Traditional signage, often made with paper, plastic, or vinyl, is commonly used across industries for promotions, advertisements, and information displays. But, did you know that billions of square feet of traditional signage materials end up in landfills every year? Traditional signs demand energy-intensive production, use materials that contribute to pollution, and generate waste that harms ecosystems.
Below are six core environmental impacts associated with traditional signage and, therefore, key reasons you should switch.
1. Deforestation and Paper Waste
Traditional signage heavily relies on paper products, which contributes to deforestation. In fact, it requires 17 trees and 26,281 litres of water to produce one ton of paper.
The demand for large-scale printed materials results in continuous tree harvesting, which depletes forests and impacts global carbon absorption. Additionally, once signage becomes obsolete, it is frequently discarded, creating landfill waste and further straining our planet’s resources. Paper alone constitutes about 40% of waste dumped in landfills, meaning not enough is recycled.
2. Plastics and Non-Biodegradable Materials
Most traditional signage relies on plastics and vinyl, which are non-biodegradable. When disposed of, these materials can remain in landfills for hundreds of years, breaking down into microplastics that pollute soil and waterways. The production of plastics is also petroleum-based, increasing reliance on fossil fuels and further adding to environmental degradation.
3. Hazardous Chemicals
Inks and solvents used in traditional signage production often contain toxic chemicals that harm the environment. When improperly disposed of, these chemicals can seep into soil and water sources, disrupting ecosystems and potentially impacting human health. Proper handling and disposal methods are often overlooked, adding to the risk.
4. High Energy Consumption
From raw material extraction to final product distribution, traditional signage production requires considerable energy. Manufacturing paper and vinyl, running printing presses, and transporting finished signs contribute to high energy demands, which further stress energy resources and increase costs for businesses.
5. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Traditional signage production is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Paper production alone accounts for 264 kg of gaseous pollutants per one ton of product. The energy-intensive processes used in manufacturing and transporting physical signs contribute to increased carbon dioxide emissions, exacerbating climate change. This not only impacts air quality but also increases long-term environmental damage.
6. Short Lifespan Leading to Excess Waste
Physical signage has a limited lifespan, often requiring frequent replacement to keep up with new marketing campaigns or seasonal promotions. This “disposable” nature results in continuous waste generation, especially for plastic or vinyl signage that doesn’t degrade. Over time, these materials accumulate in landfills, contributing to pollution.
Digital Signage Can Help
Despite these staggering statistics, digital signage effectively addresses the environmental challenges associated with traditional signage by offering energy-efficient solutions and durable, reusable displays. Their non-discardable design minimizes waste while offering dynamic, eye-catching LED displays that use less power overall.
Choose Digital for a Sustainable Future
As environmental awareness grows, companies are increasingly turning to digital signage to lower their carbon footprint. Digital signage offers a sustainable alternative by reducing waste and minimizing resource consumption. With dynamic, easily updatable displays, digital signage eliminates the need for frequent replacements, providing an environmentally friendly solution that also saves costs in the long run.
To explore digital signage solutions that align with your company’s sustainability goals, contact youRhere today.