Tel: 0161 980 4883 or 0790 060 3815

Environmental Policy

July 2019

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Mission statement:

We believe in only using top quality materials, our statement is ‘do it right, do it once’

Nature Sign Design recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods, with regular review points. We will encourage customers and suppliers to do the same.

It is for this reason that we use only recyclable sign panels. We have two types of sign panel material, solid aluminium and High Pressure Laminate (HPL).

Both come with a 10 year guarantee.

Solid aluminium

Product Description:

Nature Sign Design coated & printed solid aluminium products provide outstanding full-colour print quality and long-term resistance to UV and exterior weather conditions. Based on a revolutionary 4- stage process incorporating a direct-to-substrate printing method utilising specialised inks, the product offers unbelievable durability and anti-graffiti protection.

The combination of the highly abrasion and scratch resistant high temperature stoved resin coating and aluminium base material provides a robust finish against attention by vandals.

The outstanding durability, quality aesthetic appearance achieves the necessary approvals for use on The London Underground and use on rolling stock. It provides a cost-effective alternative to vitreous enamel signage in both prestigious high street and rail applications.

The panels can be printed both sides and are graffiti resistant enabling cleansing of the custom surface with many products such as water, white spirits, alcohol or acetone. Surface blemishes can be polished out using a silicone polish. 

Benefits:

  • Easy clean – Anti-vandal/graffiti resistant properties
  • Fire Resistant
  • Acid/Alkali/Sea Spray Resistant
  • Moisture resistant
  • Fully recyclable
  • Outstanding print quality
  • Two sided print options
  • 10 year exterior warranty

Product Specification:                                                                  

Conforms to the following accreditations and test criteria:

  • Meets the demanding requirements of S1085: Issue A4: 2016 for Fire Safety Performance of Materials in Rail Stations and Tunnels Infrastructure.
  • Reaction to Fire BS EN 13501-2 :2007 + Al:2009 – complies with the requirements Classes B, dO, Passes BS 476-6 + Al:1999, (Class O) and BS 476-7 :1997 (Class 1) for Surface Spread of Flame and Fire Propagation
  • Conforms to BS EN 45545 -1:2013 for the protection of passengers and staff in railway vehicles in the event of a fire on passenger carrying trains
  • Passes Test 4RS efficacy test for Graffiti Removal and Graffiti Resistance on Train Rolling Stock
  • EN ISO 4618:2014 Paints & Varnishes – 10 Year Warranty
  • EN ISO 2810:2004 for Weathering Resistance
  • ASTM G154 500 Hrs. QUVB Accelerated Ageing for Gloss Retention & Colour Fastness
  • Passes the Test Methods of BS 3900-0:2010 for Durability, Scratch & Impact Resistance
  • Service Temperature -40°C – +90°C UV & Frost Resistant
  • Excellent Exterior Performance
  • Resistant to acids, alkalis & salt spray
  • Anti-Graffiti resisting both Aerosol Paints, Acrylic Paints, Permanent Markers & Dyes
  • 100% Recyclable 

High Pressure Laminate

Product description:

Nature Sign Design high pressure laminate (HPL) is a 100% fully recyclable product that utilises a high pressure lamination process and thermo-hardening resin to provide outstanding full-colour print quality and long-term resistance to UV and exterior weather conditions.

With environmental accreditations, it scores significantly over Dibond or GRP products. The customised print image is set within the thermo-hardened resin of the HPL panel preventing the further application of paint or a ‘new customisation’.

Nature Sign Design HPL panels can be printed both sides and cut into any shape, are graffiti resistant enabling cleansing of the custom surface with many products such as water, white spirits, alcohol or acetone.

Benefits:

  • UV resistant
  • Fully recyclable – scores significantly over ACM
  • Easy clean – Anti-vandal/graffiti resistant properties
  • Fire Resistant
  • Acid/Alkali/Sea Spray Resistant
  • Moisture resistant
  • Anti-bacterial properties
  • Outstanding print quality
  • Two sided print options
  • Can be cut into any shape
  • 10 year exterior warranty

General Product Data:                                                                                   

  • PEFC Certified Pulp
  • Formaldehyde release ; (<0.1 mg/m².h)
  • Thicknesses: 0.8mm, 3mm, 6mm, 10mm, 13mm & 15mm
  • Max size: 2700mm x 1200m
  • M2 fire retardant as standard (M2 available to special order)

Oak

We use only prime grade oak. All our oak is sourced from fsc suppliers. When you see the fsc logo you have confidence that you are not contributing to the destruction of the world’s forests.

When considering what material to use, wood has to be high on your list of choices, as it acts as a carbon sink, a vital asset in these times of climate change and CO2 emissions.

Stainless steel frames

We use stainless steel 304. Type 304 stainless steel is a T 300 Series Stainless Steel austenitic. It has a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, combined with a maximum of 0.08% carbon. It is defined as a Chromium-Nickel austenitic alloy.

Box steel

We hot dip galvanise our box steel leg section strictly in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001:2015 and under the control of ISO 9001.

Once galvanised we powder coat in most RAL colours to ISO 9001 certification standards.

Responsibility

Anne Michaelides is responsible for ensuring that the environmental policy is implemented. However, all employees have a responsibility in their area to ensure that the aims and objectives of the policy are met.

Policy aims

We endeavour to:

  • Comply with and exceed all relevant regulatory requirements.
  • Continually improve and monitor environmental performance.
  • Continually improve and reduce environmental impacts.
  • Incorporate environmental factors into business decisions.
  • Increase employee awareness and training.

Paper

  • We will minimise the use of paper in the office.
  • We will reduce packaging as much as possible.
  • We will seek to buy recycled and recyclable paper products.
  • We will reuse and recycle all paper where possible.

Energy and water

  • We will seek to reduce the amount of energy used as much as possible.
  • Lights and electrical equipment will be switched off when not in use.
  • Heating will be adjusted with energy consumption in mind.
  • The energy consumption and efficiency of new products will be taken into account when purchasing.

Office supplies

  • We will evaluate if the need can be met in another way.
  • We will evaluate if renting/sharing is an option before purchasing equipment.
  • We will evaluate the environmental impact of any new products we intend to purchase.
  • We will favour more environmentally friendly and efficient products wherever possible.
  • We will reuse and recycle everything we are able to.

Transportation

  • We will reduce the need to travel, restricting to necessity trips only.
  • We will promote the use of travel alternatives such as e-mail or video/phone conferencing.
  • We will make additional efforts to accommodate the needs of those using public transport or bicycles.
  • We will favour ‘green’ vehicles and maintain them rigorously to ensure ongoing efficiency.

Maintenance and cleaning

  • Cleaning materials used will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
  • Materials used in office refurbishment will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
  • We will only use licensed and appropriate organisations to dispose of waste.

Monitoring and improvement

  • We will comply with and exceed all relevant regulatory requirements.
  • We will continually improve and monitor environmental performance.
  • We will continually improve and reduce environmental impacts.
  • We will incorporate environmental factors into business decisions.
  • We will increase employee awareness through training.
  • We will review this policy and any related business issues at our monthly management meetings.

Culture

  • We will involve staff in the implementation of this policy, for greater commitment and improved performance.
  • We will update this policy at least once annually in consultation with staff where necessary.
  • We will provide staff with relevant environmental training.
  • We will work with suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors to improve their environmental performance.
  • We will use local labour and materials where available to reduce CO2 and help the community.