Sustainability: PVC-Free materials, the alternative for incredible projects

30/11/2022

In recent years, society has become more aware of the consequences of climate change. Governments and non-governmental organisations are putting pressure on large companies to adopt more sustainable practices.

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In the retail sector, certain materials have been phased out because, in addition to being harmful to the environment and to us, they create a negative image for brands that use them. We are talking about plastics or materials with PVC.

The significant problem of plastic waste for the planet and its contribution to climate change has led to finding substitutes for this material. The sustainable alternative is to use recycled plastics and PVC-free materials. There are numerous finishes and uses for sustainability.

But why move away from the use of PVC (polyvinyl chloride)? This material is composed of the combination of chlorine and ethylene, with chlorine being a highly corrosive and toxic product in its pure state. To obtain PVC resin, dichloroethane must be subjected to high temperatures.

Additionally, to make PVC more mouldable, phthalates, which are highly harmful to humans, are added.

Therefore, given that this product is harmful not only to the environment but also to humans, alternatives have soon emerged. The use of these materials, combined with the eco-friendly image they convey, has made them very attractive materials.

NATURAL WOOD

In recent years, wood has gained much popularity in the retail sector, not only because it is a material with many possibilities and its applications to commercial spaces are very varied, but also because it conveys sustainability values, something every brand wants to reflect. Using these materials is a plus for corporate image, and that’s what visual merchandising is about: decorating a commercial space to clearly and directly convey a message about your brand.

Characteristics:

Versatile: It is a material that can be combined with many others (metals, glass…) and can also have different textures, finishes, and colours.
Homely Feel: It conveys a sense of home and helps create warm and welcoming environments. It can be applied in different decoration styles (industrial, minimalist, Nordic…).
Durable and Resistant: It is a durable material used both outdoors and indoors, including humid spaces. Products exist to treat wood so that it withstands various conditions.
Eco-Friendly: Wood is biodegradable and recyclable, and its use helps the environment impact.

You can apply wood in any part of your point of sale. Use it to panel walls, create space divisions, or for flooring. You can use it to create furniture like chairs, tables, shelves, counters, racks, displays… One of the most creative ways to use wood in your commercial space is in the shop window. An example of this is the Hermès project produced by the INSTORE team. The window revolves around wood, a material chosen to transport passers-by to the African savannah. Its versatility makes it suitable for creating a wide variety of projects with unbeatable quality.

PVC-FREE VINYL

Other currently used materials are PVC-free vinyl and films. This great alternative is frequently applied at points of sale with a positive result for sustainability.

PVC-free vinyl can be found for various applications: for signage and digital printing, interior decoration, window and glass decoration…

This material can achieve the desired shape and colour, with different finishes and textures. You can get results of different sizes and shapes. This is one of its main qualities, versatility.

These adhesive vinyl are a great option, but there are also vinyl for floors, wall coverings, furniture decoration, signage… PVC-free vinyl can dramatically change the decoration of your point of sale, giving it a new, fresher, and more attractive look.

SUSTAINABILITY OPTIONS: RECYCLED MATERIALS

There are many ways to incorporate recycled materials into your design. A material widely used for a long time and the first substitute for many materials like plastic is cardboard.

Cardboard is a sustainable material with many advantages: it is lightweight and, therefore, manageable. It is also easy to glue, and you can create solid structures with it. It can be printed on, and it is very economical.

With this material, you can achieve many different finishes, shapes, colours, and sizes.

Cardboard is not only used for small decorative elements but also as a main element in a project. The design conveys the message of a sustainable brand committed to the environment.

Using this material makes a place more attractive due to its originality and helps differentiate it from the rest.

With all this information, it is time to leave PVC behind and make your actions more eco-friendly. This way, you will not only make your brand connect more specially with your customers and improve your business image, but you will also be actively helping the environment.

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