Our SSRS Sustainability Statement
As a marine environmental charity, we understand that using plastic—especially public-facing materials—raises valid concerns. That’s why we aim to be transparent about our use of fluted polypropylene (also known as Correx) for some of our outdoor signage. While this material is not biodegradable, it has been chosen following careful consideration of environmental trade-offs, and we are actively working toward more sustainable alternatives.
The fluted boards we use are PVC-free and 100% recyclable. In addition, the inks used for our posters and boards are made from pigments dispersed within an organic solvent. We avoid materials known to leach harmful substances and ensure signage is recycled responsibly at the end of its usable life.
We use fluted polypropylene primarily because of its durability and reusability. Outdoor posters must withstand prolonged exposure to wind, rain, and sunlight, and this material performs reliably in harsh weather conditions. As a result, the same signs can be reused across multiple events and campaigns and are expected to last for several years. This significantly reduces the need for frequent replacements and helps minimise overall material consumption.
To ensure signage does not cause environmental harm, we monitor the condition of posters regularly. At the end of the summer period, all posters are checked to assess whether they remain suitable to stay in place. Any signage that has suffered damage due to weathering or wear is promptly removed from site. Posters are fixed to lampposts and fencing using reusable cable ties, which we now use as standard practice. These are selected for their strength and longevity and are collected and reused wherever possible, reducing single-use materials.
Compared with many common alternatives—such as PVC boards, laminated signage, or biodegradable options that degrade too quickly outdoors—fluted polypropylene currently offers a lower environmental footprint across its full life cycle, particularly when reused multiple times. It also poses less risk to marine life, as it is chemically stable and does not leach harmful toxins into the environment.
That said, we do not consider this a perfect solution. We are actively researching and trialling emerging materials, including biodegradable boards, marine-safe substrates, and products made from recycled ocean plastics. As soon as we identify a viable alternative that meets our durability and environmental safety requirements, we are committed to making that transition.
In the meantime, we are taking every step to act responsibly. This includes reusing signage wherever possible, using reusable fixings, ensuring proper recycling, avoiding harmful materials, and educating others about the environmental impacts of material choices. Where appropriate, we also offset the impact of our marketing materials.
We welcome any questions, ideas, or suggestions from supporters, partners, and the public. Like you, we care deeply about the health of our seas, and we believe transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement are essential to achieving long-term environmental change.