📦 Acrylic Display vs. Paperboard Display: Which Material Works Best for Rollouts?

How to Choose the Right Display for Global Campaigns, Pop-Ups, and Promotions

By Yan Luo | Samtop Display

🎯 Are You Spending Too Much on Displays That Don’t Fit the Campaign?

In retail merchandising, choosing between an acrylic vs paperboard display can determine campaign cost, brand impact, and rollout efficiency.

“What display material suits my budget, campaign duration, and retail positioning?”

Choosing the wrong material leads to:

• 💸 Overspending on premium displays for short events
• 🚛 Expensive logistics for heavy displays
• 🗑 Waste from non-reusable or overbuilt structures

But the good news is—you don’t have to guess. Acrylic and paperboard each have unique advantages. The key is to match the right material to the campaign’s lifecycle, scale, and shopper experience.

Acrylic displays are premium, reusable, and long-lasting—perfect for flagship stores and luxury zones.
Paperboard displays are low-cost, lightweight, and flat-packable—ideal for fast-moving promotions, seasonal rollouts, and POS activations.

Choose acrylic when you need brand impact and longevity.
Choose paperboard when speed, budget, and scale matter most.

At Samtop Display, we help brands build rollout strategies with the right material mix.

🧩 Acrylic vs Paperboard: Quick Comparison

Feature	Acrylic Display	Paperboard Display
🔧 Durability	1–3+ years	2–12 weeks
♻️ Reusability	Yes	Generally single-use
💡 Look & Feel	Transparent, glossy/matte	Bold, graphic, matte
📦 Shipping	Heavy, fragile	Flat-pack, light
💰 Cost Range	$8–$50+	$1–$10
🖨️ Branding	UV print, laser cut	CMYK print, die cut
🛠️ Structure	Rigid, sculptural	Foldable, slot-in

✅ Acrylic = longevity + luxury
✅ Paperboard = agility + affordability

🔍 When to Choose Acrylic Displays

Use Case	Why It Works
💄 Cosmetics counters	Elevates product value and quality
🏬 Department stores	Durable, polished finish for long use
🎁 Gifting VM	Crystal-clear aesthetic = prestige
✈️ Travel retail	Stands up to touch and transit
🧴 Tester trays	Easy to clean and reuse over seasons

✅ Ideal for luxury brands, long-term campaigns, or high-touch zones.

🛍️ When to Choose Paperboard Displays

Use Case	Why It Works
🎉 Promotions	Quick install, fast turnover
🛒 GWP Events	Volume-focused, short lifespan
📦 National rollouts	Easy to ship, low cost per store
🔁 Seasonal VM	Allows constant theme refresh
📣 POS endcaps	Bright, bold, printable graphics

✅ Best for mass retail, speed-to-market, and budget-driven launches.

🧰 Material Customization Options

Feature	Acrylic	Paperboard
🖋️ Logo	UV, laser, foil	CMYK print, die-cut
📐 Shapes	L-stand, blocks, trays	Slot shelves, folded bays
🪞 Finishes	Glossy, matte, frosted	Kraft, whiteboard
🔄 Modularity	Stackable inserts	Clip-on or slot build
🔌 Add-ons	LED, magnet, mirror	QR code, voucher holder

📌 Acrylic is more sculptural
📌 Paperboard is more graphic-oriented

📊 Real Case: Skincare Tester Rollout

Client: Regional skincare brand
Stores: 600 chain locations
Goal: Highlight 3 hero SKUs under $15/display

Option	Acrylic	Paperboard
Unit Cost	~$18	~$5
Weight	2.3 kg	0.5 kg
Assembly	1 min	10 sec
Branding	Engraved	CMYK header
Shelf Life	12+ months	8 weeks

Final Decision: Paperboard

Why? Matched short-term promo goal + reduced shipping cost
Future plan: Upgrade to acrylic for flagship city stores

✅ Strategy Insight: Use paperboard to scale, acrylic to impress

💬 FAQ

Q: Can I ship acrylic displays flat-packed?
❌ Not usually. They ship pre-built or in parts, needing protective packaging.

Q: Are paperboard displays eco-friendly?
✅ Yes—most use recycled board and soy-based inks.

Q: Can I reuse paperboard displays?
✅ Technically yes, but visual wear limits repeat use.

Q: Can I combine acrylic + paperboard?
✅ Absolutely. We design hybrid systems (e.g., paperboard base + acrylic top) for high-impact + low-cost balance.

📌 Conclusion: Let Strategy Drive Your Material Choice

✔️ Acrylic = brand prestige + long-term reuse
✔️ Paperboard = rollout speed + cost control
✔️ Smart brands mix both to cover luxury flagships, seasonal pop-ups, and national promotions.

Smart brands balance acrylic and paperboard displays across flagship stores, seasonal pop-ups, and POS rollouts for maximum ROI. For industry insights on retail display standards, see Shop! Association guidelines.

📩 Want Expert Advice on Material Selection?

We offer:

• 🔬 Material kits for your VM team
• 🛠 Hybrid display design service
• 📦 Volume pricing + export packaging
• 🌍 Flat-pack display systems for global logistics

📧 Email: yan@samtop.com
🌐 Website: www.samtop.com