Welcome to a special interview with SLD’s very own customer support specialist: Kyra! She is originally from Crawley (a town in West Sussex) and recently passed her 1-year mark with us. But who is she beyond the headsets and email replies? Let’s ask a few questions to get to know her a little bit better.
Hey there! To start things off: is this your first job in customer service?
– Hi! Not really, I actually have few years of experience in the hospitality industry. Still, this job comes with a new set of tasks and is a bit more routine-based. It suits me perfectly.
Cool! What are your biggest interests/hobbies?
– Reading, watching movies and playing video games, especially if they’re in the horror genre. You could say I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the genre.
Have a favourite song?
– At the moment, it’s Evolve by The Warning, an all-female rock band from Mexico. But who knows, my favourite could change within a week.
If you could choose any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be and why?
– Being able to move faster would be really helpful some days. If it meant I could write an email response at the speed of light, sign me up. More time for me and instant help for our customers. It’s a win-win!
What’s a random fact about yourself?
– I have a tattoo with a quote from one of my favourite movies: 500 Days of Summer. It turned out just as I hoped!
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had with a customer?
– It’s always a good day whenever I can help a customer create something they thought was impossible with our tool.
Sometimes I also get to assist with some cool projects for companies you wouldn’t expect using our products. For instance, we once made signs for cars being built overseas. That really stood out to me and showed how our work can reach a global scale.
Anything about working in customer support that has surprised you?
– Even though I’d love to be truly surprised, I already knew to “expect the unexpected,” so it’s pretty tough to catch me off guard these days.
Noticed any common misconceptions about the profession?
– One big misconception is that every day is exactly the same. While we do have a general routine, anything could happen with regard to customer enquiries, problems and even feedback. This keeps things interesting!
We hope you now have a clearer picture of who’s on the other side of your conversations. A huge thanks to Kyra for giving us a small glimpse into her life and perspectives. Wishing you the best of luck – whether you’re at or off work!
In our latest durability challenge, we decided to drive an SUV over our signs – more specifically on gravel-covered asphalt. This test was designed to simulate one of the tougher conditions that our signs might face. Let’s dive into the results and see if they survived!
👉 All signs held up impressively well, with only the stickers showing slight wear.
👉 Minor damages were caused by the uneven gravel; a smoother surface would have prevented this.
👉 The photoluminescent effect of the sticker (E9-5) was fully preserved after the test.
That’s all for this experiment! Remember to keep an eye on our socials and blog for even more tests and results. We have a lot more to uncover, so don’t miss out!
Do you ever find yourself needing to write by hand on signs and labels? Then you’ve come to the right place. Our latest deep-dive explores just how well handwriting holds up on our products. It works well for the most part, but there are some things to consider. Let’s take a look!
We found that soap effortlessly cleans most materials without affecting the text, except for transparent stickers. Acetone, on the other hand, is great for removing text on stainless steel and aluminium – perfect if you write by hand on a regular basis.
BATCH #1 – Stickers:
· Ballpoint pens are essentially incompatible with transparent background stickers, but work well on all other materials.
· Rubbing by hand smudges the marker text on brushed aluminium stickers, with minimal effect on other materials.
· Soap entirely removes ballpoint text on transparent background stickers. The other text remains on all materials.
· Acetone significantly smudges text from any type of pen across all materials.
BATCH #2 – Engraved and printed:
· Ballpoint pens are incompatible with anodised aluminium, but work well on all other materials.
· Rubbing by hand completely erases ballpoint text on engraved stainless steel, and slightly erases marker text on anodised aluminium.
· Soap does not really affect text from any type of pen across all materials.
· Acetone causes significant smudging of text across all materials, completely removing it from engraved stainless steel and anodised aluminium, regardless of the pen used.
BATCH #3 – Cable markings:
· Ballpoint pens are incompatible with embossed cable markings, but work well on all other materials.
· Rubbing by hand only slightly smudges marker text on ABS.
· Soap does not really affect text from any type of pen across all materials.
· Acetone either significantly smudges or erases all handwritten text, including the pre-printed text on ABS and heat shrink sleeving.
That wraps up our handwriting experiment! For more tests and findings, keep an eye on our socials and blog. We’ve got plenty more in store to explore and share. Stay tuned!
What do signs and food have in common? Not a whole lot, if we’re being honest. But it’s still super important that you have knowledge of, and access to, food contact-approved signs.
This article gives you an overview of what food contact-approved materials are, their importance and applications in the food industry, as well as tips on which specific products we recommend.
Let’s start at the beginning.
What Are Food Contact-Approved Materials (And Why Are They So Important)?
Food contact-approved materials are those which are safe to use in environments where they come into direct or indirect contact with food. A common term for these is FCM (Food Contact Materials) and can cover everything from packaging materials to signs! When it comes to signs, the contact is usually indirect, which luckily reduces the risk of transferring toxic agents.
A key requirement is that the materials must not emit harmful substances that could contaminate food, at least during normal and foreseeable use. But it is more than a health issue; compliance is a duty regulated by TheFood Standards Agency and international health authorities. Non-approved materials may lead to serious risks for consumers and therefore legal consequences for businesses.
When do signs come into contact with food?
Signs can encounter food in a variety of ways, especially in settings where food is handled and processed. Their purpose is usually to label and identify ingredients, products and prices. Below we list some typical examples of where they can be placed:
· Processing and production facilities
· Kitchens and restaurants
· Storage spaces and refrigerators
· Shops and food markets
· Inside transport vehicles
Examples of Food Contact-Approved Materials
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for food contact-approved signs, mainly due to the following characteristics:
· Corrosion resistance: stainless steel is exceptionally durable and resists corrosion. It therefore maintains its original properties, even in the harsh and humid environments often found in the food industry.
· Non-porous: the non-porous surface of stainless steel prevents bacteria from easily growing in cracks and cavities. The surface also makes cleaning and sanitising much easier, as dirt and bacteria are easily wiped away without sticking.
· Non-reactive: stainless steel is non-reactive to both acidic and basic foods, which means that no chemical reaction will occur between the steel and the food. Such a quality eliminates the risk of harmful substances leaking out.
Plastic in APET/AXPET
Many plastics do not meet the requirements for food use, but APET and AXPET stand out as exceptions to the rule. Their popularity can be explained by several important factors, such as:
· Chemical resistance: APET and AXPET are chemically resistant due to their unique molecular structure. This means they do not react with food and release hazardous chemicals.
· Temperature tolerance: unlike many plastics, they can withstand a wide range of temperatures (from -40 to +60°C) without losing their original properties. Something that significantly expands their range of applications.
· Price: generally speaking, plastic materials such as APET and AXPET are cheaper to produce, buy and ship than stainless steel. As a result, they become a more affordable solution for many.
Aluminium
Aluminium is widely used in the food industry, especially in the production of cans. However, it is important to always choose the right type of aluminium together with a protective coating. Failing to do so could make it easily react to acidic foods. That said, some of the benefits of aluminium are:
· Malleability: aluminium is easy to form and can be adapted to a variety of sizes and shapes. In addition, aluminium retains its strength even after forming, making it possible to create lightweight yet strong objects.
· Durability: properly treated aluminium resists corrosion and other external forces. With this in mind, aluminium signs can be a tough and durable option.
· Hygiene: its smooth and coated surfaces are easy to clean and maintain to avoid bacterial growth and contamination.
Examples of High-Risk Materials
It is also wise to be aware of which materials you should look out for, and why. This way, you can sidestep possible dangers and make more well-informed decisions. Here are some of the most common culprits:
· Unstable materials: unstable materials can more easily react chemically with food and “release” their harmful substances. Because of this, make sure you use a chemically stable alternative that can withstand foreseeable stresses.
· Solvents: plastics may contain solvents used in the manufacturing process. If these solvents transfer into food, they can cause damage to the central nervous system, among other things.
· Bisphenols: a lot of plastics contain bisphenols (mainly bisphenol A), partly to increase their hardness. Unfortunately, these substances are also known to be hormone disruptors and harmful to the thyroid gland.
· Plasticisers: plastic materials may contain plasticisers to increase flexibility. These can be harmful as they are also hormone disruptors and negative for one’s reproductive health.
· Colouring agents: if the plastic is coloured with certain colouring agents (such as aniline), there is a risk that the material can lead to cell and DNA damage, which is carcinogenic to humans.
Our Remaining Products Meet the Standards – An Overview
Let’s take a look at the materials we haven’t mentioned until now and quickly explain why they are so reliable:
· ABS plastic: our ABS plastic cable marks have been classified as having particularly high resistance to external stresses, including acids.
· Engraved plastic: the engraved plastic signs we sell have top ratings in the “Health” and “Stability” categories. In addition, they do not contain any chemicals classified as toxic.
· Stickers: our stickers withstand harsh indoor and outdoor environments and are resistant to most types of oils and fats, as well as salts and weak acids.
· Cable marks: all our cable mark materials fulfil the health standards, but there is no apparent reason why they should come into contact with food.
Buy Food Contact-Approved Signs at Signs and Labels Direct. Find Peace of Mind.
At Signs and Labels Direct we understand the importance of food grade signage. We therefore offer a range of signs that meet the relevant requirements. You can be sure that our products guarantee the highest possible quality standards, making them the obvious choice for your customers.
You’ve probably encountered them before: signs that ‘charge’ by absorbing light and then glow when it gets dark. They’re called photoluminescent signs, and can be particularly useful for emergency exits if the power suddenly goes out.
But how does it work? The short answer is photoluminescence and phosphorescence. In this article, we will explore these phenomena in more detail and explain the science behind these signs.
Photoluminescence
Photoluminescence occurs when a material absorbs light which is re-emitted at a later point in time. Let’s take a look at how this happens:
Absorption of light particles
It all starts with the absorption of light particles (photons) by the pigments of the signs. The pigments contain special elements, including rare earth metals with suitable electronic properties.
What is meant by suitable electronic properties? Well, it means that the structure of the material and the arrangement of the electrons allow a wide range of light energies to be absorbed. So, there are many available energy levels that the electrons can move to when absorbing light.
Increase in energy (excitation)
During the absorption, a process called excitation is kick-started. This process causes the electrons in the pigment to be elevated to higher energy levels.
It is important that photons with the right amount of energy hit the electrons in the pigment, because the electrons only accept photons with the exact amount of energy needed to ‘jump’ to new levels.
Release of energy in the form of light
When an external light source disappears, the excited electrons will ‘relax’ and want to move from their current, unstable state to their normal, more stable state. This releases the excess energy they have absorbed in the form of photons. It is exactly this light we see as a ‘glow’ from the sign.
Phosphorescence
Phosphorescence is a specific type of photoluminescence characterised by its long-lasting light emission, which is great for emergency signs. Essentially, the process works the same way, but with some important differences:
Special phosphorescent pigments
For long-term light emission, special phosphorescent pigments are used. These pigments often contain the substance strontium aluminate, which is the longest lasting and brightest option commercially available.
Triplet state (instead of a singlet state)
Usually, when the pigments absorb light, the material transitions to an excited singlet state, where electrons spin in opposite directions. In phosphorescence, however, the electrons can eventually enter a triplet state, where they instead spin in the same direction. In the next section, we will explain why it is so important to achieve such a state.
‘Forbidden’ transitions
When the electrons eventually want to return to their original energy levels (and thus emit light), this happens much more slowly than with other types of photoluminescence. This has to do with the transition process itself – when the electrons ‘relax.’
The transition from a triplet state back to a singlet state is actually considered ‘forbidden’ by the rules of quantum mechanics. However, this does not mean that it is impossible, but rather that it’s much less likely and therefore takes more time. This is why the light is emitted over such a long period.
That’s about it! We have now taken a deep dive into the oceans called photoluminescence and phosphorescence. Beneath the surface, we have learnt everything from the absorption of light to the ‘forbidden’ transitions that make the material release its energy slowly. And just like that, the glowing secrets of the signs have been revealed.
We have photoluminescent signs!
At Signs & Labels Direct we have a wide range of photoluminescent signs that tick all the boxes for today’s standards. Make sure your customers always find the right way out, even in the dark – visit our online tool today!
We know that your everyday life can be full of challenges, with many decisions and choices to be made all the time. Picking the climate-smart option can often feel like a difficult balancing act, especially when you want to avoid making life more complicated. But there is at least one decision we can help you with, that doesn’t require you to change up your routine.
In this article, we summarise why Signs & Labels Direct is the environmentally conscious choice for you – simply by being a customer. This is because we’ve made sustainability a core principle, focusing on work methods and products that are reliable and eco-friendly. Let’s take a closer look!
1. We save energy with “The X-changer 2000”
To us, it’s important to be as energy efficient as possible. We’ve even made it a bit of a sport to turn off lights and machines when not in use. On top of that, we recover the heat from our machines through a giant air heat exchanger. It’s built according to our own drawings and has a capacity of 12 cubic metres per second.
We call it ‘The X-changer 2000’ – cool name, don’t you think?
2. We produce our own electricity with solar cells
One of our production site’s roof is covered in solar panels – 195 of them, to be exact – and they are our little sun gods. During the brighter months they actually produce even more than we need, so we send the excess to help others. On a sunny day in May, we can even send out 50 kWh of electricity to our neighbours. The facility has also received its certificate according to the environmental standard ISO 14001:2015. Very well deserved, we think.
3. We recycle (and reuse!) our waste
We always sort our waste and send it to the recycling station. After all, everything has its place. We’re talking electronics, metal, aluminium, glass jars, batteries, cardboard, paper and soft plastic. Of course, we also maximise the use of surplus materials, including leftover plastic laminate, to produce new signs and minimise waste. Long live recycling and reusing!
4. We choose environmentally friendly products
We always strive to choose the most environmentally friendly products, everything from sign materials to dish soap. You name it. And as part of our sustainability approach, you can count on our materials to also withstand the test of time. We therefore ensure that our signs are like an exciting novel and a reliable friend – readable for a long time and always there when you need them.
5. We deliver with fossil-free transports
We know that fast deliveries are essential, but is it actually possible to also make an environmentally conscious choice? Oh yes! Our transport partners are constantly working to optimise their deliveries to minimise climate impact.
More specifically, they are transitioning towards more eco-friendly alternatives, replacing traditional fossil fuels with greener options. This shift is part of a larger commitment to providing entirely fossil-free transport solutions in the near future.
Fast deliveries with a green twist? Absolutely!
Make the environmentally conscious choice with Signs & Labels Direct
When you choose Signs & Labels Direct for your sign and labelling needs, you’re not only making a wise business choice, you’re also making an environmentally conscious choice. We strive to minimise our ecological footprint while offering high-quality products and lightning-fast deliveries. The best of both worlds, simply put.
Discover our online shop
Join over 30,000 satisfied customers. Visit our online store and order customised products that suit your needs. At Signs & Labels Direct, we care about both your projects and our planet – so ‘sign’ up today!
As festive spirit fills the air and homes are lined with twinkling lights and glittering decorations, it’s easy to overlook the role of stickers in this merry season. At Signs & Labels Direct, our stickers aren’t just for everyday use—they play a pivotal role in transforming industries and businesses, even during the Christmas season.
Speaking of playing a pivotal role in the Christmas season, Signs & Labels Direct will be open during the holiday period! We will be closed on the following dates, but it does not mean you cannot put an order through during that time ready for when we return to the office and the production site!
HOLIDAY DATES: 25th & 26th December 2023 and 1st January 2024
1. Efficient Inventory Management
In the midst of bustling holiday sales, ensuring efficient inventory management is crucial for businesses. Our barcode stickers streamline this process, allowing for seamless tracking and management of stock levels. With these stickers, businesses can keep their shelves stocked with the latest Christmas merchandise while accurately monitoring inventory.
2. Safety and Compliance
Safety is paramount year-round, and even more so during the holidays when warehouses may experience increased traffic. Our safety stickers and labels adhere to stringent standards, ensuring that workers and visitors are informed about safety protocols. This holiday season, these stickers play a vital role in maintaining a secure environment amidst the festive rush. This is aided by our wide range of backgrounds that you can choose from to complete your job accordingly.
3. Branding and Festive Marketing
The holidays are a prime time for businesses to connect with their audience. Customised stickers from Signs & Labels Direct allow companies to deck their products and packaging with festive branding. These stickers not only spread cheer but also serve as subtle yet powerful marketing tools, creating a memorable impression on customers.
4. Effortless Shipping and Packaging
In the whirlwind of holiday orders, efficient shipping is a game-changer. Our shipping labels ensure smooth processing, providing clear instructions for carriers while offering a professional touch to packages. This streamlines the shipping process, ensuring timely deliveries during the busiest time of the year.
5. Personalized Touches
Amidst the hustle and bustle, personalized stickers can add a heartwarming touch. Businesses can create customized stickers to include heartfelt messages, greetings, or even include them as freebies with purchases, delighting customers and spreading the joy of the season.
Embracing the Spirit of the Season with Stickers
The holiday season is about more than just exchanging gifts and decorating homes. It’s a time when even the smallest details contribute to the festive atmosphere. At Signs & Labels Direct, we understand the significance of every detail, including stickers, in enhancing efficiency, safety, and spreading joy during the holiday hustle.
As businesses gear up to celebrate this season of giving, let our stickers be your partners in success. From aiding in inventory management to enhancing branding, our stickers are more than just adhesive—they’re a catalyst for seamless operations and spreading the warmth of the holidays.
This Christmas, let’s stick together and make the festive season merrier and more efficient for industries and businesses alike!
What is scarier than ghosts, goblins and monsters?… Low quality signs and labels that you have to wait days, weeks, months for!
Good job Signs & Labels Direct are here to stop this mess and provide high-quality, durable signs from our website to your door in 24 hours!*
Stop waiting days on end for your signs to arrive and get signed up to our website for easy, quick, correct high-quality signs!
It might just scare you just how fast and efficient we are!
Happy Halloween!
*Please note: Engraved Plastic, ABS Cable Marking, Engraved Stainless Steel will be delivered next day if ordered before 5pm. Printed Plastic, Industrial Stickers and Aluminium will be delivered next day if ordered before 12pm. Embossed Cable Marking will be delivered up to 3-4 days after the order is placed
Signs are extremely important! You don’t really think about it as it is just a piece of information that is almost expected.
Warning signs and labels are crucial for several reasons, all of which contribute to promoting safety, conveying important information, and preventing accidents or harm. Here are some key reasons why warning signs and labels are important to have:
Your own safety: The primary purpose of warning signs. Whether they are at home, in a workplace, or in public spaces. They alert people to potential hazards, risks, or dangerous conditions, allowing them to take appropriate precautions or avoid certain areas or actions.
Clear communication: Warning labels serve as a universal means of communication through clear pictograms and symbols. These icons, symbols, and standardised colours help convey critical information quickly and effectively, making it accessible to people of different backgrounds and languages.
Legal Compliance: Many industries and workplaces are subject to regulations and standards that require the use of specific warning signs and labels. Complying with these requirements is not only essential for legal reasons but also helps prevent accidents and injuries.
Liability Protection: Employers, property owners, and manufacturers can use warning signs and labels to mitigate their liability in case of accidents. Clearly posted warnings demonstrate that reasonable steps were taken to inform individuals about potential dangers.
Awareness of risks: Warning signs and labels raise awareness about risks and hazards that people might not otherwise notice. They serve as constant reminders to stay vigilant and follow safety procedures, even in familiar environments.
Emergency Response: In emergency situations, warning signs and labels can provide critical information about how to respond. For example, they can indicate the location of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, or first-aid supplies.
Product Information: Labels on consumer products provide essential information about their use, care, and potential risks. This helps consumers make informed decisions and use products safely.
Environmental Protection: Labels on hazardous substances, chemicals, or materials inform users about proper handling and disposal procedures, reducing the environmental impact of these substances.
Prevention of Accidents: Warning signs and labels can deter individuals from engaging in risky behaviour or entering hazardous areas. They serve as a visual deterrent, prompting people to think twice before taking dangerous actions.
Child Safety: Labels on products and in homes can specifically target child safety concerns, such as choking hazards, toxic substances, or sharp objects. These warnings help protect children from accidents.
Public Safety: In public spaces, warning signs and labels, such as traffic signs and pedestrian crossing signs, contribute to overall safety by guiding and regulating the behaviour of individuals.
Warning signs and labels play a vital role in safeguarding individuals and communities, ensuring that people are informed about potential dangers, and helping prevent accidents and injuries. Their universal use and clear communication of critical information are essential for maintaining safety and well-being in various environments.
At Signs and Labels Direct, we offer a diverse range of methods to attach your signs, tailored to your preferences. Our comprehensive selection ensures that you’ll find the ideal solution for your specific needs.
We will now quickly cover the array of options available for securely fastening your signage.
Adhesive backing
Pre-drilled holes
Customised holes.
1. Adhesive Backing
Our repertoire includes adhesive backing for various materials, available on engraved plastic, printed plastic, anodised aluminium, printed aluminium, and of course, stickers. This adhesive boasts industrial strength, rendering it suitable for a multitude of scenarios.
This can be selected by simply ticking the box on the left side of the tool:
However, for environments characterised by rigorous demands and substantial wear and tear, we recommend exploring our alternative installation methods listed below.
2. Pre-Drilled Holes
You can find a selection of pre-drilled holes on our tool (fit to text)
And advanced
Experience the convenience of pre-drilled holes by navigating our user-friendly online webtool. Simply access the dropdown menu, whereupon a pop-up interface will appear. This interface allows you to select from an assortment of hole configurations that align with your requirements. Our pre-drilled holes begin at a default of either 2.5mm or 5mm in diameter (excluding cable holes) and can be customised to accommodate your precise installation needs. Enhance your installation with supplementary accessories available for inclusion during the checkout process.
3. Tailored Customisation
Unlock the potential of advanced mode to personally craft and situate holes according to your specifications. Our intuitive tool facilitates the creation of holes in various shapes and sizes. By selecting a desired shape from the icon list at the top of the tool, you can then fine-tune its dimensions to suit. Upon completion, the “cut” tick box option tells our production team to cut your dimensions as specified.
At Signs and Labels Direct, we take pride in offering a comprehensive suite of attachment solutions, tailored to meet the distinct demands of your signage projects. Your satisfaction is our goal, and we look forward to assisting you in achieving optimal results through our innovative methods of sign installation.
Of course, you cannot attach signs without the accessories to do so! We also provide packs and individual sets of screws, cable ties, magnets, s-hooks and so on! Our range can be found upon checkout, or via our accessories shop.
Signs and Labels Direct UK 