A Sustainable Difference at New Year’s at the Needle 🎆 

Background

In 2018, SuperGraphics partnered with a client for the New Year’s at the Needle event, delivering a high-profile project featuring PVC-plastic mesh banners. However, the banners had a short lifespan due to unforeseen weather conditions, leading to their removal after just three days and ultimately ending up in a landfill. This experience served as a turning point for SuperGraphics, sparking the creation of our EcoFormat®initiative to prioritize sustainability in large-format printing.

Challenges

The 2018 project highlighted the environmental challenges of short-lived graphics. At the time, options for recyclable materials were limited, and the quick turnaround left little room for sustainable innovation. The project’s end result—banners disposed of in a landfill—underscored the need for a fundamental shift in materials and processes.

Solution

Driven by the lessons of 2018, SuperGraphics launched EcoFormat® in 2019, a comprehensive initiative to eliminate wasteful practices and adopt eco-friendly materials. Fast forward to 2025, and the New Year’s at the Needle event showcased the full potential of this program. By using PVC-free, 100% recyclable materials and offering open-loop recycling services, SuperGraphics not only met the client’s branding goals but also kept 3,600 square feet of graphics out of the landfill.

Results

• Environmental Impact: The 2025 project successfully diverted 3,600 square feet of graphic materials from the landfill.
• Client Satisfaction: The client was impressed with the high-quality branding and the sustainability focus of the project.
• Innovation in Practice: This project demonstrated the viability of PVC-free materials and set a new standard for event graphics.

Key Takeaways

• Lesson Learned: The 2018 experience emphasized the importance of considering the full lifecycle of materials in event graphics.
• Ongoing Commitment: The success of the 2025 project reaffirmed SuperGraphics’ commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2025.
• Inspiration for Change: This case study highlights how challenges can drive meaningful innovation and create lasting impact.

The journey from 2018 to 2025 reflects SuperGraphics’ dedication to making a sustainable difference. The New Year’s at the Needle event has become a symbol of how thoughtful innovation and a commitment to eco-friendly practices can transform challenges into opportunities for leadership. Through EcoFormat®, SuperGraphics continues to redefine what it means to be a sustainable leader in large-format printing.