National signage company Mesh Direct says its new, fully recyclable Eco Banner Mesh can significantly reduce the construction industry’s impact on the environment. “We are excited to be offering this new product, the first of its kind (that we know about), in the Australian market.”
“The construction industry has a lot to answer for when it comes to the environment,” said Sydney-based Mesh Direct, which has offices in Melbourne and Brisbane. “Unfortunately for a long time, there was no way around sending hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste to landfill each year. Mesh Direct has been working towards changing that. Enter our new Eco Banner Mesh, which is fully recyclable.
“Eco Banner Mesh is a greener alternative to traditional banner mesh. It’s much easier to recycle than other materials that contain PVC and are notoriously difficult, if not impossible to recycle in Australia.”
The eco mesh, described by the company as a “new game-changer in town,” is suitable for: scaffolding; temporary fences; temporary fence panels; signage on development sights; perimeter fencing around events; building and construction sites; and industrial developments.
“Our new Eco Banner Mesh product is a step in the right direction to reducing the industry’s impact on the environment,” said the company. “We are excited to be offering this new product, the first of its kind (that we know about), in the Australian market.”
Eco Banner Mesh Printing
Using a UV digital printing process plays a key role in making this product more environmentally friendly, the company said.
“Traditionally, the mesh printing process uses solvent-based materials. This emits harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the environment. The printing material itself would also use PVC which is notoriously difficult to recycle. However, the new process addresses both of these issues and allows us to provide a truly ‘green’ mesh product that can be recycled. The better news still is that the UV digital printing process still allows us to produce high-quality prints.
PVC Free
“Traditionally, the process of manufacturing mesh banners involves coating polyester yarn with PVC - perhaps one of the most environmentally damaging types of plastic in use today. It has been dubbed by Greenpeace as the ‘poison plastic’. It’s no surprise that it contributes an abundance of toxic substances to the environment. Plus, at the end of its life, it’s difficult to recycle, which usually results in it ending up in landfill where it does not biodegrade.
“The material used for our new eco mesh is made by coating polyester scrim with a water-based acrylic. The manufacturing process uses much less water and produces fewer toxins and carbon. And the finished material can be widely recycled.”
Eco Mesh is very similar to regular banner mesh in terms of its usage. It’s made from a perforated material which means wind can easily pass through it, which is ideal for exposed outdoor locations. Like conventional mesh, it can be cut to custom sizes and panels. This makes for a flexible product to suit a variety of projects.
“However, even though there are many similarities and the Denier strength is the same as regular 12 x 12 substrates, it is considered not quite as long-lasting,” the company added. “The lifespan is around 12 months for this product, depending on where it is placed. We therefore still recommend this product for shorter-term sites and events.
How to Recycle Eco Banner Mesh
“We have several recycling partners Australia-wide depending on your location, which we are happy to recommend when you order. Alternatively, there are a number of drop-off points the mesh can be taken to instead. It’s worth noting that the welded edges and eyelets must be removed to make the product fully recyclable."
Mesh Direct, headed by director Andrew Doenicke, is one of Australia’s leaders in grand format printing and out-of-home advertising, supplying printed signage nationwide. The company launched an ‘eco-campaign’ in 2019.
“We are Australia’s first 100% carbon neutral signage company," it said. "That means we offset every single signage purchase, and at no additional cost for you. Unfortunately, not every signage material the industry requires is recyclable like this one just yet, so offsetting is another tick for the environment while we continue to work on that.”
Contact Mesh Direct here.
