That’s why sustainability is embedded into the way we design, manufacture and deliver our signage solutions. We are committed to continually improving our environmental performance by reducing waste, conserving resources and making responsible choices throughout our operations.
Our environmental policy is built around sustainable development and continuous improvement. We aim to:
We believe that protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility, which is why we encourage all employees to play an active role through training, awareness and responsible working practices.
We continually review the materials and processes we use to reduce our environmental impact without compromising quality or durability. Our approach includes:
Sustainability extends beyond our own operations. We work closely with our suppliers, customers and partners to encourage environmentally responsible practices throughout the supply chain and to develop signage solutions that deliver long-term value with a reduced environmental footprint.
By continually investing in better materials, smarter manufacturing processes and responsible business practices, Leading Edge is helping to create signage that is not only built to last but built with the future in mind.
Leading Edge has partnered with McDonald’s for over 20 years, delivering innovative signage solutions across its UK restaurant estate.
Since 2014, we have also supported the nationwide rollout of internal wall graphics as part of the brand’s restaurant modernisation programme, continuing to design, manufacture and install graphics as restaurants have evolved to include digital ordering and delivery services.
As part of McDonald’s sustainability strategy, the business had a vision to transform its coffee bean waste into a usable material for internal signage. Having worked together, McDonald’s knew Leading Edge was always willing to push the boundaries of innovation, particularly when it came to sustainable manufacturing and trusted us to bring this ambitious concept to life.
Working closely with McDonald’s and our material suppliers, we successfully developed a unique signage substrate containing 20% recycled coffee bean grounds. The resulting wayfinding signage, now installed in flagship restaurants, features a distinctive rich brown finish with a subtle coffee aroma, a truly innovative example of waste being transformed into a practical, high-quality signage solution.
But our sustainability journey didn’t stop there. Together we have continued to explore new ways to reduce environmental impact, including:
Please refer to our Waste Reduction Policy
Partnership with McDonald’s
12+ years
Nationwide rollout programme
Since 2014
Recycled coffee grounds
20% content in innovative wayfinding signage
PVC reduction
PVC-free internal signage programme
Circular economy initiatives
Coffee waste and recycled Happy Meal® plastics repurposed into signage materials
Outcome
Lower-impact signage without compromising quality or durability
Our work with McDonald’s demonstrates how collaboration and innovation can transform everyday waste into premium signage solutions. These initiatives help to:
The coffee ground signage project is a perfect example of how Leading Edge combines creativity, technical expertise and sustainable thinking to deliver pioneering signage solutions for some of the UK’s best-known brands.
