Futureproofing Displays: Reusable & Modular Design
Merchandising that works smarter, not harder.
We often hear about sustainable packaging and eco-friendly products, but what about the fixtures and displays that support them? Too often, these are overlooked in the sustainability conversation, despite their impact on both budgets and the environment.
In our Sustainability on the Shelf blog, we touched on retail waste, but let’s take it further. Modular and reusable display systems offer a future-focused solution that adapts to fast-moving retail while reducing long-term costs and environmental impact.
Here’s the reality:
- A typical temporary cardboard display in New Zealand lasts 4 to 8 weeks before being discarded.
- The average large-scale retail brand creates hundreds of tonnes of display waste each year, much of which goes to landfill.
- Globally, it is estimated that more than 80 percent of temporary point-of-sale materials are discarded after a single use.
- In contrast, modular display systems can be used for 12 to 36 months, with swappable graphics and interchangeable parts allowing for ongoing updates.
Why go modular?
- Cut waste: Instead of tossing full displays, brands can replace only the messaging or product trays.
- Save money over time: A modular display may cost more upfront, but when reused across multiple campaigns, it can lead to 30 to 50 percent cost savings over two years.
- Adapt faster: Seasonal promotions, packaging changes, or layout tweaks can be managed without starting from scratch.
- Lower emissions: Fewer materials and less freight movement mean a smaller carbon footprint.
Some retailers in Aotearoa are already making the shift. Reusable acrylic stands, metal frames with interchangeable panels, and clip-in components are becoming more common across categories like beauty, electronics, and health.
If your displays are still being replaced every promo cycle, it might be time to rethink. Modular design is not only more sustainable, it is a smarter way to stay ahead in a rapidly changing retail environment.
