Because It Matters.                                                                                                                                                                         EcoTips

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Eco Friendly Architectural Products

Richlite  Layers of paper (derived from renewable or recycled resources) are mixed with resin to form this highly stain-resistant material. from $85/square foot. More info>>

Durat  From the silky feeling, you'd never guess that it's generated from recycled plastic and is itself 100 percent recyclable. from $50/square foot, europeanhome.com for information.

Icestone  Strong like granite and heat-resistant like stone, but manufactured via a low-emission process in a day-lit factory. from $95/square foot, icestone.biz for stores.

Eco Friendly Digital Products

Digital Print Media
Learn the lingo. You’ll need to be familiar with industry jargon to appropriately select environmentally friendly papers. Here are a few terms you’ll often see:

Virgin fiber—100-percent “pure” fiber from an original source
Post-consumer content—Waste recovered from consumers and recycled
VOCs—Volatile organic compounds (such as occur in petroleum-based printing ink)
PCF—Processed chlorine-free
TCF—Totally chlorine-free
ECF—Elemental chlorine-free

Eco-DISPLAY (1370 x 30M Roll) This is a glossy polypropylene banner for indoor and roll-up applications and is specifically designed for solvent and eco-solvent ink jet printers. Eco-DISPLAY is a cost effective solution for printing short-term, high resolution glossy graphics, banners, P.O.P displays, roll up displays and posters.

PARAMETER VALUE 
Caliper 9 mils (229 microns) 
Whiteness 102 
Gloss (60o) 2.1 
% Opacity 97% 
Flame Spread Classification (ASTM E-84) Class B 
Tensile Strength (MD/CD) 50/65 lbs/in 
Ultimate Elongation (MD/CD) 150/90% 
Optimum Print Temp 70°F (21°C) 
Indoor Life Expectancy* 1 year+ 

Eco-CANVAS (1370 X 22M Roll) This is an acid-free, matte finish, artist stretch canvas designed for long-term, fade resistant fine art or photo reproductions when imaged with solvent and eco-solvent ink jet printers. The polyester/cotton blend canvas has a specifically designed coating which delivers superior color gamut and resolution. GFCVM has the added bonus of water resistance when printed with solvent inks.

PARAMETER VALUE 
Caliper 15 +/-3 mils (375 microns) 
Basic Weight 300 +/- 45 g/m2 (8.8 oz/yd2) 
Gloss (60o) 3.9 
Whiteness 81 
Optimum Printing Conditions 70°F (35-70% RH) 
pH value 7.2 
 

Eco-WET STRENGTH PAPER (1370 X 22M Roll) This is a one-side coated paper designed to meet the demands of high production solvent and eco-solvent* ink jet printers. This latex-saturated, wet strength paper features a smooth surface which offers exceptional print fidelity with a distinctive lustre finish. Strength, flexibility and durability are hallmark traits of this media. It resists cracking when folded, and film lamination is not required in most intended applications. Product passes Class A flame spread tests (ASTM E-84) as manufactured.

PARAMETER VALUE 
Caliper 15 +/-3 mils (375 microns) 
Basic Weight 300 +/- 45 g/m2 (8.8 oz/yd2) 
Sheffield Smoothness 15 
Tensile (MD/CD) 60/48 (lbs/in) 
Tear Strength (MD/CD)  
200/185 (g)  
% Elongation 8/14 (%) 
% Opacity 95% 
Gloss (75o) 42 
Wet Expansion 2.07% 
Optimum Printing Conditions 70°F (35-70% RH) 
Printer Conditions:  Pre heat: 52°C Print heat: 58°C 
Flame Spread Classification (ASTM E-84) Class A 

Eco-WET STRENGTH PAPER SELF-ADHESIVE (1370 X 27M Roll) This is a one-side coated paper designed to meet the demands of high production solvent and eco-solvent* ink jet printers. This latex-saturated, wet strength paper features a smooth surface which offers exceptional print fidelity with a distinctive lustre finish. Strength, flexibility and durability are hallmark traits of this media. It resists cracking when folded, and film lamination is not required in most intended applications. Product passes Class A flame spread tests (ASTM E-84) as manufactured.

PARAMETER VALUE 
Basic Weight 140 g/m2 (4.1 oz/yd2) 
Caliper 6 mils 
Sheffield Smoothness 3.9 
Tensile (MD/CD) 50/37 (lbs/in) 
Tear Strength (MD/CD) 115/110 (g)<>/td>  
% Elongation 9.3/16 (%) 
% Opacity 95% 
Gloss (75o) 55 
Wet Expansion 2% 
Optimum Printing Conditions 70°F (35-70% RH) 
Printer Conditions Pre heat: 52°C Print heat: 58°C 
Flame Spread Classification (ASTM E-84) Class A 

Eco-BANNER (1370 x 22M Roll) This is made from CORN and will begin to breakdown in land fills in 4 weeks and totally disappears into a sodium powder in 3 -5 years. No toxins are released. This media is a durable white, flexible substrate readily available in seamless up to 16’4” (5.00m). Tear and fade resistant, it will withstand all types of weather conditions. Eco-BANNER has been engineered to be the FIRST truly environmentally friendly, biodegradable PVC sign material. It is well suited for applications that require a front-lit digitally printed sign or banner.

CHARACTERISTICS 	TEST METHOD 	METRIC 		ENGLISH 
Support Cloth 	DIN 60001  	Polyester 	Polyester  
Yarn 		DIN EN ISO 2060 1100 x 1100 dtex 1000 x 1000 denier 
Type of Coating 	N/A 		PVC 		PVC 
Total Weight 	DIN EN ISO 2286-2 450 g/m2 		13.2 oz/yd2 
Width  		N/A 		Up to 5.00 m 	Up to 16’4” 
Tensile Strength  DIN EN ISO 1421 2400/2200 N/5cm 273,6/250,8 lbs/inch 
Tear Strength 	DIN 53363 	250/250 N/5cm 	56.2/ 56.2 lbs 
Flame Resistance 	DIN 4102 NEPA 701, CA Fire Marshall, NYC MEA 
		  Low Temperature No Crack at: ISO 1876 Low at -15°C 	   Low at 5°F 
		  RF Weldable
                    (Heat Sealable)    N/A 		    Yes 		    Yes 

Digital Print Media - Fabrics
Enviro-tex is made in part from Repreve, a yarn made from 100-percent recycled materials including post-industrial fiber waste and post-consumer plastics. These fabrics below contain anywhere from 30% to 60% Repreve. That meets the FTC guidelines as a recycled product. Enviro-tex is a practical environmentally-friendlier product. While practically any material is better for the earth than vinyl, Enviro-tex is one of the few fabrics that use recycled post-industrial waste. Visit the manufacturer's website FisherTextiles.com

Digital Print Mounting Adhesive
EcoMount is a biodegradable, carrier free mounting adhesive. EcoMount is also recyclable (repulpable) when used in conjunction with EcoBoard or Mondi Xtreme. Manufactured by Seal Graphics Americas.

Digital Wallcoverings
Korographics certified commercial wallcoverings in the Revolve line Revolve products can contribute to the following LEED certifications:
LEED MR 4.1 and 4.2
Revolve media is produced with 20% post-consumer recycled content.
Revolve media is Biodegradable, Breathable, Class A fire rated, Chlorine free, and contains FSC certified pulp. Size(s): - 54x180ft 
Manufacturer: Sonoma Graphic Products

"Digital inks"
A brand-new type of material – essentially helix-shaped molecules of synthetic cholesterol, but currently being referenced as “digital inks” – reflects light like printed posters. Also, like posters, these displays (somewhat analogous to liquid crystal) require nighttime illumination from a remote source and only consume power when static messages are rotated. This is critical for operators who otherwise would need a constant power supply. One such digital ink is manufactured by Israel-based Magink. Stretch it to a certain length, and it reflects one color; stretch it out more, and it reflects yet another, and so on. But the product surpasses TV-like displays, or even LED-based technology, because it works well in sunlight. No powered light source is necessary; the Magink display reflects surrounding light. The display only needs power when images change, not when showing a static image. In addition to low power consumption, Magink also uses an environmentally friendly, nontoxic, digital-ink formula that saves paper as well as energy.

EFI’s Inkware® (Meredith, NH) has developed an environmentally friendly, digital ink called BioWareTM, which is made from corn. 2324 (Meredith) offers one version called BioVuTM. 2327 (Phoenix) offers a version called Eco-Solvent Plus.

Eco-Friendly Exhibit Products

There are plenty of reasons to consider environmental factors when planning for your next exhibit. If your industry is not traditionally linked with environmental movements, having a “green exhibit” is a great way to stand out from the crowd. Add to that the fact that you’re doing your part to make the world a better place, and you’ll build consumer goodwill.

Eco-Friendly Exhibit Products are available from EXPRT.com, among other manufacturers. From their website: "Choose eco-friendly initiatives to encourage pre-cycling and recycling display materials. Look to the experts for green alternatives for your exhibiting needs. We are always looking for creative ideas for sustainability in the trade show and sign industry. Our product development team is currently testing several new products."

Reincarnation “to live again.” The eco•systems Reincarnation Exhibit Recycling Program is designed to reduce the volume of retired exhibit materials reaching landfills. The program features the recycling of nearly every exhibit material, including aluminum, plastic, wood, particle board, corrugated cardboard, fabric, metal, laminate, nylon, Velcro, paper, Styrofoam, foam packing material and carpet.

The following products are available from EcoSystemsDisplays.com:

Exhibit Graphics:
Eco-Systems offers a variety of graphic options that are recycled, recyclable, or made from recycled soda bottles.  
Shipping Cases:
Our shipping cases are recycled and recyclable. Rotationally molded from recycled plastics, the shipping cases are as durable as traditional cases currently used in the industry.
   
Bio Carpet:
These carpet tiles are made from polymer fibers from polylactic acid and are completely biodegradable at the end of their service lives.
Eco-Spun:
Eco-Spun is a high-quality, Velcro compatible polyester fiber made from 100% recycles soda bottles.

 

Eco Friendly Wood Products

Restoration Timber (CA, NY) Over a dozen varieties of wood planks, available in rustic and more polished styles. restorationtimber.com

Trestlewood (UT, ID) In their former life, the company's signature Douglas firs held up railroad tracks across Utah's Great Salt Lake! trestlewood.com

Conklin's (PA) Salvaged barn wood gets a second chance as lovely chestnut, oak and pine flooring. conklinsbarnwood.com

Ecotimber (CA) In addition to reclaimed stock, including gorgeous antique oak, this outfit sells easy-to-install engineered hardwood flooring that is certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). ecotimber.com

Pioneer Millworks (NY) Offering an extensive selection of reclaimed soft- and hardwoods, this supplier to the Smithsonian and Abercrombie & Fitch buys all its electricity from wind-generated sources. pioneermillworks.com

Trex The beauty of this unique material, a mixture of recycled plastic and sawdust from reclaimed hardwoods, is twofold: Unlike wood, it won't rot or splinter, and the 20' planks look just like the real thing when installed. Our pick: the Brasilia line in chocolaty Cayenne. about $5.20/square foot, trex.com for stores.

Although all statements and information in this publication are believed to be accurate and reliable, they are presented gratis and for guidance only, and risks and liability for results obtained by use of the products or application of the suggestions described are assumed by the user. NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE MADE REGARDING PRODUCTS DESCRIBED OR DESIGNS, DATA OR INFORMATION SET FORTH. Statements or suggestions concerning possible use of the products are made without representation or warranty that any such use is free of patent infringement and are not recommendations to infringe any patent. The user should not assume that toxicity data and safety measures are indicated or that other measures may not be required.