Retail is generally a numbers game, but some numbers aren’t hitting the mark when it comes to sustainability. In fact, the retail industry as a whole contributes to 25% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 40% of plastic use throughout the world.
But there are steps brands can take towards creating a more eco-friendly approach to their operations, particularly when it comes to a more sustainable approach to the fabrication of retail displays and fixtures. Here, we’ll look at why retailers should be considering the sustainability of their retail displays, and how using scrap metal can help brands create custom, high-quality retail fixtures that also increase their sustainability efforts.
Yes, environmental responsibility is important for the planet, but it’s also important for retailers in a variety of other ways. Shoppers value and align with brands not just for products, but for their sustainability goals and efforts. In fact, a recent study found that:
While displays and fixtures likely aren’t the first things that come to mind when thinking about retail and environmental responsibility, the materials brands choose for displays — especially large displays that command attention — can go a long way in the mind of consumers.
The material of your retail displays and fixtures matters, not only for aesthetics, but also for sustainability and durability. Steel is 100% recyclable, and during the first three months of 2023, more than 4 million tons of steel was recycled in the U.S.
Using scrap metal steel that can then be recycled or repurposed has a variety of benefits in fabricating custom retail displays that can support sustainable practices and drive ROI.
Not only is steel 100% recyclable, but it’s endlessly recyclable, which means it can be used over and over to create new products without a decrease in strength and quality.
It’s actually estimated that recycled steel is used for 40% of all new steel products — including the sheets, wires, and tubes used to make retail displays and fixtures — whereas other materials like plastic and glass either can’t be reused or would require processes and chemicals detrimental to any sustainability goals.
Manufacturing new steel is done through a process called opencast mining, which has been found to promote deforestation, displace wildlife, and pollute the water environment. But by using recycled steel, it’s been reported that it can reduce air pollution by 86%, water use by 40%, and water pollution by 76%.
Not only that, but recycling that metal can save up to 20 times the energy that would be needed to create a new product from scratch. By choosing the scrap steel metal for their displays, retailers can reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint while still leveraging a quality display that’s simply been repurposed in a new way.
Steel has what is called high ductility, which means it can be molded and formed into various shapes without snapping or losing strength. Depending on how the original work pieces were used, scrap steel can retain this ductility and help extend the life of retail fixtures and displays, eliminating the need for costly replacements and additional environmental impact.
Scrap steel can also be highly versatile, especially when made into wire, tubing, and sheets to create displays that can be lightweight or heavy duty, hanging or stacked, and used indoors or outdoors.
What is a “closed-loop” production cycle? Simply put, it means any materials used in production — like scrap steel metal for retail displays and fixtures— can be used again and again, creating a loop of manufacturing. Because that loop is “closed” by recycling materials, used displays are repurposed instead of being disposed of in landfills.
At Franklin Display Group, our focus is on operations that emphasize that closed-loop cycle while still fabricating high-quality, custom point-of-purchase displays and fixtures made of sustainable materials. In addition, our custom retail display fabrication services prioritize the use of 70% recycled steel, and we also partner with local steel producers that adhere to strict emissions regulations. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you create durable retail displays made from recycled steel and sustainable materials.