How to Protect Your Custom Displays — While Meeting EU Sustainability Requirements
Table of Contents
By Yan Luo | Samtop Display
The right packaging protects your display, reduces shipping damage, and ensures compliance with EU sustainability laws. Foam, crates, or cartons must meet directives like 94/62/EC and SUP 2019/904 — while still being cost-effective and brand-friendly.
eco packaging for POS
A perfect display can still fail — if poor packaging leads to breakage, customs delays, or non-compliance.
EPS foam? Rejected. Oversized crates? Overpriced. Non-labeled wraps? Flagged at customs. And worst of all: store damage due to poor fit.
Choose display packaging formats that balance protection, eco compliance, and global freight readiness — including foam, pulp, crates, and eco wrap options.
📦 1. Custom Foam Inserts
Foam Type
Best For
Pros
Eco Note
EPE/PE
Acrylic panels, fragile parts
Shock-resistant, cut-to-fit
♻️ LDPE (Type 4), recyclable in EU
PU
Reuse across campaigns
Durable, form-hugging
❌ Less recyclable
📌 Sustainable Tip: Ask for recycled-content PE + water-based adhesives.
📦 2. Corrugated Kraft Cartons + Dividers
Format
Best Use
Strength Levels
Eco Profile
Custom carton + divider
Multi-part displays, light props
Single / Double / Triple wall
♻️ Fully recyclable if unlaminated
📌 Tip: Use FSC-certified board + water-based inks for full recyclability.
📦 3. ISPM15-Certified Plywood Crates
When to Use
Why It Works
Large display builds
Protects from drops, stacking, climate
International rollout
Required by EU/UK/US customs regulations
📌 Tip: Use raw wood or water-based varnish, and mark as reusable.
📦 4. Shrink Wrap (PE, Avoid PVC)
Usage
Notes
Bundle light units
Use LDPE (Type 4) shrink film
Moisture barrier
Avoid PVC — not EU recyclable
📌 Tip: Opt for compostable stretch wrap or plant-based film when possible.
📦 5. Molded Pulp Inserts
Application
Why It Wins
Tester trays, inner kits
Compostable, lightweight, FSC certified pulp
Foam replacement
Fully compliant with EU 94/62/EC directive
📌 Tip: Add non-plastic moisture barrier for better protection.
🧾 EU Packaging Compliance Overview
Regulation
Requirement Type
Applies to
94/62/EC
Recyclability, weight optimization
All packaging entering EU market
SUP 2019/904
Single-use plastic phase-out
EPS, PVC, polybags
ISPM15
Wood treatment for cross-border crates
All non-manufactured wood
REACH/RoHS
Chemical safety in coatings/inks/adhesives
Paper, foam, label ink
📌 Always request: MSDS, FSC/ISPM certs, and plastic declaration documents with every shipment.
🔍 Real Brand Case: EU Holiday Display Protection
🟨 Client: Cosmetics brand launching tester towers in France, Germany, Italy 🟨 Needs: Eco-compliant packaging + lightweight + retail-safe
Q: Will EU customs reject displays with EPS or unmarked plastic?
A: EPS and non-identified plastic are flagged under SUP 2019/904. Use LDPE or labeled, recyclable foam only.
Q: Can packaging be branded?
A: Yes. We offer FSC-certified kraft boxes with printed logos, tape, and QR setup links.
Q: Is recycled cardboard strong enough?
A: Yes — double-wall FSC board supports most POS display builds, up to 25kg per unit.
🎯 Conclusion: Packaging Is Your Display’s First Impression
✔️ Protect the structure, preserve the brand ✔️ Avoid foam and plastic flags at customs ✔️ Print your sustainability story on the box ✔️ Choose materials that support reuse, recyclability, and regional standards
🧠 Your display travels far — make sure it arrives ready to shine.
📩 Need help designing compliant, cost-efficient packaging?
