Astra Signs is committed to sustainability and managing the impact our business has on the environment and society.

We want to make sure that our operations have a minimal impact on the environment and a positive impact on our employees and local community. We have an obligation to ensure our customers receive honest, open and quality services and products which help them to reduce their own environmental impacts.

There are several key issues which we have identified as being particularly important to our business. These are: waste management, energy consumption and usage, supplier credentials, travel, and quality and efficiency.

In early 2010, we achieved ISO14001 accreditation which formalises our approach to environmental management. Some highlights from our environmental programme include:

• Majority of our waste is recycled - for the period October - December 2009 only 2.2% of waste was sent to landfill
• Monitor the VOC content of all chemicals we use and are always well within acceptable standards
• Registered WEEE supplier and meet all our obligations under this
• In the process of renewing our fleet with VW blue motion vehicles, with stop/start technology
• Target of zero energy use in the building at night
• Regular 'toolbox' talks are held to cover topics like how to segregate waste on the shopfloor and managing offcuts
• Newsletter sent our quarterly to keep everyone up to date with activities
• Staff suggestion box for feedback and ideas on our sustainability programme

Take a look at our Environmental and Quality policies for more information

environmental policy

quality policy

The BannerBags concept is to create individual bags cut from used PVC banners which take on the colours and graphics in unusual and intriguing ways. There are many bag designs to choose from: laptop, flight, despatch, tote shoppers and sports bags. BannerBags can help you create your own designs so you can utilise your banners to make individual marketing products.

• Recycling PVC is an ecologically sound practice
• Very little virgin material is used to produce the bags
• Getting extra life out of advertising banners prolongs exposure for campaigns and events
• Turn a valueless item into a fashionable, attractive bag

The process is easy, simple, and good for the environment!

1. When you've finished with your banners, get in touch with BannerBags to find out how you can utilise your old banners, for example you could turn then into marketing products or create laptop bags for staff
2. They will sort, organise and transform the banners into all kinds of wonderful bags
3. Relax in the knowledge that your banners have been safely re-crafted and re-used

To find out more, visit the BannerBags website: www.bannerbags.co.uk