Once discarded and disposed of via the residual waste stream, Envirotech BIO250 PVC Free Biodegradable Print Media Grey Back 250gsm FR EN13501 will decompose within nine to 12 months, according to Coalville, East Midlands-based Innotech.

Made from 100% natural fibres, Envirotech BIO250 is robust, and can be printed on latex, UV-C, or solvent machines. There is no compromise on printed display quality or durability, which is up to two years, but it breaks down quickly when in the right compostable conditions.

Innotech said Envirotech BIO250 gives the display print industry “a practical and effective opportunity to make a real difference to the planet”.

“This is a massive breakthrough for our industry,” said Derek Shedden, national sales manager for the UK.

“The pressure has been on all of us that make up the print industry to do something about our impact on the environment, and this is a massive stride in the right direction.”

Available with immediate effect, the material is initially available in 2.2m and 3.15m widths. It is suitable for a raft of applications such as short-term campaign banners, wallcoverings, roller banners, stretched frame canvases, and exhibition backdrops.

In Innotech’s own Eco Impact Score Tool the product rates B, which it said is among the highest of all ecologically friendly materials on the market.

“Whilst we understand the ultimate goal is closed-loop recycling at end of life, with the limited infrastructure currently available this is the obvious solution in the meantime, especially where recovery can be difficult across multiple locations, for example,” Shedden added.

At the end of last year, Innotech expanded its Vertex Marine range of PVC-free fabric display products made from fully recycled PET yarns.