our collective responsibility
#teamastley is committed to operating our business in an environmentally responsible, ethical and considerate manner. As a manufacturing and design partner, we understand our heightened responsibility to ensure we offer clients suitable alternatives and approaches to their brand messaging. We also recognise the importance of minimising our impact on the environment and actively seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint at every stage of a project's development.
Each of our approved supply chain partners work hard to offer the most current and suitable alternatives to plastics, woods and metal and often with amazing results and comparable pricing to traditional materials. Substrates they sell are often already produced using sustainable energy or carbon is offset as part of the process.
Did you know that there are now RECYCLED and RECYCLABLE acrylics available, often with comparable pricing and colour ranges to traditional acrylic. Sainsbury's use this type of recycled and recyclable acrylic for their branded signage.
Our in-house design team often work with clients to sample different substrates so that a proposed scheme can be reviewed and approved before rollout.
As there are so many variables for usage of this type of media, eg for internal, external signage, we would consult with you on alternatives according to signage specification. There are many ranges of PVC-free board according to signage needs and we'd happy to consult you on this. Characteristics such as rigidity, longevity, surface finish, print adherence and other factors would play a part in the final recommendation and prices may increase very slightly however carbon footprint may be reduced through transportation and manufacture processes .
This is a rapidly developing market and there are now more options than ever to look at for using PVC-free in a scheme, however we would be sure to consult on usage, location and longevity in order to recommend the most suitable solution to meet requirements. We have excellent relationships with all the leading manufacturers who we work with to ensure that this market offers clients the widest, quality solutions
There are several approaches we can support clients with including the use of energy efficient LEDs and solar power where possible. We have excellent testing facilities in order to sample and achieve the best balance between aesthetics and LED efficiency.
Astley works closely with a robust supply chain that are all working hard with their own ESG initiatives, using green energy where possible to manufacture. There are ongoing dialogues with these suppliers regarding collaborative, environmental initiatives.
Astley has now completed base line assessments for Scope 1 and 2 (Scope 3 for grey fleet) and is proud to launch a net zero roadmap and decarbonisation strategy which outlines our commitment to reviewing how we will work towards achieving our target by 2040.
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We seek to offer alternative sustainable solutions to our clients for their brand graphics, ranging from eco-friendly acrylics and recycled aluminium to non-PVC vinyl. We are also now moving towards using recycled PPE, including recycled protective gloves and work boots.
A great example of our sustainability journey is our work with Co-op, supporting them with their new ‘eco-store’ format, which involved developing friendly alternatives for store branding. Key substrates included Ultra Board and digitally printed non-PVC vinyl solutions.
Astley has also worked with Sainsbury’s to incorporate sustainable substrates into their signage, having introduced Green Cast – a 100% recycled and 100% recyclable coloured acrylic. Despite being recyclable and PVC free, this acrylic does not lose its striking qualities, as it still provides the same high-quality, colour-intense characteristics as found in raw materials.
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We are also proud of our recent work with Central Co-op, which has seen us install their first ever solar-powered totems into their estate.
Solar-powered signage allows the opportunity for clients to achieve illumination without a traditional power source whilst being cost-effective and aligning with net zero activities.
This is a rapidly developing market with new media and methodologies being introduced daily. As part of our partnership with our clients such as Central Co-op, we continue to innovate and embrace new ways of working.
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At our Kettering site, we have introduced a meeting room which has been designed using a variety of recycled offcuts and in-house surplus materials. From a contemporary, customisable peg board to a custom table made from in-house recycled wood and metals, this space is a testament not only to our in-house craftsmanship, but also our commitment to reusing and re-purposing materials.
We are also passionate about organising workshops for our workforce that help educated staff on the latest introductions into this sector, so they are all equipped with the latest knowledge of substrates and new market trends. Our most recent workshop focused on sustainability within the Viscom Market, looking at various materials, waste management, and trends.
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