Sustainable Marketing: The Real Impact of Retail Displays on Carbon Emissions

Walk into any shopping centre, and you’ll see them – bright, eye-catching retail displays designed to capture attention. But behind the glossy finishes and vibrant graphics lies a hidden cost: carbon emissions.  

The retail industry, often focused on aesthetics and brand storytelling, has long relied on materials like PVC, plastic decals, and synthetic fabrics to create visually impactful displays. Unfortunately, these materials come with a heavy environmental toll. 

While some brands have attempted to pivot towards “greener” alternatives like PVC-free vinyl, the truth is that these solutions still fall short. To truly minimise the carbon footprint of retail displays, businesses need to move towards fibre-based materials like cardboard – offering both sustainability and strong visual appeal. 

In this article, you’ll discover how traditional retail displays contribute to carbon emissions, why some “eco-friendly” alternatives aren’t as green as they seem, and how switching to cardboard-based displays can provide a more sustainable solution. From retail brands to marketing professionals searching for environmentally responsible materials, this article will help you make informed choices that benefit your business and the planet.   

The Carbon Cost of Traditional Retail Displays  

Retail displays are a crucial part of brand marketing, but their environmental impact is often overlooked. From window decals to point-of-sale stands, most traditional retail displays rely on materials like PVC, plastic, and synthetic fabrics. While these materials offer durability and vibrant visuals, they come at a significant cost to the planet. 

PVC: A Retail staple with a heavy environmental toll 

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most used materials in retail displays, particularly for signage, banners, and promotional stands. Its popularity comes from its affordability, durability, and ability to hold high-quality prints. However, the environmental impact of PVC is severe:  

• Difficult to recycle – Unlike paper-based materials, PVC is rarely recycled because it contains toxic additives that make processing complicated and costly. Most PVC ends up in landfills, where it takes hundreds of years to break down. 

• Toxic when melted – When PVC is incinerated or not disposed of properly, it releases harmful dioxins and other toxic chemicals into the air, contributing to pollution and health hazards. 

• High carbon footprint – From energy-intensive manufacturing to disposal, PVC leaves behind a trail of environmental damage. 

Plastic decals and fabric displays = more hidden emissions

Beyond PVC, plastic-based window decals and synthetic fabric displays are also widely used in retail. While they may seem like harmless additions to storefronts, they contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution: 

Plastic window decals – Often used for temporary promotions, these decals are typically made from non-recyclable plastic films. Once removed, they go straight to landfill, adding to waste and emissions. 

Fabric displays – While fabric might seem like a softer, more natural choice, most retail fabric displays are made from polyester, which is derived from petroleum and has a high carbon footprint. 

With sustainability becoming a growing priority, businesses need to rethink their approach to retail displays. While some have turned to PVC-free vinyl as a solution, the question remains – is it truly sustainable?  

The Truth About PVC-Free Vinyl: A Step in the Right Direction, but Not Enough

As businesses begin recognising the environmental impact of traditional retail displays, many have turned to PVC-free vinyl as a “greener” alternative. It’s marketed as an eco-friendly solution because it eliminates the toxic additives found in standard PVC. While this is a step forward, it’s important to understand that PVC-free vinyl is not a perfect solution – because, at the end of the day, it’s still plastic. 

Why businesses are choosing PVC-free vinyl

PVC-free vinyl has gained popularity because it addresses some of the major concerns surrounding traditional PVC: 

• No chlorine or harmful additives – Unlike standard PVC, PVC-free vinyl doesn’t release dangerous dioxins when processed or disposed of. 

• Recyclable (in some cases) – Some brands promote their PVC-free vinyl as being recyclable, which makes it seem like a responsible choice. 

• Durability & print quality – It still offers the same vibrant colours and durability that retail brands expect from their displays. 

However, while PVC-free vinyl reduces certain environmental risks, it still has significant drawbacks that can’t be ignored. 

The problem with PVC-free vinyl

1. It’s still plastic! 
   Even without the chlorine content of PVC, PVC-free vinyl is still a petroleum-based material. That means its production still generates carbon emissions and contributes to the growing issue of plastic waste. 

2. Recyclability is limited 
   While some PVC-free vinyl products are marketed as recyclable, the reality is that most recycling facilities do not process them. If a material cannot be widely recycled in standard waste streams, it often ends up in landfill, just like traditional plastic-based displays – and taking centuries to break down.  

3. High-energy manufacturing process 
   Producing PVC-free vinyl still requires an intensive manufacturing process that consumes fossil fuels and emits greenhouse gases. Switching from PVC to PVC-free vinyl reduces some toxic pollutants – but it doesn’t significantly lower a company’s carbon footprint. 

So, while PVC-free vinyl might seem like a responsible choice, it does little to address the bigger issue of carbon emissions and plastic waste.  

A Better Alternative: Cardboard-Based and Fibre-Based Displays 

Sustainability in marketing isn’t about doing the bare minimum; it’s about leveraging innovation to create camIf businesses truly want to reduce their carbon footprint, they need to move away from plastic-based materials altogether. The best solution? Cardboard and fibre-based substrates. These materials offer a genuinely sustainable alternative – fully recyclable, biodegradable, and significantly lower in emissions than plastic or PVC-based options. 

Why cardboard and fibre-based displays are the future 

1. Lower carbon footprint 

• Cardboard and fibre-based materials take much less energy to produce than plastic-based displays. 

• Unlike petroleum-based plastics, which are derived from fossil fuels, cardboard and paper products come from renewable sources. 

• Their lightweight nature reduces transportation emissions, making them a smart choice for eco-conscious brands. 

2. Fully recyclable & biodegradable 

• Unlike PVC-free vinyl, which has limited recyclability, cardboard-based displays can be easily recycled through standard waste streams. 

• If they do end up in landfill, they break down naturally – no toxic fumes, no microplastics, no long-term pollution. 

3. High-quality printing & customisation 

• Advanced printing techniques mean that brands don’t have to compromise on vibrant, high-quality visuals when using cardboard-based displays. 

• Whether for window displays, point-of-sale setups, or event signage, cardboard can be designed to tell a compelling brand story while staying sustainable. 

Real-world applications: How brands are making the switch

Forward-thinking brands are already replacing plastic-based displays with cardboard and fibre alternatives. How are they doing it? 

• Retail window displays – Instead of plastic decals, brands are using cardboard cutouts and fibre-based signage to create engaging storefront visuals. 

• Event & exhibition setups – Large-format displays, backdrops, and promotional materials can be made from paperboard and honeycomb cardboard – like Re-board® – reducing waste and emissions from short-term event marketing. 

• Point-of-Sale (POS) displays – Temporary retail promotions can be supported with corrugated cardboard stands, which are durable and fully recyclable. 

The transition to cardboard-based retail displays isn’t just an environmental win but a branding opportunity. By making sustainability a key part of their visual merchandising, businesses can strengthen their eco-friendly reputation and connect with the growing number of eco-conscious consumers. 

So, how can your business make the switch to sustainable retail displays without compromising on cost, durability, or design? 

How to Transition to Sustainable Retail Displays

Moving from plastic-based displays to cardboard and fibre-based alternatives may seem daunting, but with the right approach, this transition can be done smoothly – without sacrificing quality, durability, or cost-effectiveness. Here’s five steps to help you do it: 

1. Audit your current retail display materials 

Before making changes, assess your current materials and their environmental impact: 

• Are you using PVC signage, plastic window decals, or synthetic fabric displays? 

• How often are these materials replaced, and where do they end up after use? 

• Are there opportunities to reduce, reuse, or replace them with sustainable options? 

A clear understanding of your current setup will help identify quick wins for lowering your carbon footprint.

2. Choose the right sustainable materials

Transitioning to cardboard-based and fibre-based materials means selecting the right options for your needs: 

• Honeycomb board: Lightweight but strong materials like Re-board® are perfect for large-scale displays and event backdrops. 

• Corrugated cardboard: Ideal for durable point-of-sale (POS) displays and structural elements. 

Paper-based signage: A sustainable alternative to window decals and plastic banners.  

3. Consider cost-effective strategies

One of the biggest concerns when switching to sustainable materials is cost. However, eco-friendly retail displays can actually reduce expenses in the long run: 

• Lower shipping costs: Cardboard displays are lighter, reducing transportation emissions and expenses. 

• Recyclability saves money: Many waste disposal companies charge extra for plastic waste, while paper-based materials can be recycled more affordably. 

Reusable designs: Modular, reusable cardboard displays can be repurposed for different promotions, maximising ROI.

4. Tell your sustainability story

More consumers than ever care about sustainability. By integrating eco-friendly displays into your retail strategy, you can use them as a marketing tool: 

• Add messaging on displays about their recyclable materials. 

• Share behind-the-scenes insights on social media about your eco-conscious choices. 

• Align your brand with sustainability certifications or green initiatives. 

Work with an expert in sustainable displays like NEXT Printing and go one better by incorporating data-backed evidence into your creative marketing!  

5. Choose your printing partner wisely! 

Not all printing companies specialise in sustainable retail displays. NEXT Printing, an Australian leader in eco-friendly visual merchandising, offers innovative cardboard-based solutions that allow businesses to reduce carbon emissions without compromising on impact. And… having conducted in-depth studies about carbon emissions generated using traditional display materials versus eco-friendly substrates like Re-board®, our team can help you achieve your green goals and demonstrate it directly to your customers.  

Conclusion: How Small Changes Can Have a Big Impact 

Retail displays play a vital role in branding and marketing, but the environmental impact of traditional materials like PVC, plastic decals, and synthetic fabrics can’t be ignored any longer. They contribute significantly to carbon emissions, pollution, and landfill waste – and this need to change. 

Cardboard-based and fibre-based displays provide a genuinely sustainable alternative, offering recyclability, a lower carbon footprint, and cost-effective benefits without sacrificing design quality. Brands that make the switch aren’t just reducing their impact on the planet – they’re also appealing to the growing number of eco-conscious consumers who prioritise sustainability in their purchasing decisions. 

Switching to cardboard-based materials like Re-board® isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about future-proofing your brand for a more sustainable world. Even small changes, like replacing PVC signage with fibre-based materials, can make a huge environmental difference over time. 

At NEXT Printing, we’re committed to helping businesses transition to eco-friendly retail displays that align with their values and environmental goals. Ready to reduce your carbon footprint? Contact NEXT Printing today and take the first step towards a greener retail future.