Author: ovol_admin

Categories
Sign & Display

Designing an Exhibition Space & Stand: Five Tips You Should Know

Source: Re-board Technology AB

The primary purpose of any exhibition is to capture and excite audiences. It should facilitate interaction, cultivate interest and ultimately, engage key target segments. Keeping a strong vision is a challenge for any exhibition design project. The process is often long and complicated, since it involves working in close collaboration with numerous stakeholders, each with their own agendas while refining and integrating multiple creative elements.  Exhibition design is therefore not for the faint of heart, given the logistical and competitive challenges it poses. 

So, what can businesses do to navigate the process whilst ensuring that they outdo their rivals? 

  1. Tell your own unique story 

Focus on developing a storyline about your organisation or business that really articulates what your company or business values. Why do you exist?  Design experiences that will get people talking, and which encourage them to engage with the stories being told. Do not even attempt to copy rivals or what has been done before. Start from a clean slate. Develop bespoke content and fittings and decide from the very beginning what technology or displays to use to tell your story in the right tone, in the right way, at the right time to the right audience. 

  1. Keep your content concise and consistent

Don’t try to cram multiple messages and content into your exhibition space. The more you pontificate our brand’s message without taking the audiences’ unique characteristics into account, the less likely you will be able to hold their attention and to get your voice across. Simultaneously, ensure that the brand identity used for your stand or space is consistent with all the colours, logos and graphics used within your existing marketing communications. 

  1. Take your brand’s message beyond physical space 

Interactive and traditional media are invaluable tools to amplify brands while adding depth to exhibition spaces. Augmented and virtual reality technologies bring products to life, extending the time people spend in your exhibition space, and this inevitably, increases the likelihood of purchases. Modern technology also opens opportunities for both immersive and omni-channel storytelling, be it by developing a presence on the web or social media as well as apps, which in turn, expands audience reach. 

  1. Be bold and creative – but don’t try to please everyone 

The human brain is naturally drawn to vivid colours and innovative designs. Do not hesitate to deploy strong imagery, text and clever lighting to incite curiosity and interest. However, don’t try to create exhibitions that appeal to the masses. Ensure that your exhibition resonates with specific target audiences and speak to them through carefully designed and curated graphics and displays. 

  1. Create sustainable spaces 

Where possible, use eco-friendly or sustainable materials to create furniture, displays or pop-up shelves. Assess how displays can be recycled or re-configured for future exhibitions or events. Select suppliers that specialise in eco-friendly paper and board to create exhibition collateral. 

OVOL – one of Singapore’s leading suppliers for eco-friendly paper solutions – is the official distributor of Re-board, a revolutionary paper-based sandwich board. Its patented stature of corrugated board cells with several layers of special liners gives it excellent strength, giving exhibition designers the power to devise an infinite number of solid and durable 2D and 3D signage and displays. 

It boasts strong environmentally-friendly credentials, given the fact that it is largely paper-based, and is hence recyclable. Manufacturing Re-Board also uses 80% less wood. Moreover, unlike other materials that utilise hazardous solvents to piece things together, the adhesive used for Re-Board is water-based. Water-based adhesives are known to withstand extreme temperature better than adhesives created using the hot-melt method. 

Re-Board’s technology was engineered by the award-winning Swedish inventor Karl-Gustav Ericsson who saw the need for a paper-based material that was lightweight, durable, and environmentally friendly. Its strength is formidable, with Erisson himself proclaiming that it can even be used to build houses. It can be pinned together with plastic screws, and by using accessories such as hooks, hinges and corner locks, it gives exhibition designers and builders the flexibility to design and set up complex, versatile structures that are easy to deconstruct and recycle. Ovol currently sells ReBoard in two formats – 10mm and 16mm. 

Categories
San Air

Keep Cool And Keep Safe

Keeping cool in Singapore has become increasingly essential with each passing decade due to global warming and climate change. According to the National Climate Change Secretariat of Singapore, from 1980 to 2020, the annual mean temperatures rose from 26.9°C to 28.0°C1. 

Consequently, as temperatures have climbed, so has the demand for air conditioners. Data from Singstat highlights that almost 80% of households in Singapore owned air-conditioners in 20172, and as surmised by a National Environment Agency study conducted that very same year, this put Singapore at the top of the league in ASEAN for air conditioners per capita. These figures have ostensibly grown since then. 

NUS Professor Lee Poh Seng, who spoke to Eco-Business3 in 2018, forecast that the number of air-con installations in Singapore was expected to rise in line with the increase in the number of residential and commercial building developments, rising by 73 per cent from 2010 to 2030. 

Air conditioners have thus become ubiquitous across our island state and are now seemingly found in residences and commercial properties right across the country. 

Their popularity in Singapore has also grown not only because of sizzling temperatures, but also by the pervasive myth that air conditioners purify air. In reality, they function as a medium in circulating existing airborne bacteria & germs that are already present in enclosed spaces. As a result, they can worsen the indoor air quality especially when using units that are not well-maintained.

If the air in your home is polluted with volatile organic compounds or VOCs (gases that are emitted into the air from products or processes) and allergens, your air conditioner will only cause more harm as circulates the same stagnant air,  in poorly ventilated homes, which is poorer in quality as compared to outdoor air which is naturally circulated.

Clean Air Day commissioned UK-based National Air Quality Testing Services in 2019 to study four properties around the UK4. It made a shocking discovery. The data showed that ultrafine particle pollution is on average 3.5 times higher inside the home than outside and that it takes significantly longer than the outside to disperse. 

In a desperate bid to improve the air quality in indoor spaces at minimal costs, some individuals have resorted to using alcohol-based disinfectants to clean the filters of their air conditioning units. However, a test carried out by OVOL Singapore using an air quality measuring device from the US called Temptop found that this solution only exacerbates an already alarming situation. As the disinfectant evaporates, Formaldehyde and VOCs are released as by-products. 

Scientific research has shown that prolonged exposure to VOCs and Formaldehyde causes respiratory issues, coughs, eye irritation as well as damage to the liver, kidneys and the central nervous system5. These compounds are also carcinogenic  in nature. Children, with their less developed immune systems and the elderly, who could be Immunocompromised, are far more likely to be affected by these hazardous substances. 

So what’s the safer alternative? 

Like other products in the range, OVOL Singapore’s SAN-AIR Split System Bio-Clean Gel is formulated without harsh chemicals such as petroleum-based ingredients. Instead, it uses proprietary essential oils and other plant-based actives, making it toxic-free and 100% safe to use. When the Temptop test was repeated with the SAN-AIR split System BioClean Gel installed, no Formaldehyde or VOCs were released. In addition to combating polluting particles, the SAN-AIR Split System Bio-Clean Gel effectively kills bacteria, mould, fungus and spores. Therefore, use it to turn any air conditioner into an air purifier, ensuring that every breath is free from harmful contaminants.   

  1. https://www.nccs.gov.sg/singapores-climate-action/impact-of-climate-change-in-singapore/
  2. https://www.singstat.gov.sg/-/media/files/publications/households/hes201718.ashx
  3. https://www.eco-business.com/news/air-con-addicted-singapore-seeks-new-ways-to-escape-urban-heat-trap/
  4. https://www.globalactionplan.org.uk/news/revealed-indoor-air-pollution-3-5-times-worse-than-outdoor-air-pollution
  5. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
Categories
Digital Media

Advertise With Floor Decals And Get Your Customers’ Attention

 

Singaporeans spend over two hours a day scrolling through social media on their smartphones, be it at home or when they are out and about1. This means their eyes will be cast downwards for a fair part of the day. 

Floor decals are a relatively new addition to the marketers’ arsenal, effectively turning any floor space into a billboard. 

Humans are programmed to look where they are walking to make sure they won’t trip or fall. We are more likely to look at messaging below our feet than above our heads. And given that the probability of your target market having their head tilted downwards will inevitably rise as smartphone technology continues to evolve, floor advertising is poised to become one of the most cost-efficient mediums of getting your brand in potential customers’ line of vision. 

They are highly versatile, as they can be cut to any size and shape to custom fit any space from narrow corridors to busy retail stores, to large hotel lobbies and cavern-like event spaces. They can be applied to a wide range of flooring, including tiles, wood, marble, concrete and even carpet. Unlike billboards and hoardings, they don’t obstruct foot traffic. Floor stickers also cost significantly less than other out of home advertising collateral, hence making it possible to print vast quantities to be used within any given space. To ensure lasting durability and functionality, top quality floor decals are coated in a slip-resistant vinyl which prevents accidents. In addition, they are easy to apply, and are just as easy to remove, causing no damage to surfaces. Besides acting as a marketing aide, floor decals can also be harnessed as a wayfinding tool to guide people around a space.  

Due to its novelty, floor decals rarely fail to get noticed. However, there are some tactics you could adopt to maximise their impact: 

  • Size and location is everything. Place your floor decals in areas of high footfall but ensure that they are large enough to be seen, especially if the area is wide and open. 
  • Use bright colours. Ramp up the colour intensity of your floor graphics. Red, yellow and neon tones are suitable eye-catching shades to use on floor decals. 
  • Be playful. Using humour or adopting a whimsical theme ensures that your message will stand out in consumers’ minds. 

Advances in print and ink technology now allow floor graphics to be printed in dramatic colours, and to integrate lifelike images. It is also possible to take high-resolution images and convert them into full-colour floor advertising. The 2D nature of floor stickers does not limit your ability to utilise it to create 3D graphics. Making clever use of perspective, a floor decal can appear as if it were popping out from surfaces which can even be seen from a distance.  

OVOL’s DigiTuff Bureki, a water-resistant, floor sticker, is R102 certified slip-resistance, which meets BCA minimum pendulum and ramp recommendation for specific locations. It is also tear resistant and will withstand anything from pallet trucks to stiletto heels. Once applied, it will not stretch or become distorted. It uses a special adhesive, making it easy to apply and reposition. Last but not least, DigiTuff Bureki has been specially designed for digital dry-toner printers and requires no lamination.

Reference: 

1. https://techwireasia.com/2022/02/87-of-singaporeans-spend-over-two-hours-a-day-on-social-media-apps/

2. https://www.bca.gov.sg/Publications/EnhancementSeries/others/AggStone_c2.pdf

Categories
Sign & Display

The Power of Out of Home Advertising and Vehicle Wrapping

Don’t underestimate the power of Out of home advertising (OOH) in keeping your brand top of mind.  

Moving Walls, an advertising technology company conducted a joint study conducted with Adcity in Singapore at the start of the pandemic. Using a patented multi-sensor measurement system, the company uncovered that people were moving more frequently across locations close to their home, essentially increasing the number of times OOH advertising was seen. OOH therefore continued to deliver views despite the blanket lockdowns and as Coronavirus raged, and all but essential travel was curbed. This medium was still actively influencing the path to purchase, unlike other advertising which chose to go silent during the early dark days of the pandemic. 

An Out of Home Industry collaboration polling results from 65 global campaigns that occurred between March and September 2020, uncovered that advertisers who continued to invest in OOH benefited from strong returns1. The robust study affirmed that OOH advertising was not only seen or recalled, but that they actually spurred consumers into action. 

The results were extremely impressive: 

  • +51% increase in top of mind awareness
  • +51% increase in Ad recall
  • +3% increase in consideration
  • +16% increase in purchase intent

Here in Singapore, Coronavirus restrictions are just starting to be peeled back, and a sense of normalcy is starting to creep in. Traffic on the roads and streets is recovering, and crowds are once again gathering within the Central Business District. MRT trains are now operating at around 70% of their pre-pandemic capacity, making it an opportune time to start thinking about deploying OOH solutions once again. 

But which OOH format should small and medium enterprises leverage to carry their brand message? 

For the uninitiated, OOH currently comes in four formats – billboards, street furniture, transit and place-based. Transit is deemed to be the most influential, and the most effective for advertising recall. Indeed, market research giant Nielsen uncovered in its 2019 OOH Advertising Report2 that wrapped vehicles are the most noticed segment of Transitory OOH inventory. 

Furthermore, when compared to traditional advertising mediums such as radio, TV and print, car wraps on moving vehicles are much lower in cost and give better returns. In the United States, popular marketing channels — such as online advertising — can cost up to US$17.50 per 1,000 impressions and; magazines can cost up to US$21.00. In comparison, OOH reaches the equivalent number of consumers at a low cost of roughly US $3.38 – US$8.653, depending on the format.

Besides generating high returns on investment, there are other fundamental reasons why vehicle wraps are much more effective than other advertising mediums. For instance, vehicle wraps cannot be ignored, blocked, bypassed or thrown away. Most of the advertising we are exposed to every single day is often overlooked, but vehicle wraps are often in our direct line of vision when come across one. Vehicle wrapping therefore cultivates long term brand awareness, and they can be customised and fine tuned to appeal to specific demographics and localities. 

Naturally, for vehicle wrappings to stand out, they need to showcase vivid colours, memorable icons and stunning graphics. OVOL’s 3M Envision Print Wrap Film is an extremely durable and versatile phalate-free film that’s also easy to install and remove. This makes it the ideal solution to turn any vehicle into a formidable mobile advertising tool.

  1. https://posterscope.com/content/out-of-home-industry-collaboration-proves-positive-outcomes-for-advertisers-during-restrictions/
  2. https://movia.media/moving-billboard-blog/successful-brands-allocate-13-of-ad-budget-to-ooh-warc/
  3. chrome-extension://oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https://oaaa.org/Portals/0/SalesApp/Docs/Nielsen%20OAAA%20OOH%20Advertising%20Study%202019%20FINAL(2).pdf?ver=2020-03-11-142521-443
Categories
Green Paper

FSC® CERTIFIED PAPER VS RECYCLED PAPER – What’s the difference?

Recycling symbol made of paper
Recycling symbol made of paper

What exactly is  Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) certified paper? Why should we use it for your

Printing needs?

Let’s cut through all the jargon and give you the answers to the pressing questions you might have.

Q. What is Forest Steward Council (FSC®) certified paper?

In a nutshell, FSC® is a global certification system that confirms the paper is derived from a responsible source.

FSC® mission is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. FSC® is a leading catalyst and defining force for improved forest management and market transformation, shifting the global forest trend towards conservation, restoration, and respect for all.(https://fsc.org/en/about-us).

FSC® chain of custody certification provides a credible assurance that products which are sold with an FSC® claim originate from well-managed forests, controlled sources, or reclaimed materials. (https://fsc.org/en/chain-of-custody-certification)

Q. Isn’t FSC® paper just another type of recycled paper?

Recycled paper might not contain a very high level of old paper – some of its content might be virgin pulp – that may not have been harvested in an ecologically sound manner.

 Hence, when you see paper labeled as FSC® Recycled, you can rest assured that it has been verified as being made from recycled content (a minimum of 70 percent post-consumer (PCW) waste (with the balance being pre-consumer waste) are eligible to use the new FSC “Recycled” label.a). (https://fsc.org/en/fsc-labels)

Q. So how do we know if a paper supplier is FSC® Certified?

All products and packaging sold by manufacturers or suppliers that adhere to the standards

and policies of the FSC® are granted chain of custody certificates and the ability to use

FSC® labels. 

There are three FSC® labels: (https://fsc.org/en/fsc-labels)

FSC 100%

All the materials used in products bearing this label are sourced from forests that have been audited by an independent third party to confirm they are certified according to FSC’s COC or FSC FM standards. Of all the FSC labels.

FSC RECYCLED

Products that bear this label have been verified as being made from recycled content (a minimum of 70 percent post consumer (PCW) waste (with the balance being pre-consumer waste) are eligible to use the new FSC “Recycled” label.). The use of FSC Recycled products can help to alleviate the pressure of demand on sources of virgin material, thereby helping to protect the world’s forests.

FSC MIX 

FSC MIX Labels are made of materials from well-managed FSC®-certified forests, recycled materials, and other controlled sources.

It has been projected that paper consumption will increase by 16% over the next decade to hit 461 million metric tons in 2030(1). Demand for paper will therefore continue to outstrip supply despite the shift to digitise the economy.

By using FSC® certified paper products, you and your business can show your commitment by reducing the impact to the environment , which has become more important to consumers in recent years. The Institute of Policy Studies revealed in February 2021 that Singaporeans have become more environmentally conscious. Three-fifths of those surveyed felt that protecting the environment should be prioritised even if it results in slower economic growth and some job losses. This was a jump from 43% in 2012(2).

Therefore, there has been an unprecedented push for companies to showcase their corporate social responsibility credentials. By adopting paper products with the FSC® logo will certainly reflect well on your brand, helping them to improve their corporate image. Using environmentally friendly paper, as supplied by OVOL is one easy way to ensure that you are also acting responsibly and ethically, and are ultimately contributing to the fight against global deforestation.

OVOL Singapore is FSC® certified (License Code FSC C015534)

1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1089078/demand-paper-globally-until-2030/ 

2. https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ips/news/details/our-singaporean-values-key-findings-from-the-world-values-survey

 

Categories
Digital Media

Designing the Perfect Label: Tips & Tricks

When it comes to designing labels, it is about creating something that’s not only functional, but which enables your product to stand out on the shelf. 

It must transmit a brand’s values, arouse interest and ultimately, help a product gain traction in a crowded marketplace.

That’s a pretty long list to tick off. 

So, what makes for good label design? 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to save money by designing labels by yourself, or a fully-fledged designer, here are some useful tips: 

Tip #1 Always design in CMYK

The bulk of commercial print presses in use today use a four-colour process known as CMYK. Each of these letters correspond to a specific colour – cyan, magenta, yellow and black. These four colours meld in different ways to create a spectrum of shades. However, most design applications are set to RGB colour mode by default. Hence, you need to ensure that the software you use is set up using CMYK before you even start designing your labels. 

 Tip #2 Add a bleed area of around 2 millimetres 

It is always good practice to always add a bleed area – an extra background colour that extends beyond the trim area of your print – when designing labels. This is done to ensure that there are no visible white borders when the printing process is complete, and the label is die-cut along the “trim” line. 

Tip #3 Make sure the logo/branding is prominent 

This is an obvious one, but it can be easily missed. To ensure that your logo stands out and communicates precisely what your brand stands for, avoid using gradients/effects as these often don’t show well in print. Pick clear, clean fonts – keep away from squiggles. And finally, make sure your logo is placed front and centre and is the very first thing customers see. 

Tip #4 Keep your designs clean and simple 

You don’t have to be a user experience expert to understand the significance of dead weight, where the eye is drawn to information or images that do not result in sales. To minimise this issue on your product’s label, it is highly crucial to avoid packing too much into your design. Avoid using multiple fonts, long reams of text and various images in one label. A busy label will only cause confusion, increasing the risk of your product being rejected. The product and brand name should take centerstage, while other text and graphics should be kept to the bare minimum as much as possible. 

Tip #5 Use high quality images 

Image quality is something that should never be compromised when designing a label. In fact, it is the one distinguishing factor that can make or break your product and brand. For instance, you might have an eye-catching logo, a standout colour scheme and a memorable tagline, but if the images are low in quality, your product will be dismissed by customers in mere seconds. As a rule of thumb, do not source images from the Internet. No JPEGs as and no low-resolution PNGs as they don’t print well. Instead, opt for images with a minimum of 300DPI sourced from professional stock image galleries such as Getty Images or Shutterstock and use vector images where you can. 

Tip #6 Pick the right paper to print your labels Paper for printing labels can be made from different materials, each with their own qualities and characteristics.  Paper labels have good ink adhesion and they can be customised to produce the vintage look that’s in fashion today. Fabric labels on the other hand, have a handmade personal feel to them. However, for the best professional finish that suits a variety of products, synthetic paper made from polyester or polyethylene is highly recommended. These are extremely durable and waterproof, making them ideal for numerous applications. They are the perfect solution for creating professional labels. OVOL Singapore currently stocks DigiPrint, a collection of 15 different types of Digital Stickers available in different materials including paper, fabric and synthetic as well as formats, making it easier for graphic designs, artwork or products to stand out.

Categories
Green Paper

Boost Your Sustainability Credentials with FSC® Certified Paper

Sustainability is becoming more important for all companies, across all sectors in Singapore and around the world. 

HSBC’s 2019 Navigator survey (https://www.business.hsbc.com.sg › campaigns) revealed that amongst Singapore firms, 88% agree that sustainable practices will enhance growth and profitability. 

Sustainability was thrust into the limelight once again as countries pushed their zero-carbon agenda amid scientific evidence that climate change contributes to pandemics1. So, addressing climate change now would help humans to become more resilient in the future. We are therefore at a crucial turning point in human history, and over the next decade, governments, organisations and society must ramp up their actions to tackle the climate crisis. 

A study carried out in March 2021 by Accenture in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (https://wwfasia.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/sustainability_in_singapore_wwf_accenture.pdf) found that Singapore’s state of sustainability is a prime concern for consumers, with 80% stating they care for the environment. A third (32%) claimed that they would make most purchasing decisions based on their product sustainability and environmental impact. A further third (35%) said they would be willing to pay a premium for up to 10% for sustainable alternatives. Evidently, COVID-19 has accelerated consumers’ consciousness of sustainability, and businesses who are at the forefront of this shift stand to reap immense benefits. 

Companies who adopt sustainability policies do not just help the environment – sustainability initiatives can lead to an improved brand image, happier shareholders, reduced overheads as well as increases in productivity. 

How can businesses ensure that they are consuming paper in a responsible manner?

One of the viable solutions is to use paper from Responsible Forestry. That is, using paper that is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) certified. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) uses a system of inspecting and tracking timber and pulp across the supply chain. This means that trees are grown for commercial purposes which also helps provide a means of livelihood for millions (3) but it is well managed, with trees being replanted with minimal disruption to local communities. Today, over 200 million hectares of forest are managed to FSC® standards around the world.  Businesses that adopt FSC® papers are, hence making an eco-friendlier choice. 

OVOL Singapore pioneered the introduction of paper made from pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests. It holds the accolade of being the first paper supplier in Singapore to receive FSC® certification and is dedicated to ensuring that its clients extend their sustainable practices to their printed materials. OVOL currently procures a comprehensive line of FSC®-certified papers across various grades and finishes including papers that have up to 100% recycled content. These are suitable for use in all your printing and visual communication needs – be it for annual reports, brochures, flyers, leaflets, magazines, packaging, mailers and cards. Its most popular offering is Green Forest Offset , an uncoated FSC® certified paper that allows you to reflect your commitment to the environment without compromising on quality, clarity and affordability.

  1. Xavier Rodó, Adrià San-José, Karin Kirchgatter & Leonardo López, Changing Climate and the COVID-19 pandemic: more than just heads or tails 
  2. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1089078/demand-paper-globally-until-2030/ 
  3. https://www.cifor.org/Publications/Corporate/FactSheet/livelihood.htm  
  4. https://www.business.hshbc.com.sg 
  5. https://wwfasia.awassets.panda.org/downloads/sustainability_in_singapore_wwf_accenture.pdf
Categories
Food Packaging Board

Go Green with Eco-Friendly Food Packaging

Singapore’s food and beverage sector has evolved rapidly in the last decade, spurred by a rise in disposable income as well technological innovation. 

Even before the Coronavirus pandemic, food delivery was making momentous inroads, with global online ordering platforms such as Deliveroo, Grab, foodpanda and Uber Eats putting a stake in the island state to garner a share of this lucrative market. 

Market researchers Statista predicts that Singapore’s online food delivery market will grow at an annual rate of 9.6% per annum between now and 2026, resulting in a projected market value of US$766 million1. 

This boom underscores Singaporeans’ increasing reliance on food delivery services, which is rooted in the nation’s street food culture. The Coronavirus pandemic only sped demand up, as Singaporeans turned to takeaways and deliveries to satisfy their culinary cravings amid restaurant restrictions and lockdowns. 

In 2021, a Deliveroo commissioned survey found that 82% agreed that they would use food delivery services more regularly in the next few years2. Aligned with this exponential growth in demand for food delivery is the emergence of dark kitchens – also known as ghost or cloud kitchens – which are essentially commercial kitchens without a storefront designed specifically to sell meals exclusively through delivery. 

In turn, this has propagated the use of plastic food packaging, resulting in more waste. Pre-pandemic, food related waste in Singapore hovered around 650 tonnes per annum3. 

There’s certainly been a hefty environmental and economic price to pay for convenience. 

In light of this environmental crisis, governments across Asia are pushing organisations to reduce waste, and Singapore is no exception. Its government introduced its Zero Waste Masterplan in 2019 with the ambition to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. 

Ostensibly, eco-friendly food packaging is becoming more common in the island nation. For instance, the Les Amis Group currently uses compostable, biodegradable and recyclable packaging where possible. And in July 2021, foodpanda launched its Sustainable Packaging Programme to retail 100% plant based eco-friendly food packaging to its restaurant partners. 

Eco-friendly food packaging comes in many forms including paperboard or kraft paper. 

OVOL Singapore currently offers a range of sustainable packaging boards that can be used to  create durable food containers. Its compostable PBS board, a bioplastic coated white board, is also heat sealable and comes in a matt or gloss finish. Bioplastics are made from plant starch and react in a similar way to conventional plastics. It is 100% plastic-free and FDA Certified (Food & Drug Administration) 

OVOL  ES and OVOL PE Food Board are another environmentally friendly materials ideal for food and beverage packaging. Fully paper board grade ranges with FDA and ISEGA certification are also available under Sinar Vanda and Rizhao brands which can be easily converted to meet your packaging requirements while offering an excellent print finish.

  1. https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/eservices/online-food-delivery/singapore
  2. https://qsrmedia.asia/research/in-focus/singaporeans-more-reliant-food-delivery-services-survey-reveals
  3. chrome-extension://oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https://www.nea.gov.sg/docs/default-source/our-services/waste-management/waste-recycling-statistics-2016-to-2019.pdf
Categories
San Air

Combat Airborne Pathogens with Plant Power

Despite the rapid advancements in technology, we still find ourselves subjected to the majestic power of the natural world. As the Coronavirus pandemic has shown, Mother Nature can turn on you at any time, spreading pestilence, death, and debilitating diseases. But nature also holds some answers to the constant unseen threat we face from the microbial world. 

Essential oils have been used for millennia to treat a wealth of diseases and health conditions that have laid waste to the human body. However, it was not until the end of the 19th century that the antibacterial effects of essential oils were first studied scientifically. The first recorded laboratory test on the antibacterial effects of essential oils was carried out in 1887. This emerged as a result of widespread tuberculosis infections, and observations that workers processing flowers and herbs remained free of respiratory diseases. 

Towards the close of the century, Europe underwent a scientific renaissance, with chemistry making great strides. The clinical approach to aromatherapy continued to develop in France, and in 1969, Maurice Girault developed the ‘aromatogram’.  Aromatograms involve a laboratory technique that identified the antimicrobial abilities of specific essential oils in neutralizing certain pathogens. Since then, numerous scientific studies have been conducted to distill the effectiveness and potency of essential oils in eliminating bacteria and viruses. 

For example, a 2013 study found that basil oil and rosemary oil were both effective in inhibiting the growth of 60 strains of E. coli retrieved from hospital patients1. In that same year, U.S. researchers have also found that staph-infected wounds healed faster when they were treated with vapors of tea-tree oil than with conventional methods2.

So how do essential oils work to fight off pathogens such as mildew, mould, bacteria, and viruses? 

To put it simply, some essential oils are imbued with antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds, and it is these compounds that gives oil their innate ability to combat pathogens. These naturally occurring compounds enable plants to protect themselves from infection, endure temperature variations, heal from damage, and repel pests. Two compounds, aldehydes and phenols, have been scientifically proven to work against a whole host of pathogens2. 

Aldehydes are a broad-spectrum disinfectant with the ability to kill fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Phenols, on the other hand, act as antioxidants, and they have shown to also possess antibacterial properties.

SAN-AIR™ has set out to harness this potent power of nature to combat the onslaught of mould, germs, and bacteria that proliferate the world around us. 

The SAN-AIR™ range of products, officially distributed by OVOL, have been formulated with 100% plant-based actives including essential oils. Unlike most other air purifiers and air cleaners on the market, no harsh chemicals were used in their production, making the range environmentally friendly and safe to use around children and pets. Hence, to protect your home, office or car from pathogens and to kill over 99.9% of airborne bacteria, germs, mould, fungus and spores without toxic and harmful chemicals, your first choice should naturally be SAN-AIR™. 

  1. Monika Sienkiewicz, Monika Łysakowska, Marta Pastuszka, Wojciech Bienias, Edward Kowalczyk, The potential of use basil and rosemary essential oils as effective antibacterial agents, 2013
  2. Karen B Chin 1, Barbara Cordell, The effect of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on wound healing using a dressing model, 2013
  3. 2. Schnaubelt, Kurt (1999) Medical Aromatherapy: Healing with Essential Oils. Berkeley, CA: Frog, Ltd