Wood vs. Metal Displays: Which Is the More Sustainable Choice for Your Brand?

When choosing the right material for your retail display stands, sustainability is now more important than ever. As brands aim to reduce their environmental impact, the decision between wooden displays and metal displays can make a big difference to your carbon footprint and your brand's commitment to eco-friendly practices.

At CWD Shop Displays, we help brands across Ireland and the UK make informed, sustainable choices for in-store visual merchandising. Here’s a breakdown of how wood vs. metal displays compare in terms of carbon footprint, energy use, transportation, lifecycle, and end-of-life impact.

1. Production & Manufacturing: Energy Use and Emissions

Wood Displays

: Producing wood displays requires minimal processing. Cutting, shaping, and finishing wood uses far less energy than smelting or forging metals.

: Wooden retail displays have a lower carbon footprint from the start. They don’t require the heavy industrial processes associated with metal, making them ideal for eco-conscious retailers.

Metal Displays

: The production of metal displays involves mining, smelting, and fabrication—all of which are energy-intensive and powered mostly by fossil fuels.

: Metal displays generate significantly more CO2 during manufacturing, contributing heavily to environmental degradation at the start of their lifecycle.

2. Lifecycle, Durability & Carbon Storage

Wood Displays

: Wood naturally stores carbon. As long as your wooden shop displays are in use, they help sequester CO2, contributing positively to the environment.

: Quality wood displays can last years, and at end-of-life, they can be reused, recycled, or turned into bioenergy—offering sustainable disposal options.

Metal Displays

: Metal displays are long-lasting and can be reused multiple times, making them a good option for permanent fixtures.

: Although metal is recyclable, the process still consumes a lot of energy. Additionally, not all metal displays end up being recycled properly.

3. Transport & Supply Chain Impact

Wood Displays

: At CWD, many of our wood display units are made in Ireland using locally sourced, FSC-certified timber. A shorter supply chain means fewer transport-related emissions.

: Our flat-pack wood displays, made in Italy, offer sustainable logistics with minimal packaging and efficient space usage.

Metal Displays

: Metal components are often sourced from global suppliers, increasing the carbon footprint through long-distance shipping.

: The complex global processes involved in mining, refining, and shipping metal displays result in high cumulative emissions.

4. End-of-Life Disposal & Sustainability

Wood Displays

: Wood naturally breaks down, releasing carbon in a controlled, sustainable way. It’s also safe for composting or turning into energy.

: Even if not recycled, wood’s environmental impact is minimal compared to other materials.

Metal Displays

: While metal is one of the most recyclable materials, the energy required for recycling is still substantial.

: If metal displays are sent to landfill instead of being recycled, they can leave behind significant environmental footprints.