If you want a smart, eye-catching way to boost your marketing, a cardboard display can make a big difference. You’ll notice that cardboard displays offer low cost, quick setup, and lots of flexibility for your brand message. Many shoppers find a cardboard floor display or a cardboard display box more attractive than plastic. In fact, 71% of Americans say they’re more likely to buy from brands using paper or cardboard packaging. Take a look at these numbers:
You’ll discover the real pros and cons, including eco-friendly benefits and some limits, so you can see if these displays fit your needs.
Key Takeaways
Cardboard displays are cheap and easy to use. They help sell products and get people’s attention fast. You can set them up quickly and move them without trouble. They are light and simple to carry. This makes them great for short sales or when stores change their look. You can pick special designs and bright colors. This helps your brand get noticed. Cardboard displays use eco-friendly materials. These break down on their own and make less trash. Cardboard displays work best inside stores. They hold light or medium products and are good for short times. They do not last long if they get wet or used a lot. If you need something strong or for a long time, try metal or wood. But cardboard is still a good choice for fast and cheap marketing.
Pros and Cons of Cardboard Displays
Cost-Effectiveness
You probably want to get the most out of your marketing budget. Cardboard displays help you do just that. These displays cost much less to produce than metal or plastic options. You can order a large batch of display boxes without breaking the bank. Because they are lightweight, you also save money on shipping and handling. If you need a quick turnaround for a new promotion, cardboard displays can be made and delivered fast. This means you can react to trends or seasonal changes without waiting weeks for your displays to arrive.
But keep in mind, if you want special shapes or finishes, the price can go up. Custom display boxes with unique designs or extra features may cost more than standard options. Still, for most brands, the savings on production and shipping make cardboard displays a smart choice.
Easy Assembly and Transport
You don’t need special tools or a team of experts to set up cardboard displays. Most display boxes come with simple instructions. You can fold, snap, or slide the pieces together in minutes. This makes it easy for store staff to set up your displays quickly, even during busy hours.
Because cardboard displays are so light, you can move them around the store without much effort. If you want to change your product’s location, just pick up the display and go. This flexibility helps you test different spots to see where your products sell best.
Tip: If you run a pop-up shop or attend trade shows, cardboard display boxes are perfect. You can pack them flat, carry them easily, and set them up wherever you need.
Customization and Branding
You want your brand to stand out. Cardboard displays give you endless ways to show off your logo, colors, and style. Companies like Colorfulpack offer many materials, such as CCNB and corrugated cardboard, to match your needs. You can choose from finishes like glossy, matte, or even soft touch. Want something extra? Try embossing, metallic foils, or spot UV for a bold look.
You can also add structural features like steel pipes or plastic screws if you need your display boxes to hold heavier products. Designers help you get the right cut lines, fold lines, and artwork placement. This means your display boxes will look exactly how you want. Brands in chocolate, coffee, cosmetics, and more use these displays to boost their visibility and sales. With the right design, your cardboard display can become a powerful marketing tool.
Eco-Friendly Benefits
You care about the planet, and so do your customers. Cardboard displays offer real eco-friendly advantages:
Cardboard displays break down naturally in just a few weeks. They don’t leave behind harmful waste like plastic or metal.
Most display boxes use recycled paper or come from fast-growing trees. This helps save resources and energy.
Making cardboard uses less energy and creates fewer greenhouse gases than making plastic or metal displays.
Because cardboard is light, shipping uses less fuel, which means a smaller carbon footprint.
You can recycle or reuse cardboard displays, keeping waste out of landfills.
These benefits make cardboard displays a top choice for brands that want to show they care about the environment.
Visual Appeal and Space-Saving
You want your products to catch shoppers’ eyes. Cardboard displays come in bright colors and fun shapes that grab attention. You can design display boxes to fit any space, from a small checkout counter to a big aisle. Because they are lightweight and easy to move, you can rearrange them to fit new products or store layouts.
Cardboard displays also help you use space wisely. You can stack display boxes or create tiered shelves to show off more products in less room. This makes your display look neat and organized, which helps shoppers find what they want faster.
But remember, cardboard displays have some limits. They don’t last as long as metal or plastic, especially in damp or busy areas. If you need a display for heavy items or long-term use, you might want to look at other options. Still, for most short-term promotions, the pros and cons of cardboard displays make them a smart and flexible choice.
Durability and Lifespan
Sturdiness of Cardboard Displays
You might wonder if cardboard displays can really handle the hustle and bustle of a busy store. The answer is yes—when made well, these displays are stronger than you think. Manufacturers test them in many ways to make sure they hold up. Here’s a quick look at some of the main tests:
Test Type | What It Measures | Typical Result |
|---|---|---|
Side Pressure Strength | How much force the display can take from the side | |
Burst Strength | How much pressure before the board bursts | Varies, measured in kPa |
Puncture Strength | How hard it is to poke a hole through the display | Measured in joules |
Adhesive Strength | How well the layers stick together | Tested per GB6548 standard |
Compression (Anti-pressure) | How much weight the display can hold before it collapses | Up to 50,000 N |
These tests show that cardboard displays can resist a lot of pressure, poking, and squeezing. Advanced tools like Digital Image Stereocorrelation help experts see how the displays bend and where they might buckle. Most of the stress gathers at the edges and corners, but the outer layers hold strong for a long time. This means you can trust a cardboard display to keep your products safe and looking good.
Weather Resistance
Cardboard displays do not like water. If you place them in a damp area or spill something on them, they can get soggy and lose their shape. Humidity can also make the displays weaker over time. Some displays have special coatings to help them resist moisture, but they still work best indoors. If you need a display for an outdoor event, you might want to choose another material.
Note: Always keep your cardboard displays away from direct water and high humidity. This helps them last longer and keeps them looking sharp.
Longevity in Retail Settings
In most stores, cardboard displays last for weeks or even months. You can use them for short-term promotions, seasonal sales, or new product launches. If you take care of them and keep them dry, they stay sturdy and attractive. Heavy items or rough handling can shorten their life, so use them for lighter products when possible. When you finish with a display, you can recycle it, which makes cleanup easy and eco-friendly. For long-term or heavy-duty needs, you may want to look at other types of displays, but for most retail uses, cardboard displays give you a great mix of strength, style, and value.
Cardboard Display Packaging Options
Cardboard Display Boxes
If you want your products to get noticed, try cardboard display boxes. These boxes come in many shapes and sizes. You can pick the one that works best for you. Cardboard display packaging is light. This makes it simple to move and set up. Most display boxes come flat, so they save space in storage. This also helps you spend less on shipping. You just fold the boxes and snap the tabs together. You do not need any tools.
Cardboard display boxes are good for snacks, cosmetics, and more. You can pick a matte or glossy finish. You can even add embossing for a cool look. Custom printing lets you show your logo and colors. This helps your brand stand out. These display boxes are eco-friendly. They use recyclable materials and break down fast. This means you help the planet while selling your products.
Here are some reasons brands like cardboard display boxes:
They are easy to put together and use again.
They are strong enough to keep your products safe.
You can change them for any campaign.
They cost less for big or small orders.
They work well on counters or on the floor.
Tip: If you want to change your store or start a new sale, you can switch display boxes fast.
Corrugated Cardboard Displays
Corrugated cardboard display packaging is even stronger. These boxes have a wavy layer between two flat sheets. This gives them more strength. Corrugated display boxes can hold heavy things or last longer in busy stores. They are great for floor displays or for products that need extra care.
Corrugated cardboard display packaging is also good for the environment. It is made from recycled fibers and breaks down in about three months. You can print bright graphics on the flat parts. This makes your message easy to see. Many stores like corrugated display boxes. They are easy to move, not too expensive, and quick to set up.
Look at this table to compare some features:
Feature | Cardboard Display Boxes | Corrugated Cardboard Display Boxes |
|---|---|---|
Strength | Good for light to medium items | Great for heavy or bulky items |
Assembly | Very easy | Easy, with extra support |
Customization | High | High |
Eco-Friendly | Yes | Yes |
Cost | Low | Moderate |
With all these choices, you can find the right display box for any product or sale. Cardboard display packaging helps you make displays that look good, work well, and are better for the earth.
Marketing Impact
Attracting Attention
You want shoppers to notice your products right away. Cardboard displays do this job well. When you place display boxes at the checkout or in busy aisles, you grab attention fast. Bright colors, bold graphics, and creative shapes make these displays stand out from the crowd. You can use them to highlight new products or special deals.
Retail studies show that displays like these can boost sales by up to 20 percent. Why? Because they make products easy to see and reach. Shoppers often make quick choices when something catches their eye. Display boxes also give you space to share extra details about your product. This helps shoppers learn more and feel confident about buying.
Tip: Place your displays in high-traffic spots for the best results. You will see more people stop, look, and buy.
Cardboard displays also help with brand recognition. When you use the same colors, logos, and style across your displays, shoppers start to remember your brand. Over time, this builds trust and keeps your products top of mind.
Brand Perception
You want your brand to look strong and trustworthy. The way you design your displays can shape how people feel about your products. Colors, fonts, and materials all send a message. A well-designed display makes your brand look high-quality and desirable.
Packaging experts say that display boxes do more than just hold products. They create a brand experience. When shoppers see a display that matches your brand’s style, they feel a connection. This helps with brand recognition and makes your products more memorable.
Market surveys show that displays also build consumer loyalty. When shoppers see your displays often, they start to trust your brand. They remember your products and come back to buy again. This lasting connection is key for long-term success.
Note: Consistent displays help you stand out and build brand recognition in a crowded store.
When to Use Cardboard Displays
Best Use Cases
You want your products to stand out and sell fast. Cardboard displays shine during short-term promotions, seasonal sales, and new product launches. Many brands use them for events like Back to School, holiday specials, or summer campaigns. For example, a national beverage brand ran a 12-week summer promotion in 500 stores. They picked cardboard for its low cost, bright graphics, and easy recycling. The displays helped boost sales by 32% during the campaign, and the cost was less than 5% of the extra money made. That’s a win for both your budget and your brand.
You can use these displays for many products—greeting cards, snacks, pet food, or even tech gadgets. Stores love them because you can set them up quickly and move them around as needed. Custom shapes and colors grab attention and make your brand easy to remember. You can also use them to clear out inventory or highlight impulse buys near the checkout.
Here are some great times to use cardboard displays:
Launching a new product
Running a limited-time sale
Supporting holiday or themed promotions
Creating impulse purchase spots in busy areas
Working with a tight marketing budget
Tip: Cardboard displays work best indoors, especially in supermarkets, bookstores, and pop-up shops.
When to Avoid
Sometimes, cardboard displays are not the best choice. If you need something for long-term use or for holding heavy products, you might want to look at other options. Wet or humid places can damage cardboard and make it lose its shape. Outdoor events with rain or strong sun can also shorten the life of your display.
You should avoid cardboard displays when:
You need a display to last for many months or years
Your products are very heavy or bulky
The display will be outside or in damp areas
You want a permanent fixture for your store
Note: For heavy-duty or outdoor needs, try metal or plastic displays instead. They last longer and handle tough conditions better.
Alternatives to Cardboard Displays
Permanent Displays
If you want displays that last a long time, try permanent displays. You see these in stores as metal racks, wooden shelves, or custom fixtures. These displays can handle lots of use and tough store conditions. Metal displays do not get damaged easily by people walking by or by water. You do not have to buy new ones often, so you save money over time. They also make your brand look fancy and can help you get good spots in the store.
Wood displays are another strong choice. They last for many years and can be recycled, reused, or even composted when you are done with them. Here is a table to compare:
Aspect | Wood Displays | Cardboard Displays |
|---|---|---|
Durability | Made to last; you do not need to replace often | Used for a short time; can get worn out |
Lifespan | Lasts a long time; good for permanent use | Short life; made for temporary use |
Environmental Impact | Good for the earth; can be recycled or reused | Can be recycled but gets weaker each time |
End-of-Life | Can be composted or used again | Breaks down fast if not recycled |
Transportation | Heavy, so fewer trips needed | Light, so more trips may be needed |
Permanent displays are great for products that stay in one place all year. You get a strong setup that keeps looking nice.
Other Temporary Options
You might only need a display for a short time. For quick sales or new products, other temporary displays work well too. These can be corrugated POP displays, plastic stands, or foam board signs. They are easy to move, not expensive, and you can change their size or shape. You can design them to fit your sale or event.
Temporary displays are perfect for holiday sales or new launches. They last about three to six months, which is just right for most sales. You can put them anywhere in the store to get shoppers’ attention. Even though they do not last forever, they still look nice and meet good quality standards.
Tip: Temporary displays let you try new ideas without spending a lot. Move them around to see what works best for your products.
You can test new styles, get more impulse buys, and keep your marketing fun—all without spending too much money.
You’ve seen that displays can boost sales—90% of companies report up to a 50% jump. Cardboard displays offer low cost, quick setup, and eco-friendly materials. They work best for short-term promotions and light products. Watch out for wear and tear, short lifespan, and wasted shelf space. Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:
Should You Choose Cardboard Displays? | Yes/No |
|---|---|
Need fast, affordable setup? | ✅ |
Want eco-friendly options? | ✅ |
Expect heavy use or outdoor setting? | ❌ |
Pick what fits your goals and budget.
FAQ
How long do cardboard displays usually last?
Most cardboard displays last from a few weeks to a few months. If you keep them dry and handle them gently, they can last longer. For heavy or outdoor use, you might want a stronger material.
Can you recycle cardboard displays after use?
Yes! You can recycle almost all cardboard displays. Just remove any plastic or metal parts first. Recycling helps you cut down on waste and shows your customers you care about the planet.
Are cardboard displays strong enough for heavy products?
Cardboard displays work best for light or medium-weight products. If you need to hold heavy items, try corrugated cardboard or add extra support. For very heavy products, metal or wood displays are a better choice.
Can you print any design or color on a cardboard display?
Absolutely! You can print bright colors, logos, and custom designs on cardboard. This helps your brand stand out. Ask your supplier about special finishes like gloss or matte for an extra pop.
