Let’s be honest: when you think of PVC, the word eco-friendly doesn’t exactly leap to mind. We all know PVC has a reputation for being tough on the environment, which is why it’s been something of a sore spot for the sustainability-conscious customer.
Traditional PVC has long been the workhorse of the banner world - strong, durable, and impressively versatile. But it’s also been a persistent environmental headache. Most conventional PVC relies heavily on fossil-based ethylene and energy-intensive production processes, resulting in a high carbon footprint. It's no surprise that for many sustainability-minded businesses, PVC has become a bit of a red flag.
But things are changing. Introducing the Biotex range made from 100% recycled yarn and bio-attributed PVC. A very real innovation in PVC banner material, proving that yes, PVC can be part of a more sustainable future. Stick with us and discover what makes Biotex different.
Let’s talk about bio-attributed PVC
Bio-attributed PVC is exactly what it sounds like: PVC that has been derived from renewable, bio-based sources, in the case of Biotex products, the ethylene is derived from wood-based residues from the forestry industry instead of fossil fuels.
This means you get the same durability, print quality, and weather resistance you’d expect from a traditional PVC banner - but with a smaller carbon footprint. 30% lower CO₂ emissions compared to standard PVC banners.
In other words, Biotex gives you a smarter kind of PVC - one that performs like the material you know, but starts with ingredients that are a little more at home in a forest than a refinery.
A PVC banner that is fully recyclable
It’s not just about how a banner is made – it’s about where it ends up. One of the standout features of Biotex is that it’s fully recyclable at the end of its life. Biotex has been designed with circularity in mind. The bio-derived PVC used in Biotex can be fully recycled through established recycling centres, meaning fewer materials go to waste and more value is recovered.
On top of that, Biotex comes with a cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), giving you verified insight into its environmental footprint from raw material sourcing through to production. It’s another step toward closing the loop – and making smarter PVC choices for you and your customers.
Why should the print industry be prioritising sustainability?
Aside from the obvious “we all live on the same planet” argument, sustainability is increasingly a business-critical decision. Consumers and regulatory bodies alike are putting pressure on brands to show accountability - not just in what they say, but in what they use.
Switching to more sustainable print materials like Biotex is one way to legitimately tick some sustainability boxes. It allows printers, specifiers, and end-users to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on campaign quality or deadlines.
Simply put - the greener your materials, the better your message looks - in every sense.
What this means for the future of eco-friendly digital print
Digital print is an industry that’s forever evolving – and now, finally, the materials are catching up. Biotex is one of the first wide-format banner materials to combine PVC-level performance with reduced environmental impact.
Looking ahead, materials like Biotex are likely to become the standard, not the exception. As demand increases and innovation accelerates, we can expect more substrates to follow suit.
In short, sustainability in print is no longer a nice-to-have. It's the future.
Take a look at our Biotex product range
Ask us about Biotex’s Life Cycle Assessment