The company has the Australian agency for German substrates manufacturer Junkers & Müllers, which manufactures its Mediatex signage fabrics to European Union standards for flame resistance. The range includes the Arttex, Troja, Bermuda and Presto brands, made to the European Union's B1 standard, using inks from various manufacturers.
Abe Weiszberger of Stick-On Signs says many fabrics tested for B1 as a raw material lose their certification once printed, because the fireproofing agent does not ensure flame retardancy for inks added during printing.
"B1 is a German certification that is in accordance with the DIN 4102-1 standard, which is accepted virtually throughout the EU. In most of the countries it is recommended for indoor use, especially in all public buildings, at fairs and so on."
B1 more than meets existing Australian standards, says Weiszberger. Stick-On Signs is currently working on obtaining the Australian certification for the Mediatex range. Junkers & Müllers offers fabrics coated in larger quantities of fireproofing agents so the ink layer is also protected.
"Typically most fabrics used as print media lose their flame retardance after printing," notes Weiszberger, "but with Troja, Bermuda, Air and Presto, it is still B1 after printing. We did those tests with one Mimaki and one Roland ink. Of course, the B1 test after printing has to be done with every kind of ink."
Mediatex products also carry the additional certificate "Confidence in Textiles - textiles tested for harmful substance in accordance with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100". This standard ensures that in addition to legally prohibited substances, those substances that are regulated, as well as those of concern to health but not yet legally regulated, will not be used in the manufacture of a textile material.
Pictured: This temporary home for a German museum was given a printed façade resembling concrete panel work.