Plytech Panels is a valued sponsor of the Retail Interiors Association, known for their commitment to sustainability. We asked Harmen Kamsteeg to share his insights on reusability in retail design and how embracing a circular approach can benefit both the environment and businesses.
The retail industry is embracing sustainability, but there’s still a missed opportunity when it comes to maximising the lifespan of materials. Retail spaces are often redesigned every 4-6 years, yet many of the materials used in these fit-outs can last much longer. Some, in fact, are capable of enduring 20 years or more, offering a unique opportunity to rethink how we use and re-use resources.
Rather than sending perfectly usable materials to landfill after a refurbishment, the retail sector has the potential to adopt a more circular approach—one that includes reusing, repurposing, and up-cycling. This not only reduces environmental impact but can also lead to significant cost savings by minimising the need for new materials with each redesign.
The Case for Re-usability in Retail
Sustainability in retail design isn’t just about sourcing eco-friendly materials—it's about seeing these materials as long-term assets that can be repurposed beyond their initial use. By doing so, businesses can reduce waste and keep materials in circulation for future projects, creating a more sustainable, cost-effective approach to design.
For example, some materials, like sustainably sourced plywood, have been tested and shown to last up to 20 years or more. Products like our Plytech Green range, which uses natural adhesives such as Lignin, provide an environmentally friendly bonding solution while maintaining durability. This makes them ideal candidates for reuse in future projects—helping reduce both material costs and the environmental footprint of each renovation.
Changing the Mindset: From Disposable to Re-usable
To truly make an impact, the industry needs to shift its perception of materials from disposable to reusable. Materials such as high-quality plywood, glass, and metal can retain their structural integrity far beyond their initial application. Rather than discarding these materials after one use, retailers can up-cycle them into new designs—extending their lifecycle and reducing the need for fresh resources.
As a side note, even after these materials have reached the end of their typical 20-year lifespan, they can still find new life in smaller applications—such as shelving in garages or DIY projects like shoe racks or wardrobe shelving. The key is to foster a mindset where no material is wasted and every possible use is explored.
In addition to plywood, materials like MDF also offer a sustainable option. For example, our EcoCraft Veneer range repurposes wood fibres and shavings that would otherwise go to waste, turning them into usable panels. While MDF typically has a shorter lifespan (around 10-15 years), it can still be reused for various projects and helps reduce waste in retail design. As always, it’s crucial to ensure that both plywood and MDF come from sustainable, certified sources to truly make a positive environmental impact.
Key Recommendations for Incorporating Sustainability in Retail Projects:
Choose long-lasting, sustainable materials: Focus on materials that are durable and can endure multiple design cycles.
Design for flexibility and re-use: Ensure materials can be easily repurposed or upcycled in future projects to minimise waste.
Partner with transparent suppliers: Opt for suppliers who provide clear data on the sustainability and lifecycle of their products.
Reduce material waste: Plan installations carefully to optimise material use, and recycle or upcycle any excess.
Think circular: Commit to a lifecycle approach where materials are re-used or repurposed, even after their primary use.
Shaping a Sustainable Future for Retail Design
The future of retail design must embrace sustainability and material re-usability. By extending the life of the materials we use and thinking beyond the short-term, retailers can significantly reduce their environmental impact while lowering costs. Whether through innovations like our Plytech Green range, with its 20-year lifespan, or by integrating reusability into the core of design decisions, the benefits of a circular approach are clear.
By making these small but significant changes, we can build a future where every material has multiple lives, ensuring nothing goes to waste and each design project contributes to a healthier planet.
Contact Plytech to explore eco-friendly, reusable materials for your next project. Visit Plytech Website or email sales@plytech.co.nz to start a conversation.
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