45 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 267 - October | November problems during printing or finishing, or is difficult to source when required, the ‘saving’ can quickly disappear.” Plant-Based Similar to Soyang Europe, the last company we speak to works across print hardware and materials. CMYUK is a supplier of digital print production equipment as well as roll-to-roll materials for the wide- and superwide-format sectors. The company offers hardware from brands like EFI, Canon, Mimaki, and JWEI, plus textiles from UFABRIK and PONGS. CMYUK also runs its Sign & Graphics portfolio which offers self-adhesive films, speciality materials, and banner products from DECAL, BIOND, UTACK, UPROTECT, UFABFLX, and Kavalan. Michael Crook, commercial director at CMYUK, comments: “Across both areas, we focus on tried-and-tested materials that balance performance, versatility, cost, and reliable supply, alongside carefully selected alternatives with documented environmental and sustainability credentials. This gives customers access to practical, dependable solutions across a broad range of digital print technologies, applications, and production environments through one trusted supplier.” UFABRIK continues to be one of CMYUK’s most important and popular textile ranges according to Crook, who says the solution can address around 95% of digital textile applications required by the digital print industry. “However, our newly launched Sign and Graphics collection has been built around the applications that sign-makers handle every day, says Crook, who adds: “It’s a focused range that simplifies specification, purchasing, and stockholding. New products in this range include BIOND, DECAL, and UFABFLX, which we believe, will make a difference to the everyday production needs of sign-makers. “Rather than a sign-maker having to specify and stock a different specialist material for every individual application, many of the DECAL and BIOND products can perform across several applications. That means fewer product variants, fewer part numbers, simpler specification, reduced inventory, and less risk of carrying slowmoving stock, while still giving the customer the correct performance for the job.” When it comes to environmental credentials, Crook stresses the importance of holding as many alternatives as possible to meet different sustainability requirements. He says Kavalan was developed to provide a PVC-free option and is supported by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) comparative environmental data. This is also the case for BIOND selfadhesives which use certified bio-based carbon derived from plants. “Ultimately, customers require proven materials, appropriate accreditations, dependable availability, and clear technical information to make informed purchasing decisions,” says Crook. “Weight matters too. Fitters value UFABRIK textiles, for example, because they are lightweight, easily transported, and can be folded as they are bruise-free. They offer just enough stretch for tensioned graphics applications. Fitters really like PVC-free Kavalan too, as again its much lighter than traditional PVC and just easier to handle.” Wrapping it Up Variety, sustainability, and durability have all been stand-out aspects of the materials and considerations mentioned throughout this feature. The materials are being used for a variety of applications like exhibitions, POS displays, and live events. But across everyone we spoke to, it was clear that the materials are just one piece of the puzzle. Lister says: “The signage industry needs to move beyond judging a product by a single material attribute. Paper is not automatically better than plastic, biobased does not mean biodegradable, and recyclable does not mean it will be recycled. The real opportunity is to design out unnecessary material, extend useful life, simplify construction, and build a credible recovery plan before production begins.” The companies we have spoken to also stressed that the suppliers you work with are equally as important. “For manufacturers and suppliers, the priority should be solving genuine customer problems through product development. The strongest products will combine performance, ease of use, reliability, commercial value, and sustainability,” says Mashiter. “Customers need confidence in the company that supplies their materials,” adds Crook, who concludes: “Reliable supply is extremely important. A good supplier should be doing more than taking orders. We see our role as continually assessing the market, bringing genuinely useful new materials to customers, and helping them decide where those products fit within their businesses. “This also means providing the evidence behind the product. Materials should be tried and tested for their intended applications and supported, where relevant, with technical data sheets, test results, certifications, and compliance documentation. As the market becomes more complex, particularly around environmental claims, the combination of product knowledge, dependable supply, and credible technical information is becoming increasingly important.” ▲ BIOND selfadhesives use certified bio-based carbon derived from plants A material may offer an attractive price, but if it creates problems during printing or finishing, or is difficult to source when required, the ‘saving’ can quickly disappear SIGNAGE MATERIALS | DAVID OSGAR
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