For all businesses, reducing plastic should be the goal. However, plastics are everywhere. Plastic is not just water bottles and household waste; it’s microplastics, storage containers, furniture, etc.
An area that contributes to plastic waste is signs. The vast majority of safety and office signs are plastic-based, with many choosing to use plastic nameplates and office signs over metal options due to their affordability.
However, metal signs can last longer and recycle better than plastic options. Below, we will discuss how metal signs can be used to reduce plastic waste in the workplace.
How Metal Signs Reduce Plastic Waste
Plastic signs, after a few years, are often replaced by fresher, newer ones.
However, the issue with plastic signs is that effectively recycling them is complicated. Many of them use a mix of plastics, leading to difficulties in the process.
However, metal signs are more straightforward. Usually, these signs consist of aluminium, brass or stainless steel, most of which are recyclable.
That means businesses can melt down and re-use metal signs or send them to recycling easier.
Plastic waste is not solely about putting recycling bins out and educating staff – the process needs to eliminate plastic in places that are not obvious.
If you are curious about how to reduce plastic waste at work, then read our detailed blog post on the subject: How to Improve Recycling in the Workplace with Label Source's Help
The Benefits of Metal Signs
Metal signs have a number of benefits, including:
- Better durability
- Weather resistance
- Versatility
- Multiple sizes
- Relative affordability
- Naturally illuminating
- Easier to recycle
Metal has benefits for the environment, your sustainable practices and, in some cases, can perform better than plastic-based signs.
Plastic vs Metal: Which is Better For You?
However, plastic signs do have some benefits over their metal counterparts, namely:
- Higher tensile strength
- Easier production
- Better corrosion resistance
- No threat of rusting
- A better design for offices
- Often cheaper
Choosing the correct sign depends on your needs. If you’re working outside and want a sign that lasts longer, then opt for metal. If corrosion resistance or tensile strength is more crucial, plastic signs could be the better choice.
You need to weigh up the cost, use and environmental considerations.
Browse High-Quality Metal Signs Today
At Label Source, we stock a wide range of metal door plates, road traffic signs and fire door signs. That way, you won’t be forced to contribute more plastic waste.
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