Cardboard displays: benefits of the most sustainable alternative

Sustainability has become an essential value for companies. That is why cardboard displays are gaining ground as an effective and eco-friendly alternative for displaying and promoting products. Compared with more polluting materials such as plastic, PVC or methacrylate, cardboard stands out as a responsible solution. We will explore the benefits of cardboard displays, their multiple applications at the point of sale and their key role in modern visual marketing strategies.

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Eco-friendly displays: a sustainable alternative

When choosing materials for advertising displays, plastic, PVC and methacrylate are usually selected, as they are the conventional options. However, these materials present serious environmental drawbacks, which makes eco-friendly displays a more responsible solution.

Disadvantages of choosing non-eco-friendly supports:

  • Long decomposition time: resistant plastics can take more than 500 years to degrade, accumulating in landfills, oceans and soils.
  • Intensive production: the manufacture of synthetic materials requires a lot of energy and petroleum. This results in a high carbon footprint.
  • Difficulty of recycling: plastics are often not recycled properly, ending up in incinerators or landfills.

What is a cardboard display?

A cardboard display is an exhibition structure made from solid cardboard, corrugated cardboard or foam board. Its main function is to capture the consumer’s attention at the point of sale, reinforce brand presence and improve the visibility of products or services.

Thanks to their versatility, these cardboard displays can be customised and adapted to any campaign or sector, from retail and food to cosmetics or electronics.

This type of display is commonly used in shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, trade fairs and promotional events. For example, in a perfumery, a cardboard display can hold new fragrances with elegant graphics; in a food shop it can announce the launch of a local product, and at a trade fair it can serve as a display for catalogues or samples.

There are different types of eco-friendly displays such as:

In addition, these cardboard displays can include shelves, compartments, die-cut shapes or full-colour printing, expanding their creative and functional possibilities.

Benefits of cardboard displays: 5 strong points

There are many advantages of cardboard displays compared with other models made from acrylic or other types of plastic. These are some of them:

  1. Recyclable and biodegradable material
    Unlike materials such as methacrylate, cardboard advertising displays are completely recyclable and biodegradable. After use, they can be placed in the blue recycling container to be transformed into new products. This feature reduces environmental impact and facilitates post-campaign waste management.
  2. Lightweight without compromising strength
    Cardboard displays are made from a material that is significantly lighter than plastic or metal, making them easier and more economical to transport. They also make installation easier in elevated or reduced spaces. As for assembly and handling, no technical knowledge or specific tools are required, as you can install and transport them yourself.
  3. Low cost and high profitability
    In terms of investment, cardboard displays for exhibitions are considerably more economical. This advantage allows brands to frequently renew their displays, adapt to seasonal campaigns or launch promotions without assuming high costs.
  4. Easy to assemble and disassemble
    Many cardboard models come pre-folded or ready to assemble in minutes and without tools. This quality makes them perfect for trade fairs, roadshows or points of sale where installation time is limited.
  5. Sustainable brand image
    Using a cardboard advertising display projects a positive image to consumers who are increasingly attentive to companies’ environmental commitment. In addition, this can be communicated directly in the display design with phrases such as "Made from recycled material" or "100% recyclable".

Common uses of cardboard displays

As mentioned, these custom cardboard displays can be installed in different contexts and for different purposes, whether promotional or informative. Here are some of their most common uses:

Trade fairs

At trade fairs and exhibitions, cardboard displays for exhibitions make it possible to highlight products without resorting to heavy structures. As they are portable and easy to assemble, they are ideal as:

  • Temporary stands with express assembly
  • Promotional product spaces with high rotation
  • Sustainable or eco-friendly events

Corporate events and launches

Companies that organise brand events find in cardboard advertising displays a versatile support for:

  • Custom signage
  • Decorative or photographic backgrounds
  • Mobile information points

Points of sale

Cardboard in displays is a useful material in businesses such as supermarkets, pharmacies, shops and other commercial spaces. Its versatility allows it to:

  • Adapt to different sizes and spaces
  • Be changed easily according to the campaign or season of the year
  • Be customised with offers, new launches or promotional packs

Innovation and creativity in cardboard displays

Unlike a few years ago, technology now allows us to take cardboard displays to new levels of impact:

  • Incorporation of lightweight digital screens
  • Application of special finishes (varnish, stamping, relief)
  • Integration of LED lighting or 3D effects

Thanks to these improvements, cardboard advertising displays have become a viable and attractive option, even for premium brands. They can now surprise their customers with innovative, high-impact designs without having to sacrifice large budgets or compromise the environment.

Success stories and good practices with custom cardboard displays

Leading international brands in the cosmetics, beverages and food sectors have discovered the potential of cardboard displays in their campaigns. What results have they achieved?

  • Increased product visibility: thanks to their adaptability, cardboard displays make it possible to create striking and customised structures that capture customers’ attention anywhere, even with nearby competition.
  • Improved perception of a sustainable brand: nowadays consumers increasingly value eco-friendly practices. The use of cardboard, a renewable and recyclable material, reinforces the brand image as a company committed to the environment. Therefore, eco-friendly displays make a difference.
  • Increased sales in temporary promotions: as they are economical and quick to produce, cardboard displays are the perfect tool for seasonal campaigns or product launches. Signage at promotional points significantly increases sales.

As a bonus to maximise the benefits of cardboard displays, we recommend this good practice: accompany the display with a clear message that indicates your brand’s environmental commitment. Phrases such as "Eco-friendly display. Recycle me" or the inclusion of certification seals such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) validate the choice of sustainable materials and resonate with an increasingly conscious audience. This strengthens the emotional connection with the brand and long-term loyalty.

How to choose the ideal cardboard display for your brand?

When selecting the type of eco-friendly display, it is advisable to take into account:

  • Campaign duration: for short actions, corrugated cardboard displays will be enough. For longer exhibitions, it is advisable to use foam board displays.
  • Type of product: if it is lightweight, any model will be valid. For heavier products, choose a reinforced structure.
  • Location: if the display will be placed in narrow aisles or display cases, it is essential to choose vertical and compact designs.
  • Size and design: consider the type of event and/or campaign to determine the cardboard display dimensions you need. It is also important to analyse whether the graphics or messages will be properly visible on the support.

Custom cardboard displays are strategic allies of sustainable marketing

Now that you know the benefits of cardboard displays, you can make a more conscious and eco-friendly decision. Choosing eco-friendly displays means choosing versatile, economical, visually powerful solutions aligned with the values that define responsible brands today.

Implementing them at points of sale, trade fairs or travelling campaigns contributes to the planet and generates a more authentic connection with consumers.

At Cashdisplay we offer a wide range of fully customisable cardboard displays to adapt to any commercial need. Explore our catalogue!

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