Why Choose Eco-friendly Recycled Banner Materials?

It takes little extra effort on your part to choose Eco-friendly recycled banner, packaging or other marketing materials, so why not?

Photo by Bank Phrom on Unsplash

Climate change is a real and urgent crisis that only worldwide cooperation and determination will combat. World leaders and governments can debate and strategize about the best way to save the planet in terms of policy, but individuals and businesses have a big part to play too.

There are lots of simple ways that a business can reduce its negative impact on the planet, but one of the easiest changes to make is to swap to recycled marketing materials. This guide outlines the key reasons why businesses of all sizes should be using eco-friendly recycled banners in their marketing strategies. 

What is an eco-friendly banner?

Using eco-friendly, recycled banner material involves choosing materials that are free from PVC and phthalates, based in PET materials, and is 100% recyclable. Some eco-friendly banners are also compatible with UV, solvent, eco-solvent, and Latex print technology. Ideally, the materials will also be REACH compliant, which means they are free from dangerous chemicals.

Helping the environment

The most compelling reason to embrace eco-friendly materials in your banner design is to help the environment and do your bit to tackle climate change. It can sometimes feel that the task ahead of us is impossible, but the truth is that real change will come from the seemingly small efforts we make in our everyday lives. 

By choosing recycled banner material, you will be reducing the need for substances to be produced (reducing the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing). Many traditional banners are made from chemicals and substances which are harmful to our ecosystem when they find their way into the natural world. When you are finished with the banner, it can be recycled into another usable form, reducing the waste that you send to the landfill site. 

Improving your brand’s public image

Modern consumers want to know that the brands they are buying from are doing what they can in the fight against climate change. In fact, many consumers prioritize how eco-friendly a brand is over price and will pay more if they know the company cares about the planet. The media also pays keen attention to any business found to be wasteful or putting their own profits before the planet. 

By running your business as a ‘green’ operation that is trying to make a difference, you will encourage others to work with you, buy from you, and refer you to others. Of course, this could also lead to increased revenue and higher profits, and some brands receive positive publicity when they embrace innovative ways to lower their carbon footprint. 

Motivating your staff

Just as consumers want to buy from an ethical company, employees want to work for an ethical company. Making a conscious effort to use eco-friendly banners and other marketing materials/strategies can give employees a sense of pride in their work. When an employee’s personal ethics and beliefs align with their employer’s, they are more likely to be loyal, work efficiently, and go the extra mile in their role. 

When you are recruiting for a new employee, being able to state that you use eco-friendly materials in your marketing could help you attract conscientious and motivated candidates. A company that cares about the environment is more likely to take care of their employees, and when an employee trusts their employer, job satisfaction and higher levels of productivity tend to follow. 

Other ways to make your business more eco-friendly

Of course, choosing to use eco-friendly banners and other printed marketing materials should not be the only change you make when trying to make your business greener. If you are serious about wanting to help the planet and want to be able to market yourself as a fully ‘green’ brand, there are other areas to look at.

Reducing waste and recycling

You should take a closer look at your waste disposal practices. Are you separating recyclable and non-recyclable rubbish? Are you taking steps to reduce scrap and wastage in your company? Could you repurpose items rather than disposing of them? Do you know where your waste is taken when it leaves your premises? 

Shopping sustainably

When buying materials and supplies for your business, you should be buying from suppliers with sustainable practices. If a company that you buy from runs into PR problems because they are discovered to be harming the environment, you may become tainted by association. Ignorance is often not much of a defense, so do your research before doing business with a new supplier. 

Lowering emissions

If your business uses vehicles in its operation, be sure you are minimizing carbon emissions. This could be done by mapping out more direct routes, combining several trips into one, ensuring the vehicles are serviced regularly and in good working order, or even switching to electric or hybrid vehicles. If you do not use vehicles in your business, you can still reduce your company’s carbon footprint by encouraging or incentivizing employees to walk or cycle to work, carpool with others, or take public transport. 

Reducing water and energy consumption

The more electricity, gas, oil, and coal that we use, the higher the carbon we are contributing to the atmosphere, which is one of the greenhouse gases causing climate change. Take steps to ensure that any heating or air conditioning equipment, lighting, and ventilation is working as efficiently as possible. Encourage your employees to be mindful about turning off idle appliances, make sure all electronics are off at the end of the working day and discourage them from using unnecessary water. 

Install renewable technology

Consider investing in solar PV or solar thermal panels for your roof if you own your premises. Solar PV panels convert the sun’s energy into usable electricity, reducing your energy bills and carbon emissions, while solar thermal panels generate hot water for heating and general use. Alternatively, an air source heat pump extracts latent heat from the air outside and uses it to produce hot air for space heating or hot water for a wet central heating system and taps. 

In conclusion, choosing eco-friendly banners, as well as adopting green practices and policies in other areas of your operation, is a smart move not only for the planet but also for your business’ future.