Your store's sustainability in retail fixtures

Retailers face the challenge of balancing operational needs with growing demands for sustainability within retail. This focus on sustainability is crucial.

Poor environmental practices can be costly. A significant 84% of customers report they would abandon a brand for this reason.

Recycled acrylic offers a practical solution for sustainable store fixtures. This material helps achieve sustainability in retail fixtures. It does not sacrifice the quality or appearance of displays, enhancing brand image while meeting consumer expectations.

The Case for Recycled Acrylic

Choosing the right material is a key step toward sustainability. Not all acrylics are the same. Standard acrylic is a virgin plastic. Recyclable acrylic can be reprocessed. 100% recycled acrylic, like certified Recrylic, is made entirely from reclaimed materials. This choice has a significant environmental impact. Using recycled acrylic reduces the need for fossil fuels by up to 86% and cuts CO2 emissions by about 85%.

Environmental and Brand Benefits

Recycled acrylic offers performance comparable to virgin materials. High-quality recycled options provide excellent clarity, durability, and design flexibility. They resist yellowing and cracking during fabrication. The production process for these sustainable materials also avoids many harmful chemicals.

Adopting these materials improves a brand's public image. Consumers increasingly buy environmentally conscious products. They align with brands that share their values.

“The shift in consumer buying, with more consumers willing to pay extra for environmentally friendly products, reinforces the need for companies to increase their commitments to responsible business practices,” said Jessica Long of Accenture.

The End-of-Life and Recycling Process

The recycling journey for acrylic fixtures supports a circular economy. The process is straightforward and effective. It turns old displays into new, high-quality sheets. This system reduces waste and conserves resources. The steps for recycling include:

1. Collect: Gather discarded acrylic fixtures and scrap.

2. Ship: Transport the material to a sorting facility.

3. Sort: Categorize the acrylic for the correct recycling stream.

4. Recycle: Process the material through shredding, melting, and purification.

5. Produce: Manufacture new recycled acrylic sheets.

6. Supply: Ship the new sheets to be made into new products.

Beyond Acrylic: Other Eco-Friendly Options

Retailers can explore other recycled materials beyond acrylic. Recycled metal offers exceptional strength and longevity for structural components. Another excellent choice is recycled PETG. This material provides several benefits:

• It lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

• It reduces the amount of plastic waste in landfills.

• The recycling process uses less energy than making new plastic.

Practical Applications for Your Store

Switching to sustainable materials is a practical goal for any retail environment. Recycled acrylic offers versatile solutions that fit seamlessly into different store layouts and product needs. Retailers can implement these changes without compromising on function or style.

Fixtures for Supermarkets

Supermarkets require durable, food-safe, and easy-to-clean displays. Recycled acrylic meets these needs effectively. It provides a clean, modern look that highlights product freshness. Stores can use this material for various fixtures.

• Bulk Food Bins: Clear, sturdy bins allow customers to see grains, nuts, and candies easily.

• Produce Displays: Risers and dividers made from recycled acrylic can organize fruits and vegetables.

• Bakery Cases: Protective cases keep bread and pastries fresh while offering a clear view.

• Shelf Dividers: These simple additions help maintain organized shelves in every aisle.

Using recycled materials in these high-traffic areas demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and responsible material sourcing. This supports a positive brand image for shoppers.

Fixtures for Convenience and Tobacco

Convenience and tobacco stores handle high-value, regulated products. Security is as important as presentation. Recycled acrylic provides both strength and clarity for essential fixtures.

For vape and e-cigarette cases, security is a primary concern. These displays often feature door and lock mechanisms to prevent theft. The use of strong metal hinges enhances durability for frequent access by staff. The acrylic material itself is robust, protecting contents from damage. This combination of features ensures inventory is secure. Other applications include:

• Countertop Displays: Ideal for showcasing promotions and impulse-buy items.

• Lottery Ticket Holders: Keep tickets organized and visible at the point of sale.

• Secure Tobacco Dispensers: Lockable units control access to tobacco products while complying with regulations.

Best Practices for Recycling Retail Displays

Implementing a successful recycling program requires clear procedures. An effective system ensures that old fixtures do not end up in landfills. This completes the material's life cycle and supports the circular economy.

A well-defined process for recycling retail displays is the final step in a truly sustainable fixture strategy. It closes the loop, turning waste back into a valuable resource.

Retailers should establish simple steps for store teams. First, designate a collection area for old or broken acrylic displays. Second, partner with a supplier who facilitates a take-back or recycling program. This simplifies the logistics of returning materials. Proper handling and sorting are crucial for successful recycling. Training employees on the importance of recycling retail displays ensures materials are correctly processed for their next life. This commitment to end-of-life management is a key part of a brand's sustainability story.

Achieving Sustainability in Retail Fixtures

Making a meaningful shift toward sustainability in retail fixtures requires a clear strategy. Retailers can move from ambition to action by evaluating their current state, choosing the right partners, and sharing their progress. This process builds a stronger, more responsible brand.

Auditing Your Current Inventory

The first step is a thorough audit of existing fixtures. A comprehensive review helps a company understand its environmental footprint. This audit should track key metrics for all store displays.

• Material Composition: Identify the primary materials used, such as wood, metal, plastic, or glass.

• Supplier Practices: Check if wood suppliers have Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifications.

• Recycled Content: Measure the percentage of recycled materials in current fixtures. This includes recycled wood, metal, plastic, and glass.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) offers a deeper analysis. This method evaluates the environmental impact of a fixture from its creation to its disposal. The process involves four main phases:

1. Goal Definition: Define the purpose of the assessment, such as comparing materials or reducing impact.

2. Inventory Analysis: Collect data on all resources used, including raw materials, energy, and water.

3. Impact Assessment: Evaluate how the resources used affect the environment, looking at factors like carbon emissions.

4. Interpretation: Analyze the results to identify major impact areas and find opportunities for improvement.

This audit also reveals financial opportunities. For example, switching from fluorescent lights to LEDs can reduce energy use by at least 75%. While there is an initial cost, the long-term savings on energy bills and maintenance are significant. This makes the move to sustainable materials a financially sound decision.

Sourcing Certified Suppliers

After the audit, the next step is to find suppliers who provide certified sustainable materials. Certifications offer proof that a material meets high environmental and social standards. The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a key certification for recycled materials.

A GRS certification guarantees that a product contains at least 20% recycled material. It also ensures that every step of the supply chain, from recycling to production, meets strict environmental and social criteria.

Retailers must verify a supplier's claims. This involves checking the chain of custody, which tracks a material from its source to the final product. Companies can use third-party databases and verification services to confirm certifications. For example, suppliers like Acrylic Design Associates offer Recrylic®, a 100% recycled acrylic certified by GRS. Choosing certified partners ensures the integrity of a brand's sustainability claims and supports proper recycling practices. This commitment to sourcing is fundamental to achieving sustainability in retail fixtures.

Communicating Your Efforts to Customers

Transparency is crucial for building customer trust. Retailers should communicate their sustainability efforts clearly and honestly. This helps shoppers connect with the brand's values and makes them feel part of a positive change. Successful sustainable brands often integrate their mission into the customer experience.

Retailers can use simple tools to share their story. Placing QR codes on fixtures is an effective strategy. A customer can scan the code to learn about the fixture's material, its manufacturing process, and the company's recycling program. Brands like Puma and Patagonia use this technology to provide details on materials and sustainability initiatives. This direct communication shows a real commitment to sustainability and helps customers make informed choices.

Adopting recycled acrylic fixtures is an effective strategy for sustainability in retail fixtures. This change enhances brand perception and meets consumer demand, as many shoppers now prefer sustainable goods. It also contributes to a circular economy, where only 7.2% of materials are currently recycled. Retailers can take the first step toward better sustainability in retail fixtures. They should audit their current displays and seek suppliers with certifications like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).

FAQ

Is recycled acrylic more expensive than new acrylic?

The cost of recycled acrylic is often similar to virgin acrylic. High demand and advanced recycling processes create competitive pricing. Brands also gain value from an improved public image and increased customer loyalty. This makes it a smart long-term investment.

Does recycled acrylic look yellow or cloudy?

High-quality recycled acrylic offers excellent clarity and durability. Certified materials like Recrylic® are visually identical to their virgin counterparts. They resist yellowing and perform well during fabrication, ensuring a premium look for all store fixtures.

How can a store recycle its old acrylic displays?

Retailers can partner with suppliers offering take-back programs. These partners manage the collection and transport of old fixtures. The material then goes to a recycling facility. This process ensures the acrylic is correctly repurposed into new sheets.

How do recycled fixtures support a circular economy?

Recycled fixtures keep materials in use and out of landfills. This practice is a core part of the circular economy. It supports the foundation for a future circular shopping platform, where products and materials are continuously reused and repurposed.