Turning Display Waste into sustainable opportunity.

Turning Display Waste into Opportunity.

In the world of displays—whether in retail, car shows, exhibitions, or pop-up events—the focus is on dazzling setups and eye-catching installations. But what happens after the event? Often, once the lights go off and the crowds leave, a massive amount of display materials are discarded. From high-end fashion displays to intricate car show setups, the materials used are frequently single-use and then end up in landfills, or at best, picked over for items that are easy to reuse.

At Upcycle, we believe that display waste doesn’t have to be the end of the line for these materials. We see them as a starting point for creative, sustainable possibilities! Let’s dive into what display waste is, how we can reuse it, and why companies should rethink their approach to this often-overlooked category of waste.

Display waste encompasses a wide range of materials left over from temporary displays. Think of the mannequins, LED lights, fabric backdrops, Perspex signage, wood panels, and even cabling used in displays for fashion shows, car exhibitions, trade shows, and more. These materials are designed for visual impact but are rarely built with sustainability in mind. After just a few days or even hours, they’re often tossed out, heading to the landfill.

Companies do sometimes try to salvage and reuse what’s obvious, like signage or frames. But much of the waste—especially materials that don’t appear reusable at first glance—gets thrown away. This is where Upcycle steps in.

Upcycle works to give these materials a second (or third) life. We take display waste that companies might otherwise dispose of and sort through it to find creative uses for almost every piece. Our goal is to prevent as much waste as possible from ending up in landfills and, instead, turn it into usable materials for artists, creators, and other businesses.

Take Perspex, for example. Perspex, or acrylic, is often used in signage and display cases. Although used pieces might have scratches or be cut to specific sizes, they’re still perfect for projects where quality isn’t paramount—like building a prototype. An artist creating a test sculpture might need affordable, sturdy material, and a piece of used Perspex could be just what they need. Instead of paying for a new sheet of Perspex, which can cost around R2000 per square meter (even more than steel), they can get what they need from us at a fraction of the cost.

And it doesn’t stop at Perspex. Other materials like wood, LED lights, cabling, fabric backdrops and more can all be repurposed. These items are invaluable to creators and builders looking for cost-effective, sustainable materials.

When companies partner with us to manage their display waste, they’re not only reducing their environmental footprint but also embracing a circular economy approach that benefits everyone involved. By diverting waste from landfills, businesses save on landfill costs and contribute to a healthier environment. This partnership also supports local creatives—artists, small businesses, and schools—by providing affordable, repurposed materials that enable sustainable work without high costs. For companies concerned about brand integrity, we provide a destruction certificate guaranteeing that branded materials will be responsibly managed and never reused in ways that could misrepresent the original brand. Additionally, we plan to calculate the impact of each partner’s waste diversion efforts, allowing us to provide donation letters that recognize their commitment to sustainability, along with the possibility of tax benefits for their eco-friendly initiatives.

Why It Matters

The global shift towards sustainability is more than just a trend—it’s a necessity. By rethinking waste in the display industry, companies not only contribute to environmental protection but also play a part in creating economic opportunities. The materials that once filled landfills can now fuel new projects, provide income streams for small businesses, and inspire a community of creators.

Upcycle invites companies, artists, and eco-conscious individuals to explore this sustainable alternative to disposal. Whether you’re looking to partner with Upcycle to manage display waste responsibly or to find affordable materials for your next project, we’re here to help.

Join us in transforming waste into opportunity! Contact Winnie at winnie@upcycle.co.za or visit us at our Upcycle Zero Waste Shop at 174 Long Road, Greymont, Johannesburg. Together, we can turn discarded materials into a brighter, more sustainable future.