Signage sustainability: Why raw materials matter

Sustainable business practices, products, and services have become more important now than ever. In 2021, the estimated waste generation in England was around 33.9 million tonnes. Sustainable signage plays a crucial role in promoting environmental responsibility and minimising the negative impact on the planet. Eco-friendly signage materials range from recycled plastic to timber and these are used for both aesthetics and sustainability.

With the UK Government’s 2024 DEFRA Circular Economy roadmap pointing the way, and the nationwide push for Net Zero emissions by 2050, sustainable signage materials aren’t just a nice-to-have anymore. They’re a basic requirement for designing and obtaining materials for public spaces.

For those shaping our landscapes and cities, the choice of raw materials is absolutely key. Selecting materials that are kind to the environment not only reduces our ecological footprint but also strengthens a project’s long-term sustainability story – a point that really matters in today’s planning and funding processes.

Why does sustainable branding matter?

A significant majority, around 78%, of consumers in the UK consider a brand’s environmental impact when making purchasing decisions. Moreover, nearly 60% show a stronger preference for supporting companies that openly demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

This consumer mindset aligns with the direction of government initiatives concerning public-sector projects and planning permissions. The UK’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, along with assessment frameworks like BREEAM, are driving a greater need for materials that minimise environmental harm and are obtained responsibly.

In signage and wayfinding, this translates to a growing preference—and often a strict requirement—for materials such as timber sourced from well-managed forests, recycled plastics, or aluminium with a significant recycled content. Using these types of materials is becoming crucial for securing funding or complying with planning regulations.

The environmental benefits are clear:

• Less waste going to landfill
• A reduced carbon footprint
• A more positive impact on future generations

Making use of eco-friendly signs will also reduce your carbon footprint – 76% of global consumers are calling for companies to reduce their environmental footprint, and 61% of UK consumers feel sustainability is more important to them than it was two years ago.

For landscape architects, designers, and local councils, embracing sustainable signage materials could give them a real edge when bidding for projects. Opting for signage made from materials with verifiable sustainability credentials helps to demonstrate environmental leadership, reinforces community values, and ticks the boxes for the growing criteria of green procurement policies.

Eco-friendly signage materials

Selecting the best sustainable signage materials for environmentally sound signage entails making responsible choices that consider the entire lifespan of the product. Here’s a more in-depth examination of some prominent materials currently employed in signage, along with their advantages and points to consider:

Recycled plastic

Recycled plastic is another environmentally-friendly material for signage design and is the most recyclable material. When we use recycled plastic, we cut down on the amount of crude oil that needs to be extracted from the earth unsustainably. 

According to the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), using recycled materials actually reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

• Pros: Excellent in all weathers (won’t rot, crack, or fade); highly recyclable, reducing landfill waste; low upkeep, lasting well outdoors.
• Cons: Can sometimes lack the natural look of wood; limited choice of colours and textures.

FSC®-Certified Timber

Wood has a timeless charm and can be genuinely sustainable, provided it’s sourced responsibly. We only use Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) certified timber, so you know it comes from well-managed forests that benefit the environment, communities, and the economy.

• Pros: Naturally renewable and will break down naturally; warm, organic look with design flexibility; long-lasting with proper care.
• Cons: Needs more looking after than plastic or metal; sourcing must be carefully checked to prevent deforestation.

Corten steel (Weathering steel)

Known for its lovely rusty finish, Corten steel is becoming popular for modern signs thanks to its industrial look and how long it lasts.

• Pros: Extremely strong and weather-resistant; develops a natural finish over time, so no need for paint; low maintenance once the rust layer has formed.
• Cons: Heavy, so needs strong foundations or fixings; rust runoff can stain nearby surfaces.

Recycled aluminium

Lightweight and doesn’t rust, aluminium’s already a common sight for signs. Using recycled aluminium makes it even better for the planet.

• Pros: Light but strong; highly recyclable – can be used again and again without losing quality; resists rust and great for protecting graphic panels.
• Cons: Higher energy use to make it initially (though recycling helps a lot); can get dented if it’s not thick enough.

Bamboo (Under review)

Bamboo’s often talked about as a sustainable signage material because it grows so quickly. However, most commercial bamboo comes from China, which raises concerns about transport emissions and how transparent the supply chain is.

At Hornbeck (formerly Made by Landmark), we’re actively looking into bamboo and other new materials to make sure they meet our strict standards for sustainability and ethical sourcing before we use them in our signs.

• Pros: Grows fast and absorbs a lot of carbon dioxide; natural look similar to wood; lightweight and strong.
• Cons: Often transported long distances, increasing its carbon footprint; environmental and labour practices can be inconsistent without full traceability.

For those procuring signage – be they designers, architects, or local councils – selecting the right material speaks volumes about your commitment to the environment and can even be a deciding factor in public tenders or planning approvals. 

Opting for certified, environmentally friendly materials guarantees your signage not only looks the part and stands the test of time but also chimes with today’s green expectations.

What are the benefits of eco-friendly signage?

Whether you’re a designer, architect, or a local council specifying materials, opting for sustainable signage showcases your commitment, aligns with public sentiment, and contributes to lasting environmental objectives:

• Environmental conservation: Sustainable signage materials aim to minimise energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation during the manufacturing process.
• Carbon footprint reduction: Sustainable signage utilises renewable materials like bamboo, recycled plastics, or biodegradable alternatives, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint.
• Waste reduction: Eco-friendly signs emphasise the importance of sustainability and recyclable materials, which can be reused or disposed of responsibly at the end of their life cycle. This approach helps to reduce waste in landfills, contributing to a greener future.
• Brand reputation and customer perception: Embracing sustainability portrays a positive brand image and lets your customers know that your business is committed to corporate social responsibility.

Types of sustainable signage

Sustainable signs use renewable materials and finishes (as opposed to non-environmentally friendly materials). Using recyclable material reduces the need to grow, harvest, or extract new raw materials from the earth and makes for sustainable signage manufacture.

HardRok graphics panels

HardRok is just one of our premium panel materials.  It’s a digitally printed and encapsulated aluminium panel offering pin-sharp graphics and an outstanding 10-year anti-fade warranty.  It works especially well in areas of high UV, such as coastal and mountainous areas.

Being solid aluminium it has a high recycled content and is easily recyclable at the end of life, and is a very popular material for graphics panels.

Display signs

Display signs are often found in parks and public open spaces. These often outline key information, dos and don’ts, warnings, maps, and more. These signs can be chunky with a triple-post design and double panels and are often made of wood or timber. Our Aberdeen display sign is timeless and consists of a simple aesthetic and flawless craftsmanship.

A-frame boards

An A-frame type of sign is useful to attract and direct visitors to key points of interest. They are also known as sandwich boards as they have double-sided poster display holders and are constructed from two boards hinged together. When unfolded, the base feet spread out in a triangular form. Our Cromer A-frame Board is superbly crafted, and a recent modification means that the timber panels can be replaced, making this classic design even more versatile. 

Banner posts

Banner posts are typically used to welcome or greet visitors on busy roads or highways, but also at entrances or exits of parks and public spaces. Banner posts look stunning with a well-designed and printed banner with your company’s branding and logo. Our Henley Banner Post has a unique asymmetric frame and is made of beautiful hardwood timber. Additional branding can be engraved or painted on the frame. Be sure to use UV-resistant print for the writing to prevent wear and tear. 

Fingerpost signs

Fingerpost signs combine clear wayfinding information with indestructible construction. This type of signpost consists of a post with one or more arms, known as fingers, and points in the direction of travel to places named on the finger. It also might include distance information. Our Lambourn Fingerpost is beautifully crafted from recycled plastic, and each finger has enough room for visible print, icons, and distances. This is a popular product and has been used by Mercedes-Benz and Bramall Hall in Stockport.

In closing

Sustainable signage not only provides direction and guidance but also assists your business to be more socially responsible. Using recyclable signage means that less waste ends up in landfills, your carbon footprint is reduced, and you assist with environmental conservation for a greener tomorrow.

To browse our sustainable signage solutions and wayfinding for every situation and environment, click here. Alternatively, contact us for more information.