BioPanel – Biobased signposts and information panels
BioPanel is a biobased CO2 neutral composite plastic sheet material consisting of industrial hemp and thermoplastic biopolymer. The sheet material forms the basis for route marking and information panels. The strength of the panels is comparable to usual HPL panels.
At end-of-life, BioPanels undergo upcycling, this is achieved by melting down the sheet material and processing it into new route marking or information panels. Eventually, we can also compost BioPanel. In doing so, we become the owner of our own waste. We guarantee a lifespan of 10 years.
An important vegetable raw material in BioPanel is industrial hemp. This annual plant thrives very well in Dutch moist soil. The plant can be harvested and used as a raw material after only a few months.
Using hemp in bio plastic has many advantages:
- The fibre is much stronger than components used in plastic
- The production of plastic based on fossil resources creates huge CO2 emissions, while flax is grown locally and absorbs CO2
- Hemp is widely available and grows fast
- Almost the entire plant is used
- For sustainable agriculture, hemp is beneficial in controlling parasites and weeds
Due to the raw materials used, BioPanel has a natural brown colour. Information and signing is applied via a signface. In cooperation with 3M, BioPanel is provided with a PVC-free foil. A full-colour print is applied to this foil, after which the print is provided with a PVC-free protective laminate.
Printing on a PVC free foil is much more environmentally friendly than, for example, a screen printing method. At the end of its service life, the foil is removed from the BioPanel and undergoes recycling. The BioPanel is processed into the same panel or similar application again at a relatively low temperature.
