We mentioned earlier that there are few alternatives for sustainable retail fixtures in the market right now. However, of those few some are pretty interesting options. Xanita, a material manufacturer from South Africa with US headquarters near Atlanta, produces an alternative to particle board and MDF called X-Board. The X-Board core is made completely of compressed post consumer paper waste and displays made from it claim to be equally disposable.
The Xanita website says that temporary displays made from X-Board can be disposed of right in your store recycling bin.
Another alternative material, Plyboo Durapalm, manufactured by Smith & Fong, is made from renewable coconut palm trees that no longer produce fruit. Plyboo is used for everything from flooring to furniture to paneling and has beautiful textures and finishes that make it very unique.
Typically these alternative materials are considerably more expensive than traditional options. But if sustainability continues to be a value for shoppers and influence purchasing behavior, retailers and manufacturers will find an equilibrium.
