Recent developments result in "greener" reflective sheeting
1.18.08
Recent advances in both manufacturing processes and on-the-road
performance of reflective sheeting have resulted in a win-win situation for the
traffic safety industry: sheeting materials are made with far less environmental
waste, and the finished product is brighter than ever before, leading to energy
savings for government agencies.
3M has been working to reduce the
amount of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and landfill waste in all
its products. Compared to glass-beaded sheeting, 3M prismatic sheeting requires
far less consumption of fossil fuels in the manufacturing process and produces
dramatically less liquid solvent and paper-based waste. In total, the
manufacturing process for 3M's prismatic sheetings reduces energy consumption by
77 percent, VOC emissions by 97 percent, and solid waste by 46 percent compared
to encapsulated lens sheeting manufacturing processes.
Reduction in solvent waste
Beaded sheeting requires the use of solvent-based raw materials in multiple
manufacturing steps. Prismatic production uses just one-fiftieth (1/50th) the
amount of solvents that the beaded process requires. Think in rough terms of 2½
ounces versus one gallon. You can imagine the significant improvement in air
quality produced by such a reduction.
Reduction in liner waste
Because of its numerous production phases, beaded product also requires large
amounts of paper to carry it through multiple passes in coating machines. Nearly
100% of this paper - thousands of square yards per year - ends up as landfill
waste. In contrast, 3M prismatic products produce virtually no paper waste.
Safety and energy savings
From the motorist's perspective, the transition to prismatic materials offers a
safety benefit as well. Prismatic materials are more efficient reflectors of
light and they provide better angularity performance, making them more suited to
perform in the challenging sign positions required on today's roadways. Signs
today must also perform for varying types of vehicles, driven by more a
demographically diverse set of drivers on more complex roadway systems. Many
state departments of transportation are confirming that the most efficient
prismatic reflective sheeting allows them to eliminate guide sign lighting in
many instances. The Illinois Department of Transportation has estimated that by
switching to the highest efficiency reflective sheeting and Clearview font, they
are able to eliminate guide sign lighting at an estimated annual savings of
roughly $1 million.
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3M Commended for Greenhouse Gas Success
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized 3M for impressive
five-year reductions.
As a Climate Leaders partner, 3M is committed to protect
the climate through an aggressive greenhouse gas management strategy. And now 3M
is recognized as a corporate environmental leader.
3M has reduced its total U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions by 60 percent, doubling its 2002 base-year commitment of a 30 percent
reduction by 2007. 3M achieved this goal in partnership with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its Climate Leaders program.
For having reached and surpassed its goal in regard to
greenhouse gas emissions, 3M was recognized last month by the EPA as a leader in
addressing climate issues. Jean Sweeney, vice president, Environmental, Health
and Safety Operations, accepted the EPA honor in Chicago on behalf of 3M and its
employees.
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