- Why the introduction of an alternative traffic sign?The Netherlands must also comply with the “Paris Agreement” in which international agreements were made to curb global warming. The Dutch target is that in 2030 we will emit 49% less greenhouse gases than in 1990; raw materials come from biomass, residual flows and gases. Investments and purchases by all government bodies will have to contribute to achieving the climate objectives. The transition from a linear to a circular economy is irreversibly underway. As a major player in the traffic sign market, we have been looking for a sustainable product of high quality with which our clients can contribute to meeting the targets.
- Where do the raw materials for a Nabasco® biocomposite road sign come from?The local residual materials come from nature reserves in the Netherlands, such as the Weerribben in Overijssel. So 100% local. This results in a considerably lower environmental burden than, for example, materials from other continents, which cause a considerable CO2 emission due to their transport. The reed is purchased from thatchers as secondary reed. Secondary means that it can no longer be used for roofs; too short, too bent, etc. But it is an excellent raw material for road signs.
- What is Nabasco® Sign made of?Nabasco® biocomposite traffic signs are made from local residual materials. The main raw materials for these traffic signs are reed from the Netherlands, lime and resin. Natural fibres require less energy to produce and fewer chemicals to bond to the resin. Both of these make for an even more sustainable product.
- What is possible after the end of life of a Nabasco® traffic sign?After use, the product can be reused for the production of new Nabasco® biocomposite traffic signs. Thus 100% circular.
- Does the production of Nabasco® biocomposite traffic signs generate waste?Each piece is produced by means of a mould per dimension, which means that no waste is generated in this process. This is in contrast to traffic and information signs that are made of plate material. This is in contrast to traffic and information signs that are made of board material, where the milling waste is on average about 25%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sustainability
Installation & Use
Certification
Pricing & Delivery
Product & Process
Sustainability
Installation & Use
- How are NabascoSign signs attached to a traffic sign post or lamp-post?All Nabasco biocomposite road signs are equipped with 4 inserts with a pitch of 140mm. The standard hinge and light pole brackets with a wide plate can be used for this. However, no clamping plate is required. Therefore, we have included brackets without a clamping plate in our range. The brackets can be mounted with M8x12 bolts. These bolts are supplied with the sign as standard. Anti-theft bolts are also available at an extra charge. Alternative and custom sizes available on request.
Certification
- Does Nabasco® biobased road sign comply with all legal requirements?Nabasco® biocomposite road signs comply with all requirements of the applicable standards NEN-EN 12899-1 with mandatory CE-marking and the Dutch supplement NEN 3381:2020. As prescribed in NEN 3381:2020, the back of the traffic signs is grey. This also meets this requirement of the Dutch Road Traffic Act. The exact description of this requirement can be found in NEN 3381:2020 section 5.6.2 Colour of the rear side and reads: “The colour of the rear side of the sign, see figure 1, must be grey (RAL 7042 or comparable).
- Under which level of the VNVF durability class does the Nabasco® biocomposite road sign fall?The traffic sign by Nabasco® Sign falls under Level II – silver of the VNVF Ultimate Signing durability class. Nabasco® Sign is cradle-to-cradle certified.
Pricing & Delivery
- Where can I buy the Nabasco Sign?For customers in the Netherlands, you can buy the signs directly with our partner, Pol Heteren via this weblink. For all other international customers, please contact Nabasco Sign directly via e-mail or the contact form.
- What is the price of the Nabasco® biocomposite road sign?In The Netherlands, the gross price of the Nabasco® biocomposite traffic sign is the same as the aluminium traffic sign according to the Ultimate Signing 20-year quality. For country specific pricing information, please contact us for an tailor-made offer.
Product & Process
- What is known about the quality of the product Nabasco®Sign?Nabasco® biocomposite is a product with a long lifespan, in which the quality remains high throughout the life span. In contrast to many other composites, this product is a thermosetting material. This means that the board does not deform and can withstand extreme temperatures of -50°/+150°. With thermoplastics such as PVC-containing products, problems can arise in the areas of shrinkage, expansion, hardness and strength of the material, adhesion of the foil, etc. With Nabasco® biocomposite there is no chance of this happening. The quality of the product has been extensively tested and there is more than 40 years of experience in the field. The same process is used for the production of electrical cabinets, facade panels and headlights for the automotive industry. That too shows that this is a proven quality product. The sign is supplied according to the VNVF – Ultimate Signing 20-year standard. This means that it is provided with a printed image surface with the best retro-reflection performance and a protective laminate. The sign comes with an expiring 20-year guarantee.
- Who designed Nabasco® biocomposite road signs?The company NPSP B.V. from Amsterdam designed the product. NPSP B.V. is involved in the development of biobased composites and investigates the possibilities of new applications.
- Where are Nabasco® biocomposite road signs produced?The traffic signs are made at a company just across the border in Germany. Here they work with 100% green energy. A company that is certified according to ISO 9001 and 14001 and has embedded corporate social responsibility in its policy. The manufacturer produces the products in double, closed moulds, so that the emission of solvents during the curing of the resin is 95% lower than normal. Carbon filters purify the rest.