Faced with the growing environmental impact of traditional advertising materials, brands are seeking innovative solutions that combine commercial visibility with ecological responsibility. Eco-friendly POP displays are emerging as a strategic answer, integrating sustainable materials and designs aimed at reducing waste. Discover how this trend is redefining in-store communication, combining economic performance with environmental responsibility, through case studies, innovations, and concrete benefits for businesses.
Understanding Eco-Friendly POP Displays and Their Challenges
Definition and Core Principles of Eco-Friendly POP Displays
Eco-friendly POP displays refer to in-store communication materials designed to minimize environmental impact. They prioritize recycled, biodegradable, or durable materials (recycled cardboard, FSC/PEFC-certified wood) and integrate eco-design from the earliest stages of creation.
The POP market generates 100,000 tons of waste annually in France. Since 2020, 70% of brands require certified materials. Cardboard—93% recycled in France—has become the most widely used raw material for eco-friendly displays.
Strategic Advantages of Sustainable POP for Brands
Companies adopting sustainable POP displays strengthen their image as responsible brands. This choice influences 68% of consumers according to Global Web Index 2024, who place greater trust in brands using ecological communication materials.
• Strengthen brand image with eco-friendly POP materials that embody sustainability values
• Build stronger connections with responsible consumers, 72% of whom consider sustainability in their purchasing decisions
• Improve ROI, with sales increases of up to 40% after deploying eco-designed displays
• Anticipate regulations such as France’s AGEC law requiring 30% recycled plastic in POP displays by 2025
Integrating Eco-Friendly POP into CSR Strategies
Eco-friendly POP displays align with CSR commitments through eco-design, the use of durable materials, and responsible end-of-life practices. Marie-Laure PLV, for example, reduced its GHG emissions by 28% between 2021 and 2022.
Environmental performance assessments rely on Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and tools such as SHOP!SKOR or ECO-PLV. These methods measure 16 impact indicators and compile them into a single score, as demonstrated by Cameleon Group, which achieved a 66% reduction in CO₂ emissions.
Materials and Eco-Design Techniques for POP Displays
Preferred Ecological Materials for Modern POP
Eco-friendly POP displays primarily use recycled, bio-based, or durable materials. Recycled cardboard, FSC/PEFC-certified wood, recycled plastics, and recyclable metals such as aluminum or steel dominate the market.
Eco-Design Techniques Applied to POP Stands and Displays
Eco-design for in-store communication integrates environmental impact considerations from the concept phase onward. It optimizes material use, encourages modular systems, and simplifies end-of-life handling through easy disassembly.
Sector-Specific Applications of Eco-Friendly POP Displays
Solutions for the Mass-Retail Industry
Large retailers are adopting eco-friendly POP to enhance their CSR image. Durable materials such as recycled cardboard or FSC/PEFC-certified wood are widely used.
The mass-retail sector favors bio-based, recycled, and recyclable materials to reduce its environmental footprint. Cardboard—93% recycled in France—is the most common option. Natural cardboard totems and 100% recyclable sampling booths illustrate this transition. These initiatives help reduce the 100,000 tons of annual POP waste in France while meeting growing consumer expectations for environmental responsibility.
Eco-Friendly POP in the Luxury and Beauty Sectors
Luxury and beauty brands require high-quality visual displays while reducing environmental impact. Eco-design makes it possible to combine premium aesthetics with sustainability.
• Use noble materials such as FSC/PEFC-certified wood and premium recycled cardboard to blend luxury and eco-responsibility
• Create modular displays using recycled aluminum, as seen at Dolce & Gabbana, for reuse across multiple campaigns
• Communicate environmental benefits via QR codes or integrated explanatory signage
• Highlight French craftsmanship in the production of sustainable POP to reinforce local commitment
Managing the Full Life Cycle of Eco-Friendly POP Displays
Strategies for Optimizing Production and Logistics
Reducing the carbon footprint begins with environmentally responsible manufacturing choices. Optimized logistics reduce transport-related emissions and support short supply chains.
Favoring local production reduces transport-related emissions by 40%. Regional warehouses and partnerships with nearby suppliers help store POP materials close to retail locations, limiting travel distances.
End-of-Life and Recycling Solutions for POP Materials
POP displays made from recycled cardboard re-enter paper recycling channels. Metal structures made of aluminum or steel can be infinitely recycled through specialized sorting centers.
Toward a Circular Economy in the POP Sector
Reusing POP materials—through exchange stations or reconditioning platforms—helps reduce waste and extend the lifespan of displays.
Solutions such as PLV-Recirculent facilitate reuse among retailers, creating new value-recovery channels.
Eco-friendly POP displays—whether made from wood, recycled cardboard, or innovative materials—combine marketing impact with environmental commitment, strengthening brand image and supporting a circular economy that is set to become the norm.
