Breaking Up with PVC: The Green Shift in Signage Materials

Why It's Time to Ditch PVC Vinyl: Sustainable Solutions for the Graphics Industry

PVC is widely used in the graphics industry; it is freely available, cheap, and holds ink well. Pressure to move away from it, though, is growing. 

When looking at how to improve the sustainability of a business, reducing the use of PVC products should be high on the action list.

 

What is PVC Vinyl?

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic—commonly known as vinyl—has become one of the most widely-used types of plastics. PVC is a thermoplastic that is made up of 57% chlorine and 43% carbon. 

In signage, PVC vinyl’s ability to print, cut, and stretch has made it a go-to material for years. In most cases, monomeric (and to a lesser extent polymeric) self-adhesive PVC and PVC coated vinyls are the default choice, irrespective of whether they are used for indoor or short-term outdoor signages.

 

What is wrong with PVC vinyl?

While PVC may be versatile and cost-effective, the hidden environmental and health costs are far steeper.

At the end of its life cycle, PVC poses significant risks:

• Landfilled: Leaches toxic chemicals into the soil.
• Incinerated: Releases dioxins—some of the most toxic pollutants known.
• Recycled: Even this process emits harmful fumes.

Moreover, PVC contains phthalates—chemicals linked to cancer, kidney damage, and other health issues.

With new, high-performing PVC-free alternatives now available—and the cost gap shrinking—there’s never been a better time to make the switch.

 

What is the alternative to PVC Vinyl?

Self-adhesive, PVC-free materials such as PP, PET and nonwoven materials may not meet the gold standard of sustainability, but they certainly are a step in the right direction. The fact that they have no measurable health impact, and a significantly lower environmental impact makes them a better choice for most indoor or short-term outdoor applications. In some cases they also out-perform PVC-based products.

• 3M Envision Vinyl: PVC- and phthalate-free, stretches up to 150%, and withstands UV rays and extreme temperatures—ideal for curved surfaces and demanding applications.
• Neschen PVC-Free Media: From Easy Dot to Wall-Grip, Neschen offers non-PVC solutions for floor graphics, window decals, wallpapers, laminates, and mounting films.

 

The Future is PVC-Free

Thanks to improved product performance, reduced costs, and rising consumer demand for sustainable solutions, the push for PVC-free alternatives has never been stronger.

So, with better options now readily available, there’s only one question left to ask:
What’s your excuse for not going PVC-free?