Eco-Systems™ — About the ‘Green’ Materials Used
Eco-Systems is the culmination of years of research in sustainable technologies and materials relevant to the exhibit industry, followed by careful trial and design to truly create the greenest trade show displays available today.
This is a list of the environmentally conscious materials used in Eco-Systems' displays, and what you should know about them versus the standard materials that are used in the trade show exhibit industry today.
Recycled Aluminium Extrusions
A very strong yet lightweight extrusion made with up to 70% recycled aluminum content. Aluminum is arguably the most sustainable building material in the world and is highly recyclable. Any waste created during the production process is recycled or re-used in other projects. This practice is mindful to the environment in protecting valuable resources, slowing the need for further aluminum mining, saving energy, and significantly reducing waste.
Standard exhibits typically use Aluminium Extrusions made entirely from new aluminum components. This drastically depletes natural resources and requires up to 12 times the energy to produce.
Recycled Fabric Graphics
Made from 100% recycled soda bottles, Paradise Fabric is the highest quality recycled-content fabric made in America today — 40% more durable than similar ‘green’ fabric print media. Full colors print beautifully using water-based, non-toxic inks. Applications requiring dye-sub SEG graphics, such as backlit displays, use Waterfall Fabric instead (made from 60% recycled plastics).
Standard exhibits typically use Nylon-based Fabric treated with toxic chemicals. Woven with nylon and printed with petroleum-based inks. Nylon does not decompose in landfills.
Eco-Board
A durable, rigid substrate ideal for high resolution prints in full, vivid color on both sides. Eco-Board is a polystyrene material that can biodegrade in a landfill within 9 months to 3 years.
Standard exhibits typically use Sintra, a high density foam board made with PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC). PVC contains chlorinated toxins, mercury, lead, and dioxins that are dangerous to human health and the environment.
Eco-Glass
Made from 100% post-industrial recycled plastics into a strong, glossy, translucent material that looks like frosted glass. A versatile material ideal for stylish shelving, panels, accents, or even graphic printing. Eco-Glass is as durable as its competitors.
Standard exhibits typically use Plexiglass or acrylic made from petroleum-based virgin plastics that requires up to 10 times the energy to produce compared to Eco-Glass.
LED Lighting
A highly efficient lighting technology that produces a bright, focused white light to enhance graphics and messaging. Lower energy consumption makes them more efficient than traditional halogens– they produce less heat and last ten times longer.
Standard exhibits typically use Halogen lighting, an inefficient light source that understates graphic color quality and operates at a dangerously high temperature. A growing number of trade show and conference venues are banning their use as a fire hazard precaution.
FSC Wood
FSC certification is the best indicator that wood is harvested sustainably. It is widely considered the best forestry certification program because the wood is harvested while protecting fragile eco-systems, respecting native cultures, preventing illegal logging, and much more. We use adhesives that are both strong and emission-free, and finish with water-based glazes.
Standard exhibits typically use Particle board, which contains formaldehyde and emits methane gas as it decomposes in a landfill, polluting both the air and the groundwater.
Low-VOC Adhesives & Finishes
Water-based products which are Low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or No-VOC & Greenguard Certified. Greenguard Certified products have been screened for over 10,000 chemicals by an independent third-party organization to help insure healthy indoor air. Petroleum-free production is cleaner for the environment. Unlike their solvent-based counterparts, our water-based products are low in VOCs and formaldehyde-free.
Standard exhibits typically use Petroleum-Based Adhesives & Finishes that release toxic fumes into the environment and the air we breathe during manufacturing and throughout much of their life cycle.
ReCo
A flexible substrate material — made from 100% recycled plastics — that makes ideal lightweight panels and infills for displays. Available in a large variety of Laminate Options. All of our standard laminate finishes are Greenguard Certified and contain Low-VOC or No-VOC water-based adhesive if required.
Standard exhibits typically use Virgin Plastics made from oil, or plywoods made with petroleum-based adhesives and finishes.
- See also
- Eco-Friendly Trade Show Displays
