geraumt | Podcast für Design im Raum

Sustainability in signage is a subject that often feels abstract. In conversation with Erik Sørensen Ruiz of Modulex, it becomes far more concrete. Modulex has worked with modular systems for many years and continues to explore how wayfinding can become more durable and more circular.

Erik explains how deeply this mindset is embedded within the company. For Modulex, sustainability means considering materials across their entire life cycle: cleaning, recoating, reusing or recycling locally – depending on what is most appropriate from an environmental perspective.

One example is ReBond, a material produced from discarded carpets from the hospitality sector. The textiles are shredded, processed and pressed into new panels. An independent CO₂ analysis shows that ReBond carries significantly lower emissions than conventional aluminium composite sheets.

The discussion also turns to how designers and clients can make informed, sustainable choices: through certified raw materials, aluminium sourced from regions powered by renewable energy, local procurement and a clear understanding of genuine recycled content. The CO₂ footprint can act as a shared language – provided the data is gathered in a comparable way.

Another key point: the most powerful levers often lie in design. The size, number and placement of signs influence the environmental impact more strongly than material selection alone. To support this, Modulex has developed a carbon modelling service that evaluates projects holistically and highlights early on where emissions arise.

Towards the end, Erik reflects on the market share of sustainable solutions. It remains small. Pricing structures and limited awareness both play a role. Modulex therefore focuses on sharing knowledge and making alternatives more widely accessible.

This episode illustrates how sustainability in wayfinding can emerge – not as an addon, but as an integral part of material, process and responsibility.