Whether you're part of a growing or established brand, consumers expect you to do your part for the environment. And for businesses that rely on vehicle branding, this can mean rethinking the products they use and how their waste is handled. Thankfully, the vehicle wrapping industry is moving in the right direction – with several green materials and processes now available.
Here’s what you need to know about eco-friendly vehicle wraps, for results that present your brand at its best and have minimal impact on the environment.
The impact of traditional vehicle wraps
Vehicle graphics are traditionally printed on PVC films, then laminated, trimmed, and applied. They also feature silicone release liners, which end up in waste bins along with the trimmings. Once the wrap is removed months or years down the line, this is also disposed of as waste.
Traditional vinyl wraps include harmful chemicals in their makeup, plus phthalates used to soften plastics. These may contaminate soil and surface water with long-term effects, while the PVC itself breaks down into microplastics over time – causing a potential health risk.
Without a waste management plan in place, this all heads straight to landfill.
What are the sustainable options?
There are two ways to ensure your vehicle graphics are better for the environment.
1. PVC-free vehicle wrapping films
In a big move towards sustainability, manufacturers like 3M and Avery Dennison have produced PVC-free films. Made from bio-based products instead of harmful chemicals, these enable eco-friendly vehicle graphics with very few downsizes.
Why it works
Without toxic chemicals, both the vehicle wrap and its trimmings can go in with mixed recycling. So, PVC-free materials make vehicle wrapping surprisingly green, resulting in less waste heading to landfill sites. These are applied to vehicles just like standard vinyl wraps, with no compromise on print quality, performance or durability.
Are there limitations?
PVC-free films cost more than vinyl, so wrapping an entire fleet can get expensive – especially on a tight budget. There’s an issue beyond the cost too, as many release liners are still made with silicone and can’t be easily recycled.
Below: Our sister company, Promohire, wrapped BiOrbic's exhibition van in PVC-free film.
2. Closed-loop waste recycling streams
Looking ahead, we expect more wrap companies to sign up for waste management programmes like Metamark’s MetaStream recycling scheme. This initiative helps companies like Raccoon to streamline their waste processes and reduce the volume sent to landfill. MetaStream can even recycle some traditional PVC wraps, including their release liners!
Why it works
The whole process makes it easier than ever to go green. Once signed up, the installer/wrap company is briefed on the process and given multiple bins to keep on the production floor. From there, it’s a simple case of placing all waste in the correct bins, ready for collection. This process is easy to learn and adopt, so it fits seamlessly into everyday wrap production.
Are there limitations?
Right now, MetaStream is only open to companies producing high volumes of wrap waste – so it isn’t available to everyone just yet. And because this service isn’t free, installers must decide if it’s worth the investment.
What's the best option for you?
It all depends on your budget and chosen vehicle wrapping company.
Eco-friendly vehicle wrapping is more expensive than standard vinyl, but if you’re looking to make small steps towards sustainability, then PVC-free wraps are easy to recommend.
If you’re on a tighter budget and want to reduce the impact of your vehicle graphics, you could look for a company that’s signed up to a waste management scheme like MetaStream.
At the very least, it’s worth asking about their approach towards waste and recycling.
Bring your ideas to life, the sustainable way
If you’re looking to reduce the environmental impact of your project, look no further. As a large-format specialist, we’ve adopted several key eco-friendly printing practices and can always recommend a sustainable material – whether it’s for a vehicle, display or brand activation.
We can also help fleet operators make simple changes that are easy to adopt, for a greener and more ethical workflow. Get in touch so we can discuss ways to reduce your carbon footprint!
