Is a Cardboard Display Sustainable?

Published on: 09/07/2023

Is Cardboard Sustainable?

Cardboard is a natural material made from wood fibers. Wood is a renewable resource, provided it comes from sustainably managed forests. This means that no more trees are cut down than can regrow, biodiversity is protected, and the rights of local communities are respected. Various certifications guarantee sustainable wood sourcing, such as FSC and PEFC. Our cardboard is always certified with at least one of these labels.

Cardboard is also highly recyclable. In the Netherlands, an impressive 84% of paper and cardboard is collected and reused. Old cardboard is a crucial raw material for producing new cardboard, with 85% of new cardboard consisting of recycled paper. Recycling reduces the use of fresh wood, minimizes waste production, and conserves energy and water.

Additionally, cardboard is biodegradable. This means that microorganisms can break it down naturally. As a result, cardboard does not pose an environmental hazard if it accidentally ends up in nature.

What Makes a Cardboard Display Sustainable?

A cardboard display is sustainable if it is made from responsibly sourced wood, is recyclable, and is biodegradable. However, other factors also influence the sustainability of a cardboard display, such as:

• The design: A well-thought-out design minimizes material waste, ensures easy assembly and disassembly, and extends the display’s lifespan.

• The printing: Eco-friendly printing uses water-based or plant-based inks that do not contain or release harmful substances.

• The packaging: Sustainable packaging uses minimal materials, protects the display from damage, and is also recyclable or reusable.

• The transport: Efficient transport reduces CO₂ emissions, for example, by using electric vehicles or shipping multiple displays at once.

• The waste management: Responsible disposal ensures that displays are returned to a collection point or the supplier after use, so the material can be recycled or composted.

What Alternatives Are There to Cardboard Displays?

Cardboard displays are not the only option for showcasing your products. Other materials can also be used for displays, including:

• Metal: Metal is a strong and durable material that can also be recycled. However, metal is heavy, which increases transportation energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Additionally, metal production is energy-intensive and polluting.

• Plastic: Plastic is a lightweight and flexible material that can be shaped and colored in various ways. However, plastic is usually made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. It is also difficult to recycle due to the many different types of plastic that are not always easy to separate. Furthermore, plastic can harm the environment if it ends up in nature, as it is not biodegradable and can break down into microplastics.

• Wood: Wood is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable material. However, it takes up more space than cardboard, meaning fewer displays fit into a single truckload. Wood is also susceptible to moisture, mold, and insects, which can lead to damage or decay over time.

What Types of Display/POS Applications Are There for Cardboard?

Cardboard is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of display and POS applications, including:

• Floor displays: These displays are placed on the floor and usually hold multiple products. They can be designed in various shapes and sizes, such as towers, cubes, or house-like structures.

• Shelf displays: These displays are attached to or placed on a shelf and typically showcase a single product or a small selection of items. They come in different forms, such as banners, wobblers, or shelf stoppers.

• Counter displays: These displays are placed on countertops and usually feature small or impulse-buy products. They can be designed in various formats, such as trays, boxes, or stands.

• Ellipse pillars: These sturdy cardboard displays have an eye-catching oval shape. They are easy to assemble and can be customized with your own logo or design. Cardboard ellipse displays are suitable for a wide range of products, including cosmetics, books, toys, and more.

So, Is a Cardboard Display Sustainable?

Yes, a cardboard display is a sustainable choice for presenting your products in a store or at a trade fair. Cardboard is a natural, renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable material that has a lower environmental impact than many other materials. Additionally, a cardboard display can be customized, printed, and packaged to meet your specific needs. There are also many more possibilities for using cardboard in POS applications.

Are you curious about the cardboard displays from Holbox Shop Direct? Visit our webshop now and explore our wide range of sustainable cardboard displays for every occasion!