What is the environmental impact of a full store refit?

Agnè Baltakienė · 17 Oct 2026

A full store refit generates a significant amount of environmental impact, from the waste produced by removing old fixtures to the carbon emissions tied to manufacturing and transporting new displays and mannequins. The scale varies depending on store size, the materials being replaced, and how often refits happen, but for a medium to large retail brand, the combined footprint can be substantial. The questions below break down exactly where that impact comes from and what you can do to reduce it.

How much waste does a typical store refit generate?

A typical store refit generates a large volume of mixed waste, including old fixtures, shelving, signage, mannequins, flooring, and packaging materials from newly delivered items. For a mid-sized retail store, this can easily run into several tonnes of material, much of which ends up in landfill because it is not sorted or processed for recycling at the point of removal.

The problem is not just the volume. It is also the variety. A single refit might produce broken fiberglass mannequins, foam padding, painted MDF shelving, plastic signage, and cardboard packaging all at once. When these materials are mixed together and sent to a general waste contractor, the opportunity to recover and reuse them is largely lost.

Retailers who plan their waste streams in advance, separating materials by type before removal, consistently recover more and send less to landfill. It takes more coordination upfront, but the environmental and cost savings are real. Working with suppliers who take back old units or offer take-back programs also reduces the amount of waste that leaves your hands without a plan.

What is the carbon footprint of replacing retail displays and mannequins?

The carbon footprint of replacing retail displays and mannequins comes from several sources: the raw materials used to make new units, the energy consumed during manufacturing, and the transportation required to deliver them. For mannequins and display fixtures sourced from overseas, long-distance freight adds a significant layer of emissions on top of production.

Manufacturing is a major contributor. Energy-intensive processes, the use of materials like fiberglass or polyurethane, and factories running on non-renewable energy all increase the carbon cost of each unit produced. A mannequin made from polystyrene in a European factory powered by renewable electricity will carry a much lower footprint than one shipped from a factory on the other side of the world.

Transportation is the other big factor. Industry experience shows that localizing the supply chain, which means sourcing closer to where you operate, is one of the most effective ways to reduce transport-related emissions. Encouraging full container loads rather than partial shipments also reduces the number of journeys required and lowers emissions per unit delivered.

Which materials used in store refits are hardest to recycle?

Fiberglass and polyurethane are among the hardest materials to recycle in a store refit context. These are the two most commonly used materials for mannequins produced in large-scale overseas manufacturing, and neither has a widely accessible recycling pathway. Once broken or outdated, fiberglass and polyurethane mannequins typically go straight to landfill.

Composite materials in general present a recycling challenge because they are made from multiple substances bonded together, making separation difficult and expensive. Painted or laminated surfaces on fixtures add another layer of complexity, as coatings can contaminate otherwise recyclable base materials like wood or metal.

Polystyrene, by contrast, is 100% recyclable and can go through multiple recycling cycles, including the most widely available method, mechanical recycling. It can be used to produce new mannequins in a closed-loop process or repurposed into other product categories. This makes it a significantly more practical choice from a circular economy perspective, particularly when the recycling infrastructure already exists to handle it.

How does the frequency of store refits affect overall environmental impact?

The more frequently a retailer refits its stores, the higher the cumulative environmental impact, because each refit cycle generates new waste, new production demand, and new transportation emissions. Brands that refit every two to three years create a much larger footprint over time than those that design for longevity and update selectively.

Fast fashion retail, in particular, tends to refit more often to keep store environments aligned with seasonal campaigns and brand refreshes. This is not inherently wrong, but it makes the choice of materials and suppliers even more important. If each refit produces durable, recyclable units that can be repurposed or returned rather than discarded, the impact per cycle drops considerably.

Designing for modularity helps too. Fixtures and display systems that can be reconfigured or updated without full replacement mean you can refresh the look of a store without generating a full wave of waste. This approach is increasingly relevant for retailers managing multiple locations, where even a small reduction in waste per store compounds quickly across the portfolio.

What should retailers look for in sustainable mannequins and display solutions?

When evaluating sustainable mannequins and display solutions, retailers should look for recyclable materials, low-emission manufacturing processes, renewable energy use in production, and a supplier with verifiable sustainability credentials rather than just marketing claims. The material the mannequin is made from is the starting point, but the full picture includes how it was made and how far it traveled to reach you.

Specific things worth checking include:

Material recyclability: Can the mannequin be mechanically recycled at the end of its life? Polystyrene yes, fiberglass no.
Paint and finish: Water-soluble paints and polishes significantly reduce volatile organic compound emissions during production.
Energy source: Does the manufacturer use renewable electricity? This directly affects Scope 2 emissions tied to the product.
Supply chain proximity: A European supplier reduces transport emissions compared to sourcing from Asia, and often improves quality consistency and communication.
Third-party certification: Look for recognized sustainability ratings or certifications. An EcoVadis rating, FSC-certified packaging, or verified GHG reduction targets are meaningful signals.
Packaging: FSC-certified cardboard packaging is a small but relevant detail that reflects a supplier’s overall approach to environmental responsibility.

Asking suppliers for their sustainability policy directly is a straightforward way to separate genuine commitment from surface-level claims. Suppliers who measure and publish their greenhouse gas emissions, set binding reduction targets, and report against them are operating at a different level of accountability than those who simply describe their products as green.

How can retailers reduce the environmental impact of their next refit?

Retailers can reduce the environmental impact of their next store refit by choosing recyclable materials, sourcing closer to home, planning waste streams in advance, and working with suppliers who have transparent, verifiable sustainability practices. Small decisions across each of these areas add up to a meaningfully lower footprint at the end of a refit project.

Here are the most practical steps to take:

Audit what you already have. Before ordering anything new, assess which existing fixtures and mannequins can be reused, repurposed, or redistributed to other stores. Buying less is always the most sustainable option.
Choose materials with a recycling pathway. Prioritize polystyrene over fiberglass or polyurethane for mannequins. The recyclability difference is significant, and it affects what happens to those units at the end of their life.
Source from European manufacturers. Nearshoring your supply chain reduces transport emissions, supports faster delivery, and makes it easier to maintain quality oversight and communication throughout the project.
Maximize container fill rates. If you are shipping display units, work with your supplier to ensure containers are as full as possible. Fewer shipments means fewer emissions per unit.
Plan your waste removal. Arrange for materials to be separated by type on removal day. Sorted waste is far more likely to be recycled than mixed waste sent to a general contractor.
Ask for sustainability documentation. Request your supplier’s sustainability policy, energy sourcing information, and any third-party ratings before committing to an order.

If you are ready to make your next refit genuinely more sustainable, we would be glad to help. At IDW Display, we manufacture mannequins from 100% recyclable polystyrene, use water-soluble paints and polishes, source electricity exclusively from renewable energy, and hold an EcoVadis Silver Medal, placing us in the 93rd percentile of all assessed companies. You can read more about our sustainability approach or get in touch with our team to discuss your next project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can old fiberglass or polyurethane mannequins be repurposed instead of sent to landfill?

While fiberglass and polyurethane cannot be mechanically recycled through standard waste streams, there are some alternative routes worth exploring before sending them to landfill. Donation to theatre companies, art schools, or independent retailers is one option, as is selling them through second-hand display equipment platforms. Some specialist waste processors can also shred fiberglass for use as filler material in construction products, though this pathway is not widely available and requires proactive sourcing on your part.

How do I calculate the carbon footprint of my store refit so I can track improvements over time?

Start by identifying the three main emission sources: material production (Scope 3 upstream), manufacturing energy use (Scope 2 at the supplier level), and transportation (Scope 3 logistics). Request emissions data directly from your suppliers, including their energy source and any published greenhouse gas figures, then use freight calculators or logistics provider data to estimate transport emissions based on distance and shipment weight. Even a rough baseline measurement gives you something concrete to reduce against in future refits, and it makes sustainability conversations with suppliers far more productive.

Is it more cost-effective to refurbish existing mannequins and fixtures rather than replace them entirely?

In many cases, yes. Repainting, re-finishing, or reposing existing mannequins is significantly cheaper than purchasing new units and eliminates the production and transport emissions associated with new stock entirely. The viability depends on the condition and material of your current units — polystyrene mannequins, for example, can be refinished relatively easily, while heavily damaged fiberglass units may not be worth the effort. Building a refurbishment assessment into the early planning stage of every refit is a practical habit that consistently uncovers cost and waste savings.

What questions should I ask a mannequin or display supplier to verify their sustainability claims?

Ask for their sustainability policy document, their energy sourcing breakdown (specifically whether they use renewable electricity), and any third-party ratings such as EcoVadis or equivalent. Request confirmation of the materials used and whether those materials have a verified recycling pathway at end of life. Suppliers who are genuinely committed to sustainability will be able to answer these questions clearly and promptly; vague responses or marketing language without supporting documentation are a reliable signal that claims have not been independently verified.

How can retailers managing large store portfolios scale sustainable refit practices consistently across multiple locations?

Consistency at scale starts with centralizing procurement decisions so that sustainability criteria are applied uniformly rather than left to individual store or regional managers. Developing a standardized refit brief that includes mandatory material specifications, preferred supplier requirements, and waste separation protocols ensures every location follows the same approach. Working with a single European manufacturer who can supply across your entire portfolio also simplifies logistics, reduces per-unit transport emissions, and makes it easier to track and report your overall environmental performance.

Does switching to sustainable mannequins and displays affect the visual quality or design options available?

Not significantly. Polystyrene mannequins, for example, can achieve the same level of finish, detail, and pose variety as fiberglass alternatives when manufactured to a high standard. Water-soluble paints and polishes used in low-emission production processes are fully capable of delivering the surface quality and colour accuracy that retail environments require. The key is working with a manufacturer who has invested in sustainable materials and processes without compromising on craftsmanship, rather than treating sustainability as a trade-off against aesthetics.

Are there any industry certifications or standards specifically focused on sustainable retail display and visual merchandising?

There is no single certification exclusively dedicated to retail display sustainability, but several broader frameworks are directly relevant. EcoVadis assesses supplier sustainability performance across environment, labour, ethics, and procurement, and is widely recognised in retail supply chains. ISO 14001 certification indicates a manufacturer operates an environmental management system. For packaging, FSC certification confirms responsible forestry sourcing. When evaluating suppliers, looking for a combination of these credentials alongside published GHG reduction targets gives a more complete picture than any single label alone.