In recent years, the need for sustainable signage has rapidly grown to match the environmental concerns of architectural consumers. At Modulex, we look for new sustainable materials and technologies that can deliver the best quality while reducing the environmental impact.
Some of these new developments in sustainable signage include using eco-friendly products or processes, certified materials, and those whose life cycle impact is lower than comparable products. And because actions speak louder than words, we will present three materials and products Modulex has incorporated as a standard in our projects.
Etronit
The first is Etronit, an eco-friendly signage material offered as a green alternative to acrylics, well-known for their high environmental impact. Etronit is a high-pressure laminate manufactured from FSC-certified paper sourced from sustainably managed forests in Scandinavia. It uses wood waste from industrial sawmills in Finland and contains 25% recycled paper fibres. This means no tree harvesting is carried out directly to manufacture Etronit. Etronit offers elegant, high-end aesthetics combined with a timeless design
With almost unlimited graphic possibilities, it fits perfectly in most environments. Customers can choose from a wide range of mounting methods to install their Etronit signs; the possibilities are infinite, from modular systems unique to Modulex to other more basic methods.
To measure the environmental impact, Force Technology in Denmark carried out a carbon footprint study at a screening level which compared the life cycle impact of Etronit against acrylics. The results showed that Etronit’s carbon footprint is 53% lower than acrylic. This product uses another industry’s waste to generate value in our own and thus contributes to a circular economy.
Example of an Etronit sign
GreenBond™
Another green product within the Modulex portfolio, it covers a vast gap in the signage market by offering an eco-friendly alternative to the popular but not-so-eco-friendly ACM – Aluminum Composite Panels.
Developed in collaboration with a danish composite manufacturer, this material offers ecological standards that other materials cannot provide –sustainably managed sources, cleaner production, and a lower carbon footprint.
GreenBond™ sheets are manufactured from FSC-certified paper sourced from Scandinavian forests. It is made using sawdust wood waste generated by industrial sawmills in Finland and contains 25% recycled paper fibres carefully selected from local recycling plants. This means no tree harvesting is carried out directly to manufacture GreenBond™.
Each sheet includes two additional white surface layers, which enable direct print and highly resemble the look of the popular ACM plates. However, GreenBond™ is significantly more resistant, preventing bent edges and other damage during transportation. GreenBond™ offers simplicity and high adaptability, matching perfectly with most environments. It provides a wide range of possibilities, from wall signs to suspended signs, to projecting signs.
Customers can choose from a wide range of mounting methods to install their signs; the possibilities are infinite, from modular systems unique to Modulex to other more basic installation methods.
To measure the environmental impact, Force Technology in Denmark carried out a carbon footprint study at a screening level which compared the life cycle impact of GreenBond™ against ACMs, and the results showed a carbon footprint 41% lower.
Example of GreenBond™ signs
ReBond
ReBond is a collaboration between Modulex and Dansk Wilton, a Danish carpet manufacturer serving the cruise ship and hospitality industry. The project aims to recover textile carpet waste to create architectural signage products and reuse Dansk Wilton’s Cradle to Cradle Certified carpet materials.
The process starts by removing the carpets and recovering scraps from production waste from Dansk Wilton, which are shredded into fine fibres using innovative technology. The shredded textile fibres are mixed with a melting binding fibre, giving it the consistency needed to create felt mats. Each felt mat comprises 75 % of carpet waste and 25 % binding fibre.
To produce ReBond, each felt is pressed into sheets under high temperatures. During the process, a white surface layer is added to each side of the felt, enabling direct print on each panel. The result is a 3mm laminate that can be manufactured by Modulex into architectural signage for interiors. While the surface and appearance of ReBond are brand new, the sides of the panels bear a faint hint of the colour of the original carpets, leaving a trail of its previous life.
Design and text are added in our graphic department. UV print, Eco-Solvent technology, 3D tactile print, and vinyl graphics will give the sign its final look. All signs must pass quality control at our Billund factory. This ensures every product leaving the factory matches the strict quality standards Modulex is known for and complies with our ISO 9001 Quality Certification.
ReBond has enabled Modulex and Dansk Wilton to embark on this pilot project and create new value from waste. Formerly in a ship or hotel, carpet waste is given a second life, upcycled as architectural signage, and used in another built environment.
Watch the process of creating ReBond
These products constitute an important piece of Modulex overall sustainable strategy. They have been carefully assessed based on their potential, as well as on our customers’ needs. They have paved the way for new and more exciting innovations that could soon be incorporated into the Modulex portfolio.
