Professional vinyl graphics installer has to stay on the top of industry news. When it comes to high-quality vinyl graphics, you will need to select materials from several reputable brands to ensure in success of vinyl installation and “no-problems” for its post-installation destiny. We, professional vinyl graphics and wraps installers at the Greater Toronto Area, are always looking for the best materials for out business needs.

As we posted previously the 3M**, which known for its durability and reliability, offers a wide range of vinyl wraps. Their Carbon Fiber Black Vinyl Wrap provides a realistic carbon-fiber look that lasts for years. Additionally, the 3M 1080 M12 MATTE BLACK is a popular choice for car wraps.

Avery Dennison*** with their Supreme Vinyl Car Wrap Film is dual-layered, making it suitable for full vehicle wraps, pinstriping, and chrome deletes. It has built-in air release technology and is pressure-activated.

If you’re looking for printable vinyl paper, ORAFOL**** is a top-quality brand. Their products are versatile and come in various colors and finishes.

Cricut***** offers printable vinyl with a vast selection of durable colors and finishes. Whether you’re an expert or a novice, their products accommodate various needs.

Let’s explore some of the latest trends and developments in the vinyl graphics installation industry:

  1. Megatrends Impacting the Vinyl Industry:

    • The Vinyl Institute* released a Megatrends Report that identifies powerful forces shaping the industry over the next decade. These megatrends include:
      • Climate Change: increasing awareness of environmental impact.
      • Data Analytics and Digital Connectivity: leveraging technology for better insights.
      • Decentralized Financing: new financial models.
      • Globalization: expanding markets and collaborations.
      • Health and Wellness: demand for healthier materials.
      • Population Shift: changing demographics.
      • Resource Constraints: sustainable practices.
      • Social Responsibility: ethical and community-focused initiatives.
      • Transparency: openness in processes.
      • Workforce Resilience: adaptability and skill development.
  2. Tech Integration:
    • AR and VR: virtual test drives of vinyl designs (see below).
    • Personalized Offerings: custom consultations for exclusive designs.
    • Eco-Friendly Moves: adoption of sustainable resources.
  3. Sign Trends for 2024:
    • Bio-Based Plastics: environmentally friendly materials (see below).
    • Recycled Metals: sustainable sourcing.
    • LED Lights with Low Energy Consumption: energy-efficient illumination.
    • Localized Production: reduced transport emissions and fresher products

We’d like to have your attention for 2 topics from above:

Virtual test drives of vinyl designs are digital simulations that allow users to preview how vinyl wraps, decals, or graphics will look on a surface before they are actually applied. Potential customer can see a 3D model of their project with the selected vinyl design applied with ability to see the rotated, zoomed in and out, and viewed from various angles to provide a comprehensive view of the final appearance. Customer can select from a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles for the vinyl graphics or wrap and, if they like, to upload custom logos to see how they will look on the desired surface. If needed, customers can compare different designs side-by-side to decide which one looks best. Last, but not least, all the specific dimensions will be recorded to preventing issues like misalignment or improper sizing.

Bio-based plastics are a category of plastics derived from renewable biological resources, such as plants, rather than from traditional fossil fuels. These materials are gaining attention as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics due to their potential for reducing dependence on finite resources and decreasing the environmental impact associated with plastic production and disposal. Global warning is not a joke hence these materials are really important to all of us. Bio-based plastics made from renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane, potatoes, cellulose, and other plant materials and also can be derived from agricultural by-products or waste. Types of bio-based plastics are:

  • Polylactic Acid (PLA) that derived from fermented plant starch (usually corn)
  • Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) which produced by microorganisms through the fermentation of sugar or lipids.
  • Bio-PE and Bio-PET is chemically identical to conventional polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate but sourced from biomass.
  • Starch Blends is a combinations of starch with other biodegradable polymers.

Many of Bio-based plastics are designed to break down more easily in the environment compared to traditional plastics. PLA and PHA, for instance, are known for their biodegradability under industrial composting conditions. Bio-based plastics have lower carbon footprint during production because they use renewable resources and can sequester CO2 during the growth of the plants used as raw materials. Some of them can be composted, recycled, or biodegraded, reducing the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans.

 

 

For the graphics installations according to the latest vinyl industry trends please contact professional installers in the Greater Toronto Area to have the best outcome for your vinyl graphics installation or wraps projects.

 

*The Vinyl Institute, founded in 1982, is a U.S. trade organization representing the leading manufacturers of vinyl, vinyl chloride monomer, and vinyl additives and modifiers. The Vinyl Institute serves as the voice for the PVC/vinyl industry, engaging industry stakeholders in shaping the future of the vinyl industry. The U.S. vinyl industry encompasses nearly 3,000 vinyl manufacturing facilities, more than 350,000 employees and an overall economic value of $54B.

**More than a century ago, 3M started as a small-scale mining venture in Northern Minnesota, then named Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. Now a global powerhouse, with products improve the daily lives of people around the world.

***Avery Dennison is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company with locations in over 50 countries, and we employ approximately 35,000 employees worldwide. Company provides a wide range of branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers.

**** ORAFOL: based in Black Creek, Georgia, ORAFOL Americas Inc., an ORAFOL Europe GmbH subsidiary since 2006, changed its name from ORACAL USA in a continuous effort to better align the ORAFOL Group of companies. ORAFOL Americas Inc., Graphic Products Division, manufactures premium vinyl graphic films, digital media, laminating films, and reflective products used in the signage, graphics, digital printing, screen printing, and traffic and safety applications. Additionally, ORAFOL Americas markets a wide range of industrial tapes for applications ranging from the solar industry to point of purchase applications. The company’s distribution network spans the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

*****Cricut: see vinyl graphics from this manufacturer