Green Scheme Certification 2023 and 2024 updates

NZ Sign Solutions

2/18 Arklow Lane Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa - 09-427-4402 - info@signsolutions.co.nz - https://www.signsolutions.co.nz

We are family operated specialising in signs and printing from the smallest label to wrapping cars, trucks and boats. So whether you want your a flag, banner or an exterior sign, they can brand it all including stationery and uniforms. A solution for every sign.?

NZ Sign Solutions

Overall, NZ Sign Solutions are taking a number of great actions already with only a few in their control right now they could consider. The big issues for them, they would love to find solutions but currently don’t know any options. It is not through lack of not wanting to take action and make a difference.

NZ Sign Solutions was selected to be one of our pilot businesses under our “High Discarded Materials based” survey which we undertook on 4 July 2023.

Whilst there is a lot of frustration in the signage industry Karen was keen to find out more and work hard on what actions they can take.

Actions Taken at the 2023 Survey

  • Recycle cardboard

  • Have to print out proofs  but turn over and use other side of paper (GOOS)

  • Reuse boxes  when need to courier goods

  • Reuse bubble wrap that has come in and do not purchase themselves

  • Reuse printer cartridges (large) as just change out the ink bladder

  • Reuse packaging where can

  • Have china drinking mugs

  • If replacing a sign offer to reuse and just replace cover front

  • Got LED lights

  • Buy cleaning products in bulk and refill smaller bottles

  • Any steel material is taken to scrap metal

2024 Survey Actions

  • Responsible paper use - Have introduced new paper saving practices into workplace

  • Eco committed staff - Have now ensured all staff are aware of their current and new eco practices and are involved

  • Waste Audited - Completed

  • Recycling champion - Cardboard and other items not previously recycled

2024

Actions Not taken at the time of the 2023 Survey and would like to consider -

  • Print on vinyl which has a plastic backing sheet - would like options to reuse or recycle as currently to landfill

  • Don’t track bin receipts of waste amount but would like to

  • Every job has a plastic job bag - don’t know how to change this or recycle

  • Aluminium (ACM) signs are thrown away - can’t go to scrap metal as layer of plastic

  • Use chemicals if need to clean vehicles/signs - don’t use an enviro friendly option at moment

  • Don’t measure power usage

  • Use a lot of corflute and foam boards (polystyrene) - unavoidable but would like to know alternatives or green options

  • Tracking bin receipts on waste amount - could then see how to reduce and also monetise

  • Find alternatives for plastic job bags or recycle options

  • Haven’t measured carbon footprint as don’t know how but would like to look into

  • Environmentally friendly options for cleaning products for cars and signs

  • Are there any options for reuse or recycle for the ACM signs?

  • Would like to see if there are any options for power savings

  • Would like to find options for recycling plastic backing paper, application tape, corflute and foam boards

 

NZ Sign Solutions 2023 Eco Labels

CLICK HERE for explanations on all available labels

  • The business has made a significant effort to move away from single-use practices and items and towards re-use instead. An example of this is establishing a mug library or borrowing system to reduce the use of single-use coffee cups.


  • The business has measured its average power consumption over a month and taken action to reduce its power usage and has proven to do so significantly. Actions can include changing lightbulbs, upgrading to low-power appliances and adapting heating and cooling systems.


  • This business is taking steps to reduce its single-use waste. Once a business has demonstrated a significant and sustained reduction of single-use practices and items, it can become a re-use champion or be close to zero.


  • This business uses eco friendly products and takes eco friendly actions in the cleaning of their premises and goods.

NZ Sign Solutions 2024 Eco Labels

  • This business has taken steps to significantly reduce its paper usage. This can include digitising processes such as customer paperwork, offering receipts optionally not automatically to customers and saving paper that is good on one side for other purposes.


  • This business has been diligent in ensuring that staff are knowledgeable about any sustainable practices implemented and ongoingly train and upskill staff to ensure sustainable changes are consistent and long term.


  • This business is excellent at recycling. Following a waste audit, this business has proven to be able to identify and sort what can and cannot be recycled in curbside collection and makes an effort to recycle the items that cannot. An example of this is recycling their TetraPak, batteries, soft plastics and other items with Whangaparāoa Recycling Centre.


  • The business has been waste audited by an experienced waste audit group.