Q+ Reusable Display, part of the new Q+ series of Store Solutions, is made up of more than 80% post-consumer plastic waste and helps further reduce disposable materials on the sales floor.
Cologne, August 23, 2023 – CHEP, a global leader in pallet pooling and an expert in supply chain solutions, is expanding its innovations to offer brands and retailers more sustainable in-store promotions. Following the recent announcement of the new Q+ plastic quarter-pallet, made 100% from post-consumer plastic waste, the company now presents the prototype of its Q+ Reusable Display in Germany. It offers another product that is reusable and made of at least 80% post-consumer plastic waste, sourced from upcycled polypropylene with EUCertiPlast certification.(1)
Designed as a circular product, the new modular display consists of a flexible number of “trays” or shelves that can be stacked on the static or rollable Q+ quarter pallet in various configurations. This makes it easy to co-pack different types of products at the desired height. This allows brands to carry out creative promotions that increase the visibility of their products. At the same time, they significantly reduce the consumption of disposable secondary packaging, especially cardboard, and thus the CO2 emissions of their promotions.
To test the performance of the Q+ Reusable Display in practice, several test runs are currently underway in collaboration with various brands. Different product categories are being tested using three different merchandising options on the sales floor. The tests aim to establish standards for safe and effective handling in German retail.
Q+ Reusable Display: Made from waste to reduce waste
Disposable materials, such as cardboard stands for promotions at the point of sale (POS), are essential for increasing brand presence and sales, but they generate a lot of waste. The CHEP product innovation team used its experience in developing and manufacturing plastic display pallets to create a modular solution that can be shared and reused in a closed-loop system following the pooling principle. This solution is based on the principles of circular design and is made from at least 80% post-consumer plastic waste.(2)
Each shelf produced by CHEP recycles 2.1 kg of plastic waste, upcycled into a product that lasts longer in the ecological system of sales promotion. All components are fully recyclable at the end of their product lifecycle and are further processed into new reusable packaging solutions, as ensured by CHEP’s strictly controlled product chain (Chain of Custody).
Furthermore, the new Q+ Reusable Display saves up to 80% of disposable cardboard packaging, making for more sustainable promotions: The preliminary lifecycle analysis conducted by Global Factor, a certified independent institute, shows a reduction in CO2 emissions by 30% to 40% compared to traditional cardboard displays.
“In this new generation of Store Solutions, we have integrated the ambitious principles of circular design to eliminate waste and environmental pollution from the outset. The result is improved packaging solutions with a higher sustainability value,” says Daniel López, Product Management and Innovation Director at CHEP Europe.
The current test run of the Q+ Reusable Display in Germany, which lasts until September, aims to help establish regenerative chains in sales promotion, consistent with CHEP’s 2025 Sustainability Program. With the program, CHEP aims to go beyond zero (zero emissions, zero waste, zero deforestation) and expand its circular model and collaborations to more partners in all regions. “By reducing overall negative impacts, successful promotional campaigns no longer contradict the environment. We want to get as many customers and partners on board because our Q+ solution series in general and our Q+ Reusable Display in particular not only offer added value. We also support them in achieving their sustainability goals,” reports Kai Derda, Managing Director of CHEP Germany.
Simple and intuitive in setup
The Q+ Reusable Display Trays offer a large sales area of 60×40 cm and are characterized by a flexible height and number of shelves, making co-packing of different product types easier. While traditional displays are only accessible from one side, the Q+ Reusable Display can be stocked from up to four sides. If necessary, the top compartment can be completely free-standing, allowing buyers unrestricted access to products. For easy handling, the display is compatible with both the static and rollable Q+ quarter pallet. Snap-on attachments make setting up the floors safe and easy, so the display only needs to be clad. The perforated loading area with a pinned surface ensures the products’ security during transport. With a load capacity of up to 40 kg per compartment and a gross exhibition weight of 250 kg, the stable solution is also suitable for heavier items. The folding mechanism allows quick dismantling and storage of up to 26 units per stack.
1 Designation for material originating from end-users of products that have fulfilled their purpose or can no longer be used (including material returned within the distribution chain). The term “post-use” is sometimes used synonymously (Source: ISO 15270:2008).
2 The new static Q+ consists of 70% material from upcycled polypropylene and 30% from damaged and recycled CHEP quarter pallets that have reached the end of their retail life.
Source: CHEP Germany (translation)