NEC launches sustainable graphics range for organisers

The NEC Commercial Graphics department has launched a sustainable range as part of its offer to organisers looking for more environmental options.

The on-site team manages the production, delivery and installation of graphic solutions to organisers and as part of the NEC's sustainable initiative, NEC Sustain; offering a greener alternative was an imperative. 

The sustainable graphics range uses a PVC free composite board that can be made into any type of display solution that would traditionally use timber and includes wall sections, wedges and directional signage. The boards are 100% recyclable in all conventional waste-paper recycling streams and FSC certified; which means the raw material is sourced from managed forests. The core of the board is made of approximately 75% virgin fibre and 25 % recycled fibre and is produced with a small amount of waste, approximately 97% of all raw materials are used in the manufacturing process.

NEC Sustain is the NEC’s all-encompassing sustainability programme that constantly looks at ways to make events more sustainable. The programme has been running for over 10 years and has enabled the NEC to introduce a whole host of waste and energy saving initiatives designed to lead the way in eco event production and management. Once a show is finished the board is recycled as part of the NEC’s comprehensive recycling policy. This means it is transported to a local plant just 7 miles from site where it is sorted. The recyclable material is then transported to a second plant in Wolverhampton where it undergoes further sorting and grading and is then bulked and enters the commodities market. The remaining waste is utilised as Waste to Energy and generates electricity for homes and businesses in the Birmingham area. Any residual ash from the Waste to Energy process is used in road building schemes.

Jane Carter, Head of Commercial Graphics said: “The NEC is committed to sustainability and offering organisers a more environmentally sensitive option is really important to us. However, we recognised when sourcing materials and suppliers that a sustainable range had to deliver on creativity and flexibility. We are very excited about the new sustainable range because it offers organisers a green alternative without any compromises.”