Regulated road signage

As a global leader in retroreflective technology, 3M is committed to delivering innovative safety solutions designed to maximise visibility and safety on the road, in the workplace and general community. As part of this commitment, 3M Australia and New Zealand, offers an Extended Full Sign Warranty through our Approved Diamond Certified Manufacturer network. This warranty not only guarantees the durability and performance of our sheeting, it gives you peace of mind that you are delivering the highest level of road safety.

We are looking a creating a NEW Diamond Certified GREEN Manufacturer network and certifying sign shops that manufacture signs using only the latest digital printing technologies using water based inks. As part of this program 3M Diamond Certified Green Manufacturers must also offer a sign collection and recycling at the end of life.

Today regulated road signage are typically manufactured using solvent, UV or screen printing that have both environment and OH&S for those manufacturing the signs. This program will give councils and government a more greener option for when selecting signage contractors for tender. Why are signs made from a 3M Diamond Certified Manufacturer more greener? Why are signs made from a 3M Diamond Certified Manufacturer more greener? Why are signs made from a 3M Diamond Certified Manufacturer more greener? The commitment will be from the sign maker who deals directly with councils and government that that if they buy from a 3M certified green manufacture the 3M reflective sheeting is digitally printed on 3M certified HP printers that utilise water based inks.

HP Latex printers, are designed with operators’ safety in mind, with no Hazardous Air pollutants1 and they are non-flammable, non-combustible. HP Latex technology produces odorless2 prints that ensure a more comfortable working environment. A sign manufactured using water based inks have low emissions and can be used in sensitive environments such as schools and hospitals. In summary using water-based technology in sign making processes, helps achieve the highest level of environmental standards in the signage industry. This commitment not only reduces VOC emissions but also conserves water and reduces chemical use. As part of this program 3M accredited greensign manufacturers will be committed to non solvent manufacturing, limiting VOC, and conversion of goods made. – 95% water base , recycle water base treatment. Finally a 3M accredited green sign maker must have accreditation such as ISO 14001 for recycling as a commitment to collecting a sign at the end of its life and recycle components to minimise carbon footprint of the sign. 1* HP Latex Inks were tested for Hazardous Air Pollutants, as defined in the Clean Air Act, per U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 311 (testing conducted in 2013) and none were detected. 2* Applicable to HP Latex inks.

Based on sensory evaluations conducted by Odournet done according to VDI Guideline 3882 where 883 inks were characterized as “weak” in odor intensity and “neutral” for hedonic tone. There is a broad set of media with very different odor profiles. Some of the media can affect the odor performance of the final print.