The in-house print unit at Cardiff Metropolitan University is helping the faculty to reduce waste, environmental impact and cost – and overcome current supply change issues – by refurbishing existing furniture instead of buying new.
The in-house print unit at Cardiff Metropolitan University is helping the faculty to reduce waste, environmental impact and cost – and overcome current supply change issues – by refurbishing existing furniture instead of buying new.
Renovating with sustainability in mind
Refurbishing fixtures and fittings rather than replacing with new is in line with the university’s sustainability strategy, so when Print Services Manager, Richard Ashdown, learned that one of the offices on campus had 12 new replacement sit/stand desks on order – at a cost of £1,500 each – as part redecoration programme, he suggested that it might be possible to refurbish the old desks instead.
The Solution
Richard was able to quickly demonstrate the feasibility of the idea by applying to the desks a printed and over-laminated vinyl that they had in stock. He then contacted the Antalis team to discuss possible ongoing requirements and substrate options. Antalis recommended Coala Interior Film, part of the Coala range of self-adhesive media that offers substrates for indoor and outdoor use. Coala Interior Film comprises 470+ surface finishes across nine collections: wood, leather, marble, stone, metallic, glitter solid colours, fabric, and soft touch. It is an inexpensive way to update interior spaces, including doors, walls, and furniture.
The Result
As a result of the refurbishment of the initial 12 desks, the office cancelled its order for the new desks and instead elected to have all of the existing desks refurbished. This decision provided a monetary saving of £10,000 and a significant reduction in environmental impact should the desks have gone to landfill. The university’s estates team has subsequently expressed an interest in covering a further 500 office desks across the campuses.
After setting up a showroom with eight desks on display, each covered in a different finish from which the university’s offices and departments can choose, the print team has received several commissions, including a new student catering outlet (The Hub), a new 'Global Lounge', hybrid working offices and redesigned spaces in the university’s library and IT suites. There are plans afoot for Coala Interior Film to be used in further catering outlets, and across other areas of the campus once planned building works are completed.
The Technique
The application of Coala Interior Film requires no investment in printing or finishing equipment. It is easy to apply, however, the best results will be achieved by a professional installer. Antalis provides training and advice so you can upskill or reskill staff in the art of self-adhesive film application. We also offer swatches of the Coala Interior Film range so you can choose from the extensive finishes and colours on offer with our expert team available to offer support and advice.
