutions in signage.  This means that quality and aesthetics not be compromised, and most importantly, no increase in cost.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not a crazy goal but one of necessity for survival in today's world - creating new products and services that meet our clients goals while matching the worldview of the evolving market we serve.

Nova Polymers Introduces
a New Green Alternative Solution for ADA Signage

NovAcryl® GR™ Photopolymer is the latest addition to Nova's diverse line of photopolymer substrates for ADA Compliant Room Identification Signage

Fairfield, NJ -- NovAcryl® GR™ is a new line of photopolymer sign material for high-resolution raised graphics and ADA-compliant room identification signage. NovAcryl® GR™, offered exclusively by Nova Polymers, allows sign designers and fabricators the ability to create a green sign solution without design limitations or increased costs.

NovAcryl® GR™ is a result of Nova Polymers partnering with 3form®, a leader in the manufacturing of eco-friendly substrates, to offer an environmentally conscious and affordable product that can be used for signage projects that require a green solution or will be used inLEED Certified facilities.

NovAcryl® GR™ is environmentally and user friendly. This unique sign material is processed in plain tap water and bonds to 3form® Clear Ecoresin panels, which are non-toxic, Greenguard Certified and contain a minimum of 40% recycled content.

"The introduction of NovAcryl® GR™ will fill a void in architectural and wayfinding signage by allowing the industry to use standard photopolymer signage the same way they have been for years with the added benefit of environment consciousness. NovAcryl® GR™ will process and look exactly like standard photopolymer signage; the only difference will be the fact the base substrate is clear Ecoresin instead of virgin PETG", says Dave Miller, Business Director for Nova Polymers.

About Nova Polymers, Inc.

Nova Polymers is the largest North American manufacturer and distributor of photopolymer sign products. Nova Polymer is also a leader in educating the fabrication and design community about ADA regulations and environmental issues related to signage. For more information on NovAcryl® GR™ and other contemporary solutions for high-resolution raised graphics and ADA-compliant signage, visit www.NovaPolymers.com or call toll-free 888.484.6682.

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segdDESIGN Sustainability Issue

Open publication - Free publishing - More graphic

The May issue of segdDESIGN No. 28/2010 — the Sustainability Issue — is now available.  If you haven't seen this yet, please take a look as you will notice something a little different about this issue.

The focus of this issue is on sustainability and environmental graphic design. The issue is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled-content paper (both cover and text). Processed chlorine-free and made with BioGas energy, the paper is certified by EcoLogo, the Forest Stewardship Council, and Permanent Paper. Also, it was printed using vegetable-based inks and zero-VOC aqueous coatings.  

The issue’s focus is on sustainability, including Guest Editor Naomi Pearson’s foundation article on Life Cycle Assessment and feature stories on model “green” EGD projects such as the Green Depot store, The Nature Conservancy’s Design for a Living World exhibition, and Portland’s TriMet transit system, among others. 

In tandem with the issue’s publication, the SEGD Sustainability Forum has launched its new SEGD Green Resource Ghttp://greenresourceguide.segd.org/, a site focused on sustainability and EGD. It outlines SEGD’s Green Audit approach, focuses on strategies geared toward sustainability, and provides a wealth of resources for EGD practitioners striving to minimize the environmental impacts of their work.

This issues is a true success and provides information, stories and content specifically related to EGD. 

conVerd’s Enviroboard™ Named Best Green Product of 2010 at ISA International Sign Expo 2010

ALEXANDRIA, VA – April 26, 2010 – In a showcase that included the latest in energy efficiency, low VOC, and other environmentally friendly products, one of the most routinely used in signage was deemed the most revolutionary. Enviroboard™, conVerd’s multi-ply, moisture-resistant, green alternative to traditional foam and corrugated plastic boards, was named the Best Green Product of 2010 at ISA International Sign Expo 2010.

Enviroboard™ is comprised of 10 percent post-consumer waste and 90 percent Forestry Stewardship Council-certified fiber. Its green benefits are included every step of the way, from its fabrication into composite material using water based adhesive system through its full recyclability after use. It is suitable for use in point-of-purchase, trade show displays, or in hanging sign applications.

Enviroboard™ was chosen the Best Green Product in a competition that allowed each participating company two minutes to present its environmentally friendly new product. Those who attended the showcase—held for the first time at ISA Sign Expo 2010—voted on the winner.

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New listing on BuildingGreen.com

On 3.10.10 Nova Polymers and Vista Systems were added to GreenSpec under Signage - CSI Section 10 14 00 on BuildingGreen.com.

Nova's listing highlights the non-toxic, biodegradable characteristics of the photopolymer along with the the recycled content used as the base substrate in the NovAcryl products.

Vista's Modular Curved Frame Technology (MCFT) is highlighted for the way the aluminum sign system is manufactured along with all the benefits that goes along with the modular aspects of the system.

For more information visit BuildingGreen.com.

GreenCore™ Rigid Print Media

Digital Output highlighted a new product called GreenCore Rigid Print Media made by DPI. GreenCore is can be used for digital printing, screen printing, dye sublimation and more.

The key environmental attributes of GreenCore include raw material from managed forests, it’s biodegradable and unlike MDF, contains no formaldehyde.

CLICK HERE to learn more.

Rubberform Sign Base

The Featured Member section of the January newsletter from Rate It Green featured The RubberForm Sign Base - Portable Recycled Rubber Sign Post Base.

RubberForm Recylced Products is located in Western NY and manufactures products from recycled scrap tires and other recycled products for the for Traffic and Highway Safety-speed humps/bumps, sign bases, wheels stops to name a few. The Sign Base - Sign Holder is made in the USA from 100% post consumer recycled tire rubber.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Stone Source Green Products

Stone Source has a complete line of unique sustainable and green products from Vegas Stone to Ribbon Glass. Most of their products have recycled content or in the case of Textured Reclaimed Wood, have been salvaged from a deconstructed building.

A couple of products to note -

Vegas Rock - a natural stone which produces no waste during the manufacturing process and has earned the Silver Cradle to Cradle certification

Textured Reclaimed Wood - these wood panels are salvaged from deconstructed buildings and are available in seven different wood species

Ribbon Glass - made from 30% recycled glass left over from various other fabrication jobs which created unique bands of color

GreenSource Products

Every month GreenSource publishes a magazine for the the building industry that focuses on green issues. There is a product section that highlights new materials and products for the building industry. Each month there are several products that vary in application and most months you will find substrates that can be incorporated into signage and EGD applications.

The November issue highlights a solid surface material called Eco by Cosentino which is composed of 75% recycled material, including glass, mirrors, porcelain and stone scrap and is bound by an environmentally friendly resin which comes in part from corn oil.

Outdoor Plastic Lumber Signs

Recycled plastic lumber has come a long way over the years. Take a look at the downloadable Sign Brochure from Outdoor Sign Studio in Murrieta, CA. Along with a full line of plastic lumber products, they have a done some really interesting projects that are show cased in this brochure - CLICK HERE.

Alkemi

Have you seen Alkemi recycled surface material yet? Alkemi was featured in the green products section of one of the architectural publications last month. Alkemi is SCS Certified for recycled content containing 60% post industrial recycled aluminium scrap. The aluminum used in Alkemi is milling scrap which commonly burns up as a heavy smoke pollutant when exposed to conventional aluminum recycling.

ALKEMI qualify for LEED MR Credit(s) 4.1 and 4.2 Recycled Content: Post-Industrial.

CLICK HERE for more info.

Cradle to Cradle Certification

Cradle to Cradle Design is the concept of shifting away from the standard design process we've come to know since the industrial revolution - cradle to grave. Along with design concepts and consulting MBDC offers Cradle to Cradle Certification. There are 4 levels; Gold, Silver Platinum and Basic.

The list of products on their website is very interesting, although there really isn't much information about how the products are certified. Nonetheless, everything about Cradle to Cradle to fascinating and worth reading about.

http://www.c2ccertified.com/

Kirei Substrates

Kirie USA, located in Solana Beach, CA, has developed 4 specific environmentally friendly substrates; Kirei Board, Kiriei Bamboo, Kirei Wheatboard and Kirei Coco.

Kirei Board, Kirei Coco Tiles and Kirei Wheatboard panels use rapidly renewable and reclaimed agricultural fibers. These materials are manufactured using reclaimed agricultural fiber from the Sorghum, Coconut and Wheat plants. After harvest the stalks or coconut husks are usually burned or thrown into landfills. By using them in the production of Kirei Board, Kirei Coco Tiles and Kirei Wheatboard this material is removed from the waste stream, reducing landfill use and air pollution, while giving rural farmers a new source of revenue from previously unused waste material.

Kirei BambooKirei Bamboo uses the fast-growing Moso bamboo grass to make ply panels and veneers with the modern bamboo look. The fiber produced from these dedicated bamboo plantations is greater than would be produced from similarly committed wood forest land, helping to reduce pressure on habitat from clearcutting.

These 4 products can be used in a variety of applications related to EGD. Does anyone have an example of a project where one of the these substrates was used? If so, we all love to hear about it!

EcoRite at NBM Show

Last week I walked the NBM trade show in Baltimore. Every year or so I like to walk this show to see if there are any new and interesting products on the market. Since the NBM Show covers screen printing, apparel, digital graphics, signs and awards/engraving, I thought I may see a few things worthwhile.

Unfortunately, there were few companies that exhibited and even fewer that had anything interesting to offer. I did however talk to a company called EcoRite Imaging who sells a variety of so called eco-friendly substrates that are worth taking a look at http://www.ecoriteimaging.com/. They have 3 different products lines which are biodegradable plastics engineered to attract microbes that efficiently break down the polymers.

Paper Stone

There are two series of recycled paper-based PaperStone products: 1) 'Original', which is made from 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard and 2) 'Certified',is made from 100% post-consumer standard office paper. It has been certified through the Smartwood program of the Rainforest Alliance to meet FSC standards.

PANEL SIZE
The standard PaperStone panel is 60" x 144". Other panel sizes are available.

PANEL THICKNESS
PaperStone panels are available in 3/4", 1" and 1-1/4" thicknesses.

Click here for the Paper Stone Information Guide

Growing Packaging?

Last week I attended East Pak at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC. One the things I was looking for was new and innovative packaging materials.

Many companies cliamed they were green and some did have intresting things. One company however stood out from the rest, Ecovative Design. This company has developed 2 unique products; Greensulate organic insulation material and EcoCradle which is a compostable packaging material made with renewable resources.

- EcoCradle™ can be produced in almost any shape or size with minimal retooling, using less energy in production and creating less manufacturing waste.

- EcoCradle™ isn't comprised of fossil fuels and requires very little energy to produce.

- EcoCradle™ utilizes neglected resources from local waste streams.

- EcoCradle™ is meant to be thrown away. Throw it in the trash or your garden as a fertilizer.

This product caught my attention as the campnay that is producing it has a great philoshy and they are really working on devloping real products with a real environmental impact. Click Here for more info on EcoCreative Design

Biodegradeable Foamboard

The Gilman Brothers Company in Gilman, CT has developed two unique foamboard products; Insite® and Duraplast® BIODEGRADABLE . These products are used in the signage and digital graphics markets and provide an eco-friendly alternative to other comparable products.

DURAPLAST® BIODEGRADABLE

An all-plastic, 100% BIODEGRADABLE, 100% recyclable foamboard consisting of a biodegradable polystyrene foam center, faced with water-proof biodegradable polystyrene liners. This foamboard is also completely recyclable. It is categorized as PS6 and is compatible with most municipal, commercial and industrial programs. Moisture proof and highly warp resistant. Foam contains 15% recycled content. For more info CLICK HERE

Insite® BIODEGRADABLE

Standard, paper-faced memory foamboard with Gilman's BIODEGRADABLE rigid foam center and SFI certified paper liners. There is no trade-off between the positive environmental attributes of Insite® BIODEGRADABLE and its physical performance. With the exception of it's biodegradable properties, Insite® BIODEGRADABLE performs the same as Insite® Reveal® foamboard. For more info CLICK HERE.

Lumicor R4 - Beyond Green

Lumicor is a resin panel maunfacturer located in Renton, WA. The Lumicor R4 products are the latest choice in eco-friendly design panels and can be used to fulfill a variety of signage needs.

REUSE
Reusing materials is one of the most efficient methods of reducing environmental impact. That’s why Lumicor has designed a manufacturing process that REUSES water in a closed-loop system, saving over 21 million gallons of fresh water each year. Lumicor's manufacturing facility was built by REUSING 700 tons of recycled concrete, reducing demands on new materials. They also REUSE the thermal energy generated during manufacturing to heat the facility, creating annual savings of 865 million BTU’s of energy.

RECYCLE
Lumicor R4 products contain up to 60% certified RECYCLED material. Lumicor is committed to providing the best products to help your building project qualify for LEED certification. Lumiclear R4, Lumiguard R4, and Lumiform R4 are certified as having RECYCLED material by one of the leading certifying companies, Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) and contains 60%, 50%, 40% and 30% recycled resin, depending on your needs.

RESINS
Lumicor offers certified recycled products in 3 resin options: Lumiclear R4™, Lumiguard R4™ and Lumiform R4™. Lumiclear R4 is the first encapsulated resin product to include 50% recycled material without compromising its clarity. Lumiguard R4 combines enhanced chemical resistance with 30% recycled content. Lumiform R4 contains 40% recycled material and carries a Class A Fire Rating.

http://www.lumicor.com/

Plastic Lumber Signage

Last summer my wife and I decided it was time to replace our deck. We wanted to use plastic lumber which has many benefits over traditional wood decking. With 2 little kids and several animals in our lives, using a material that has not been chemically treated and incorporates recycled materials was a perfect fit.

While doing a search on plastic lumber I came across a company in Akron, Ohio called The Plastic Lumber Company. These guys make traditional things like park benches and such. They also have a complete line of modular exterior sign systems using plastic lumber including custom architectural signage.

The Plastic Lumber company offers a variety of products with many standard colors to choice from. They build routed, digital and modular solutions with a unique environmental spin. CLICK HERE for more info on The Plastic Lumber Company.

Custom Routed Sign75" x 120"
Designed for City of Holland, Michigan (1995)

by M.C. Smith Associates and Architectural Group, Inc.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Custom Routed Sign56" x 112"
Designed by the City of Barberton, Ohio (1996)

by GPD Associates

Akron Ohio