At BAW Plastics, we have spent more than 40 years working with a wide range of plastic materials, and we believe it’s important to share what makes each one unique can help brands make smarter decisions when it comes to designing and manufacturing custom retail displays. Here is a breakdown of the five most common plastics used in retail display manufacturing — what they are, what they do best, and what brands should know about them.
| Material | Strength | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Crystal clear | Signage & display cases |
| PETG | Tough & formable | Thermoformed displays |
| HIPS | Economical | POP displays & backing panels |
| Polycarbonate | Maximum impact resistance | High-traffic displays |
| ABS | Durable & easy to machine | Structural components |
Acrylic (PMMA)
Acrylic, also known by the brand name Plexiglas, is one of the most widely used materials in retail display manufacturing, and for good reason! It offers exceptional optical clarity, is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, and has excellent weatherability and UV resistance. Acrylic is roughly half the weight of glass while offering comparable clarity, making it a practical and visually striking choice for display cases, signage, shelving, and point-of-purchase displays.
From a sustainability standpoint, acrylic is recyclable and can be repurposed into new products at the end of its useful life. It is also a long-lasting material, which means displays made from acrylic tend to have a longer lifespan, thus reducing the need for frequent replacement and the waste that comes with it.
BEST FOR: Display cases, countertop displays, signage, shelf organizers, and any application where clarity and visual impact are a priority.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG is one of the most versatile and widely used plastics in retail display manufacturing. It combines the clarity of acrylic with greater impact resistance and easier formability, making it an excellent choice for thermoformed display components. PETG is tough, durable, and holds up well in high-traffic retail environments where displays are handled frequently.
PETG is also one of the more recyclable plastics available. It carries a Resin Identification Code of #1, the same family as PET, which is one of the most widely accepted materials in recycling programs across North America. For brands looking to make more sustainable choices in their display materials, PETG is a strong option.
BEST FOR: Thermoformed display components, blister packaging, clamshells, shelf trays, and display bases where impact resistance and clarity are both important.
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
High Impact Polystyrene, or HIPS, is a cost-effective and highly versatile plastic that is widely used in retail display manufacturing. It is lightweight, easy to fabricate, and accepts paint and adhesives well, making it a popular choice for display components that require customization or branding. HIPS is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including white and black, which are among the most common in retail display applications.
While HIPS is not as widely recycled as some other plastics, it is technically recyclable under Resin Identification Code #6. Brands that use HIPS displays can extend the sustainability of their investment by choosing displays that are built to last and designed for easy disassembly at the end of their useful life.
BEST FOR: Display backing panels, point-of-purchase displays, signage, and display components where cost efficiency and ease of fabrication are priorities.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is one of the strongest and most impact-resistant plastics available — up to 250 times stronger than glass and 30 times stronger than acrylic. It offers excellent optical clarity, is lightweight, and can withstand significant physical stress without cracking or shattering. These properties make it an ideal choice for retail display applications where durability is a top priority, such as protective display cases, high-traffic floor displays, and components that are handled frequently.
Polycarbonate is recyclable under Resin Identification Code #7, though recycling infrastructure for PC varies by region. From a longevity standpoint, polycarbonate displays are an excellent investment; their exceptional durability means they can withstand years of use in demanding retail environments, reducing the need for replacement.
BEST FOR: Protective display cases, high-traffic floor displays, security display components, and any application where maximum impact resistance is required.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a tough, rigid thermoplastic that is widely used in retail display manufacturing for its excellent machinability, impact resistance, and surface finish quality. It is easy to paint, bond, and finish, making it a versatile choice for display components that require a polished, professional appearance. ABS is also highly compatible with thermoforming processes, which makes it a natural fit for BAW’s manufacturing capabilities.
ABS is recyclable under Resin Identification Code #7, though like polycarbonate, recycling availability varies. Its durability and surface quality make it a long-lasting choice for display applications, which contributes to a more sustainable overall display investment.
BEST FOR: Display housings, structural display components, point-of-purchase displays, and applications where a high-quality surface finish and machinability are important.
WANT TO DISCUSS MORE?
Every retail display project is different, and the right material depends on a combination of factors; the retail environment, the product being displayed, the desired aesthetic, budget, and sustainability goals. At BAW Plastics, our team works closely with brands to select the material that best fits the needs of each unique project, ensuring that every display we manufacture is built to perform and built to last. Understanding your material options is the first step toward making a smart display investment, and we are here to help guide that decision every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your next retail display project and bring your ideas to life.  Contact Us | BAW Plastics Inc. | Custom Retail Displays
