Reusable instead of disposable: displays

How RUDi brings sustainability to the point of sale

05.05.2025

by Sandra Katzenberger

A person walks through a wide aisle in a well-lit supermarket with full shelves and advertising signs; Copyright: Unsplash/Hanson Lu

In the battle for attention at the point of sale, effective and sustainable solutions are in high demand.
© Unsplash/Hanson Lu

Disposable displays remain a standard feature in large parts of the retail industry. But the environmental cost is significant: each year, around 1 million tons of waste are generated globally due to the use of single-use displays, according to estimates from The Consumer Goods Forum. In the DACH region alone, EcoRetail puts the figure at approximately 165,000 tons of waste and 315,000 tons of CO₂ emissions – caused by materials that are often used for just a few weeks.

Against this backdrop, reusable solutions are gaining new relevance. The upcoming EU Packaging Regulation, effective from 2025, will demand greater reusability and recyclability – not just for packaging, but increasingly for promotional materials at the point of sale. Retailers who act early can benefit not only from ecological advantages but also from greater legal certainty in their planning.

Circular design meets retail logistics: how RUDi works

Three red sales displays next to each other; Copyright: IPP Pooling

Developed by EcoRetail, the RUDi system was specifically designed to meet the needs of grocery retail environments: it’s modular, durable, fully recyclable, and compatible with existing logistics processes. The system consists of stackable, collapsible boxes made from recycled plastic, mounted on a rollable base or quarter pallet. It is designed for long-term use, and damaged components can be shredded and reprocessed.

Beyond its environmental value, RUDi’s design plays a strategic role: modular construction and optional branding elements such as the textile HOODiE cover enable customized product presentation – without compromising brand visibility. At the POS, RUDi delivers a stable, visually cohesive presence that can be quickly adapted to seasonal campaigns or changing assortments.

Another advantage is space efficiency: its compact format on a quarter pallet or dolly allows for optimized floor usage – a key factor for sell-through success in high-traffic stores or during promotional events.

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Field test confirms: RUDi displays deliver stability and flexibility

In extensive trials conducted in 2023 and 2024, retail companies such as REWE Nord, EDEKA, and various industry partners tested RUDi under real-world conditions. More than 1,500 displays were deployed in supermarkets and throughout the logistics chain.

The results were encouraging: RUDi integrated seamlessly into existing workflows, proved stable with changing product assortments, and earned high marks for ease of use and durability. Retailers appreciated its flexible modular system, significant reduction in material use, and elimination of disposal effort. Branded enhancements such as the HOODiE textile cover were also positively received for their visual impact at the POS.

Challenges did emerge, particularly in adapting to tight conversion timelines in daily store operations – a point that would require further refinement before broader rollout.

Overall, the test phase confirmed: RUDi offers ecological and operational benefits that support the retail industry’s move toward more sustainable POS solutions.

Conclusion: what RUDi offers retailers at a glance

Two sales displays with confectionery and potato chips stand side by side; Copyright: IPP Pooling

The RUDi pilot projects demonstrate that sustainable innovations in retail are no longer just theoretical – they’re ready for the sales floor. This reusable display system reduces waste and CO₂ emissions while showing that circular solutions at the POS can be both environmentally and economically viable. Retailers stand to benefit in several ways:

Operate sustainably – not wastefully
RUDi reduces waste and carbon emissions through long-term reusability and full recyclability – and already meets the requirements of the upcoming EU Packaging Regulation.
Boost sales through flexibility
Its modular design allows for high-impact product presentations and easy adjustments for promotional campaigns – a clear advantage for sell-through and planning.
Save space and streamline logistics
Designed for use with standard quarter pallets or dollies, RUDi integrates into existing supply chains with minimal effort – saving space, ensuring stability, and supporting daily retail operations.