Eco-Friendly Architectural Sign Materials
RICHLITE: Richlite® Industrial Composites combine many of the positive aspects of wood, metal, and plastic. Originally designed for use in the production of the Boeing 747, Richlite® industrial material is hard, yet easy to machine, has a high strength to weight ratio, and is chemically and thermally stable. Richlite is made primarily of paper purchased from managed forests throughout North America. The paper is treated with resin then pressed and baked to create solid sheets. Can be used for exterior sign applications, may be sandblasted. Richlite comes in multiple sizes and widths. Standard sheets are available in 4'x8' to 5'x12' sizes and 30" half sheets to match a variety of design tastes. The product is readily available in ¾" to 1½" thickness.
Layers of paper (derived from renewable or recycled resources) are mixed with resin to form this highly stain-resistant material. from $85/square foot.
Richlite is considered a "green" product. It was introduced as the industry's first solid material made of hemp. Richlite is an aesthetically appealing, durable and environmentally sustainable alternative to stone and other popular solid surface materials. The boards are made of paper with fibers from fast-growing abaca, a palm-like plant grown in the Philippines and Ecuador commonly called hemp.
Richlite uses the most environmentally benign production methods and materials available. During the saturation and drying process, over 99% of the volatile organic compounds are incinerated. The heat from that incineration is used for the drying process to minimize thermal pollution. There is no hazardous waste generated in our process.
Richlite® is currently researching its products to confirm they contribute to LEED building certification guidelines for rapidly renewable and low-emitting materials.
MSDS (pdf)
Properties (pdf)
FAQs and Manufacturer site for dealers. (link)
DRAGONBOARD: a construction panel that is:
UL Approved Fireproof
ASTM Rated Mold Proof
ASTM Rated Waterproof
ASTM Rated Insect Free
ASTM Rated Fungus Free
Interior/Exterior
High Impact
Hurricane Tested
Asbestos Free
Silica Free
Sound Suppressing
Easy to cut and finish
Economical
Approved for use in New York City
"Green"
DRAGONBOARD The only construction panel that provides all these features. DRAGONBOARD is manufactured from mineral components and water. It contains no organic solvents, asbestos, oils or toxins. No energy is consumed during the manufacture of DRAGONBOARD since the entire process is conducted at room temperature. It is available in sizes of 4'x8', 4'x9', 4'x10'. Thicknesses available are 1/8", 1/4", 7/16", 9/16" and 3/4".Custom sizes are also available.
UL Design UL055
UL 1 1/2, 2 & 3 hour Test Data (ASTM E119)
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.
RICHLITE: Richlite® Industrial Composites combine many of the positive
aspects of wood, metal, and plastic. Originally designed for use
in the production of the Boeing 747, Richlite® industrial
material is hard, yet easy to machine, has a high strength to
weight ratio, and is chemically and thermally stable. Richlite is made primarily of paper purchased
from managed forests throughout North America. The paper is
treated with resin then pressed and baked to create solid
sheets. Can be used for exterior sign applications, may be
sandblasted. Richlite comes in multiple sizes and widths.
Standard sheets are available in 4'x8' to 5'x12' sizes and 30"
half sheets to match a variety of design tastes. The product is
readily available in ¾" to 1½" thickness.