Green MaterialsImagine the possibilities!
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In order to provide a wealth of sustainable options for our customers, Acorn Sign Graphics constantly researches materials that provide innovative possibilities for eco-friendly sign solutions. Our approach to creating sustainable signage solutions is based on nine principles described in the SEGD Green Paper: Best Practices, Strategies and Scenarios for Sustainability in Environmental Graphic Design.
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Aluminum
a material requiring lots of energy to make, but is totally recyclable and highly durable in exterior applications. Anodized or powder coated aluminum is more green friendly than painted. Aluminum pucks and standoff systems provide green fastening solutions that are alternatives to adhesives. ASG offers many anodized aluminum modular frame systems, including those in our AcornEco standardized interior sign systems. Did you know: ASG uses recycled aluminum traffic signs too!
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Bamboo
a strong material with beautiful grain patterns that can be routed and engraved, as well as printed using direct to substrate technology. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource. The adhesives used in the bamboo plywood ASG uses are also free of formaldehyde and potentially harmful emissions. Interior use only.
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Corian
like Paperstone, this material is often used to make countertops. It is made of recycled material and is outdoor durable. It can be inlaid with different colors of corian, engraved, and printed.
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Direct to substrate printing with UV-cured inks
ASG invested in this technology not only for the high quality of its printing, but also for the ability to offer a more eco-friendly digital print option. Using DTS replaces the need for vinyl and adhesives, and also provides a non-solvent ink alternative that does not emit VOC’s. Another advantage of DTS is the ability to print on reclaimed materials.
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Electroceramescent lighting
a breakthrough technology in solid state low-profile lighting that is designed to be durable and long-lasting. Solar energy drives electroceramescent panels, which produce light. No measurable heat is generated. No trenching or electrical wiring is required. There is also no glare or halo effect in adverse weather. This product in early stage of development. (photo)
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Fabrics
like papers, more and more green fabrics are coming on the market. ASG has had good success printing on cotton with UV-cured inks. We also use Sunbrella® and polyester fabrics woven and coated in the USA and produced using no PVC’s, no heavy metals, and no formaldehyde.
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FSC Certified Wood
signs incorporating FSC wood products use materials certified to be in compliance with standards endorsed by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The Council’s mission is to “promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests.” ASG sources these wood products from appropriate vendors, and enjoys working with FSC wood. Here is an example using FSC wood panels and aluminum letters and hardware. (PHOTO: ELLWOOD THOMPSON”S “NURTURE” SIGN)
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Glass
Glass is found in many luxury and high end settings. It can be etched and printed with reverse or front graphics, and made with braille. It is also recyclable. Real-world example: The Trump Towers in New York City have a glass interior ADA compliant sign system.
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Green adhesives
ASG is implementing the use of a green alternative to silicone for sign fabrication and installation This adhesive is solvent free, non-toxic and low VOC.
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LED
light-emitting diodes are the source of illumination for lit signs, halo-lit letters, and other applications. They are green friendly because they use much less energy than traditional electric signs.
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NovAcryl
all ASG interior photopolymer signs, both custom signs and our standardized sign systems, are made with NovaPolymer’s environmentally friendly NovAcryl product. ASG is proud to be one of only sixteen preferred providers for NovaPolymers ADA compliant photopolymer products. Particularly exciting is the NovAcryl ECR ™ series using any of 3-form’s Varia ™ materials. Many exciting patterns, textures and colors are available.
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Nyloboard
an alternative to MDO or PVC, this exterior durable board is made from recycled carpet fibers. When printed using direct to substrate U-V inks, the fiber texture of the board shows through.
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Paperstone
this alternative to granite stone was originally developed for use in skateboard parks, but is now used mostly in countertops. It is made of recycled compressed paper, and comes in several colors. Paperstone can be routed to make shapes and also makes a beautiful sign face.
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PETG
an alternative to PVC and acrylic, this recyclable material’s content is similar to that found in plastic beverage bottles. PETG (glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate) is a hard, transparent co-polyester with good impact strength. ASG has developed direct to substrate printing on PETG, making it a fabulous green solution for interior signs. PETG comes in .svn st125 inch and .25 inch thicknesses; up to 4 feet x 8 feet.
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Recycled and natural papers
there is now a huge selection of recycled and natural green friendly papers to choose from. One of ASG’s favorite eco-friendly solutions is a strong mulberry paper that is similar to papers used in Japanese soji screens.
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3-form™:
produced by 3-form, Inc., a socially and environmentally responsible company. This eco-resin material has infinite pattern and color possibilities for sign panels and shapes. Made of recycled content, and is recyclable. Certified low emitting material that does not release significant pollutants into the building. LEED credit relevance: MR4 (recycled content) and EQ4 (low-emitting materials).
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Zinc
Zinc signs are highly durable, and are often found in sports stadiums and environments where they stand up well against weather and other challenging elements. Zinc signs can be designed with color, including different metallic shades, as well made with Braille. They are recyclable.
