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Sustainability Through Longevity



BENCHMARC - BLOG - COVER - SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH LONGEVITY

Following consumer demand

We’ve seen consumer demand shift towards sustainability. A report in 2021, reported by Deloitte showed that”55% of consumers purchased a sustainable product or service within the past 4 weeks” and were willing to pay more, wait longer, and even willing to accept a lower quality/service. We’ve seen brands and retailers take heed of this demand from the ingredients and materials in their products to the logistics of getting their products to consumers’ hands.

Consumers have also driven the shift in packaging through legislation “regarding packaging waste, especially single-use packaging waste, and are implementing regulations to both minimize environmental waste and improve waste-management processes,” according to McKinsey & Company.  These requirements sparked innovation in recyclable and biodegradable materials, for example, smart bottles and edible boxes.

 

Sustainable Store Displays and Fixtures

As brands and retailers invest in green initiatives, so has the display and fixture world.

In this blog post, we share a few ways to promote a sustainable in-store merchandising display program. From selecting eco-friendly materials to taking a holistic approach that can grow and flex to your needs.

Material Selection

Similar to the change in packaging, material selection is one important factor in improving sustainability. These are great eco-friendly and sustainable resources however they vary in look and cost because of the nature of some of these materials.

  • Fast – Growing Wood Varieties:
    • Bamboo: lightweight option for its strength and durability, while also regenerating at a rate of 3 feet every 24 hours.
    • Cork: fast-growing material that’s both flexible and resilient and a huge plus… it can be harvested and renewed on a living tree.
    • White Ash, Oak, Black Cherry, Pine and Mahogany
  • Precast Concrete: usually filled with a light material or hollow to reduce weight. Check out terrazzo
  • Recycled Plastic: Polygood and Ecor Panels
  • Reclaimed Wood: Long lasting but not as durable as metal and will need careful selection
  • Recycled Metal: time and weather resistant, long-lasting material

SmartCities Dive

Tip: Not all woods are sustainable, some take longer to mature or have non-sustainable finishes. 

Thoughtful Packaging + Shipping

Selecting the right packaging for your shipping needs can make or break your display program.

Under-packaged runs the risk of breakage and a long road of headaches replacing and re-coordinating shipping and installation. And over packaging adds extra cost and unnecessarily adds more landfill.

Use cardboard and recyclable material when possible and look into sourcing used pallets. Cardboard corner guards are great for protecting corners and can be reused.

Explore bulk packaging instead of individually boxed.

Biodegradable polybags are becoming more popular options.

Tip: Work with an experienced display partner and have a plan to recycle packaging. 

Print vs Digital

As displays become more interactive, so has the rise in energy-efficient technology such as monitors and lighting. Monitors are a great way to engage shoppers and update imagery and product information without having to print new graphics.

Using QR codes and touchscreen monitors connected to wifi can optimize your omnichannel approach while also being eco-conscious.

Learn more about omnichannel in retail in our blog post: Bringing Omnichannel to Retail.

Tip: QR codes are a great way to enhance your messaging

Refresh Your Program

Designing for sustainability has multiple advantages beyond being good for the environment.

Sustainability through longevity

Especially when you consider longevity, from optimizing your merchandising program for future needs to being flexible enough to accommodate different planograms and floorplans.

Learn more way to refresh your display program: 3 ways to refresh your retail displays.

Save Time and Money

Exploring a holistic approach to your overall merchandising program can open up cost savings opportunities.

And an experienced display partner can guide you through the process as well as making an existing program more sustainable.

Take for example the paint display program below:

BENCHMARC - PAINT DISPLAY REFRESH

REDUCE, REUSE, REFURBISH, REPAIR, RECYCLE

 

Benchmarc worked with Sherwin Williams to create a paint chip display for one of their subsidiary brands, Pratt & Lambert for Menards stores in 2005.

As the years went by, Sherwin Williams reached out again to Benchmarc, to pushed a new initiative; launching a new program for another brand Dutch Boy.

The 2014 Dutch Boy paint display program saved Sherwin Williams money that they could reinvest in new technology. Instead of starting from scratch, Benchmarc redesigned the new paint display, from the bones out, salvaging the main structure and enhancing components for flexibility.  The approach saved time, money and resources which allowed Sherwin Williams to invest in new interactive components.

DUTCHBOY CLOSEUP

However, this wasn’t an easy task. With hundred of different locations and various layouts, it could be a complicated mess if not managed properly. So, Benchmarc designed a custom web ordering site that allowed individual stores and reps to customize their new fixture program with support structures, graphics and paint chip pods. Each order was then assembled, packed, shipped and coordinated with installation teams.

BENCHMARC - RENDERING - DUTCHBOY ENVIRONMENT (1)


Sustainable Displays?

We can help!

Each store display/fixture project is unique.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refurbish an existing unit, we can help you determine the right sustainable option for your project.

CONTACT US

Reach out to us if you’re interested in learning more about refreshing your display program at:

info@benchmarc.com

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