News

Think Ambient Sustainable Print Materials: A Conscious Choice

September 5, 2024 by Ben Schofield

In today’s sustainability conscious world, businesses are increasingly seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact. This extends to every facet of operations, including marketing and print materials. At the heart of effective, sustainable marketing lies the informed choice of sustainable print materials.

The Think Ambient range of print materials offers comprehensive solutions for businesses committed to reducing their environmental footprint. We understand the complex interplay between aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, and have carefully curated a selection of products that balance these key factors.

A cornerstone of our range is a strong emphasis on non-PVC materials. PVC is often found in print products, but due to its environmental impact, we have made a conscious decision to minimize its use. In fact, between 2021-2023 over 95% of our materials sales were PVC free*. So, we are continuing to provide clients with a wide variety of options without compromising on quality or design.

Beyond PVC, we have delved deeper into the material composition of our products, face films made from Polyester (PE), Polypropylene (PP) and non-siliconized, fiber-based liners which are 100% recyclable, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional options. This attention to detail ensures that our materials not only reduce environmental impact during production but also at the end of their marketing life cycle.

We recognize that while PVC-free options are a significant step forward, complete elimination may not always be feasible. Therefore, we have included a small selection of PVC products in our range. Our aim is to provide transparency and enable clients to make informed decisions based on their specific needs and priorities.

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond material selection. We have meticulously designed our products to be easily recyclable within both the print supply chain and at retail outlets for example. This ensures that our materials do not contribute to waste and can be given a new life through recycling processes.

We are proud to offer a range of print materials that empower businesses to make conscious choices. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of different materials, we enable our clients to select products that align with their sustainability goals.

Our journey towards a fully sustainable product range is ongoing. We are actively researching and sourcing new materials that offer enhanced environmental performance without compromising on quality or functionality. Our goal is to continuously expand our non-PVC options and provide our clients with an ever-growing selection of eco-friendly print materials.

By choosing our sustainable print materials, businesses can not only reduce their environmental impact but also demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility. Together, we can create a more sustainable future through informed and conscious choices.

*this figure is based on the percentage of total material sales 2021-2023. Some of these materials are fully recyclable whilst others can be part recycled. For more information about which products can be recycled and how, take a look at our product review.

Recycling Made Easy by Think Ambient

September 5, 2024 by Ben Schofield

To ensure our materials are effectively recycled at the end of their lifecycle, we have conducted extensive research in collaboration with U.K. waste recyclers. We have delved into the complexities of waste management within our clients’ businesses and back of store retail environments, identifying key challenges and opportunities for Think Ambient materials, Recycling Made Easy.

Through these key partnerships, we have gained a comprehensive understanding of waste streams and commercial recycling processes. This knowledge empowers us to provide clear guidance to our clients on the correct disposal of our printed materials.

We can confidently advise whether our products should be placed in Paper & Cardboard, Mixed Recycling, or General Waste bins. By simplifying recycling instructions & enhancing their knowledge, we aim to reduce waste contamination and significantly increase recycling rates for our clients. This commitment to post-consumer waste management reinforces our dedication to creating a circular economy.

Summary of printed products

Recycling Made Easy, Table Key:

Blue = Recylable with Paper
Green = Suitable for Mixed Recycling
Red = General Waste

PP = Polypropylene
PE = Polyester
PVC = Poly Vinyl Chloride
Sil = Siliconised Paper (process that prevents it from being recyclable)

We haven’t tested the materials directly, so the above is based on information supplied at the manufacturing stages. For more specific information please get in touch.

Our Sustainability Journey with Steve Lister

We have collaborated with renowned sustainability expert Steve Lister to provide the comprehensive list above, and to provide information about how to practically implement some of these ideas.

www.stevelister.com

Sustainable Print Journey: Part 1

August 15, 2024 by Ben Schofield

The Think Ambient sustainable print journey begins…… We are working with renowned Sustainability expert Steve Lister to complete a comprehensive, 360 degree review. We will focus on the entire range of materials we distribute, how they compare to other industry print materials and also our operational practices. Once we have completed this review process we will publish a full overview, so please watch this space for further information about our sustainable print journey.

Our collaboration is driven by our desire to meet the increasing demands of key stakeholders within global brands & retailers about the sustainability credentials and end-of-life recycling of the Think Ambient range.

The current Think Ambient range are manufactured using a variety of plastics, Polyester (PE & PET), Polypropylene (PP) and PVC with both siliconized & non siliconized liners to enhance the recyclability at the end of their life. The review process will enable us to create a sustainability guide to our materials, clearly communicating what materials the face films & liners are made from, plus clear recycling instructions.

Our sustainability review process has also started to look at the whole journey, from production to implementation and at the end of campaign removal.

From initial discussions with clients they highlight the huge sustainability benefits of time savings provided by the Think Ambient range, being perfect for non-skilled application. They are designed for increased speed of installation & removal, which decreases the need for specialist applications teams. The environmental impact of specialist installation teams’ travelling to complete these tasks is also an important factor.

We will keep you updated as we progress on our sustainability journey!

A great example by Castle Fine Art

Think Ambient ADTAC printed window graphics were shipped direct to the stores so that the individual retail locations could install them onto the windows with no specialist installation teams required!

ADTAC is a PVC FREE face film which makes it a sustainable alternative to standard self adhesive vinyl and it is available on a non siliconised liner which means both parts are 100% recyclable.

The fact that it can be self installed also means a reduction in CO2 (and cost) as installation teams are no longer required.

Event Example: GAFTA

Big thank you to GAFTA for sending us this image of their recent CLINGZ display. This one was 2m tall by over 6m wide, and expertly installed by their team on site.

CLINGZ is event branding that you could carry with you, then roll back up after the event is over. CLINGZ is PVC-free, with the printed side made from PP on a PET liner.

Retail Example: Flannels

Sustainability is clear to see with Flannels window graphics!

Incredibly easy to install as they are designed for non-skilled application, clean removal and 100% recyclable at the end for the campaign at the back of store, this is why Flannels uses ADTAC, a sustainable solution that works!

There are huge benefits for Flannels, increases the speed of application & installation, increases sustainability commitments to move away from PVC, decreases time to remove as the no adhesive to remove, easy for all store team members to remove, no need for expensive removal & cleaning by merchandising companies and increases recycling rates at the back of store.

Find out more about why Retailers love ADTAC…….PVC Free, PE (polyester) printable facefilm with 100% recyclable liner……non siliconised!

Next Steps

Our next step will be to publish the specific results of our product analysis, and explain how to recycle each individual material and their backer. We have this detail now, if you want to contact us, we are just putting together a comprehensive document which lays out the products side by side, highlighting the make-up of their face-film, liner, and the method of recycling. For more information about this please get in touch.

Retail Windows love ADTAC

July 30, 2024 by Ben Schofield

ADTAC has a special Bubble Egress System, which allows store staff to apply without any bubbles. Most importantly, they look perfect once applied! Available in all sizes, white and clear, ADTAC can be removed, repositioned, and then re-applied too. Super Easy!

Easy – to apply! Dry apply with no bubbles on a clean window.

Easy – to re-apply! Move position or line up perfectly by removing and repositioning.

Easy – to remove! ADTAC will not leave behind any residue.

“ADTAC graphics were very easy to apply and re-apply and didn’t bubble.” – Castle Galleries

“Just wanted to let you know that we’ve had fantastic feedback from the store staff regarding the ease of application for the ADTAC vinyls. It’s made our lives so much easier by knowing we can ask them to reapply the wonky ones etc! ” – Jigsaw

Flawless Floor Graphics

April 24, 2024 by Ben Schofield

A Guide to Floor Graphics, Media and Applications

We have a variety of exclusive and unique Floor Graphics materials that we like to use. The selection process is based on all kinds of factors, like the size of the display, the surface they will be placed on, who is installing them, and environmental factors like the footfall and longevity. It is best to speak to us about all these matters before deciding, but below is a summary of our key materials, their superpowers, and where best to apply them.

EASIFLOOR

EASIFLOOR is an adhesive floor graphic, suitable for applying to a wide range of floor surfaces, even carpets. It is easy to apply and remove without leaving any residue and has an anti-slip laminate for additional safety.

– Easy to apply and remove
– R10 Anti-slip rating – no additional laminate required
– Damage free on removal
– Bubble free
– Can be applied to floors and all smooth surfaces, even carpet

SKINZFLOOR

SKINZ FLOOR is incredibly unique! A totally adhesive free substrate that literally ‘sucks’ on to smooth floors, whilst remaining removable and repositionable. It is perfect for short term floor use where low to medium footfall is expected. SKINZ FLOOR has an anti-slip laminate for additional safety.

– Unique micro-suction technology
– Anti-slip laminate
– Sticks to smooth floors without the need for tape, tacks or adhesive
– Removable and repositionable
– Damage free on removal
– Moisture resistant

EASIFLOOR EXTRA

EASIFLOOR Extra is our unique floor graphic, suitable for applying to all indoor smooth hard floors and low-pile carpets. It is easy to apply and remove, with an ultra-tough polyester base which means it does not shrink or tear. EASIFLOOR Extra has an anti-slip textured surface which eliminates the need for an additional coating.

– Can be applied to all smooth hard-floors and low-pile carpets
– Easy to apply and remove
– Indoor use
– R10 Anti-slip rating – no additional laminate required
– Will not shrink or tear
– Ultra-tough polyester base with no stretch

FLOORMATZ

FLOORMATZ is a spongy material without adhesive that can be installed on floors by professionals to create enormous displays, like the map example here.

Tiling together large self-adhesive materials can be tricky so for this project we opted to adhere the material to the floor using tape, once we had lined up the sections.

This was for an event so only needed to be in place during the day and then it could be removed without causing any damage once the event had concluded.

BESPOKE AND THE TOUGH STUFF

We have produced floor graphics for outdoor use in the past, which were made from a malleable metallic material designed specifically for asphalt, concrete and brick type surfaces. This material has a slip rating of R12, with a strong adhesive and whilst it will remove without causing damage it can “clean” the surface and if left in place for a long period it can protect the surface from the elements leaving it cleaner than the surrounding areas. It is always best to speak to us early in the process and we can advise the best materials possible and highlight any potential issues.

Come together. branding offices

February 15, 2024 by Ben Schofield

We helped a local company called Together with their 50^th Year Anniversary campaign by adding themed branding to their offices.

We installed various media on different surfaces throughout their offices, including their outside windows, internal glass balconies, lifts, doors and walls.

For the larger wall displays, doors and lifts we used our fabric wallpaper product PHLEX. PHLEX is easy to install, it can be tiled together and cut where required to accommodate plug sockets and switches. As the items were being professionally installed we also used self-adhesive vinyl and fret cut vinyls, which can be more fiddly to apply but help to create maximum impact. In addition we used our new and exclusive GRIP material on smooth surfaces for a long lasting and perfect finish, and to complete the transformation we supplied free standing displays too.

“A massive shout out to Think Ambient and Will Harris for weaving their magic and bringing the campaign to life for our colleagues internally with some incredible vinyls. I can’t wait to see the reactions and watch the impact unfold in our exclusive screenings later on this week.”

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