Modern grocery store displays use plastic because it looks good and works well. First, plastic can be used for clear cases, food-safe bins, protective barriers, and bright signs.
Also, plastic helps stores stay clean and safe. It makes products easy to see and keeps things organized. Depending on what you need, you can choose plastics that are strong, water-resistant, light, shatter-proof, or easy to shape. Additionally, plastic works for almost any display and helps your store look fresh and modern.
Key Plastics for Grocery Store Displays
Additionally, let’s take a look at 5 top plastic materials for grocery store displays.
Acrylic Plastic
Acrylic sheets are known for their clarity. It is commonly used in bakery displays, shelving, signage, and custom display stands.
PET-G
PET-G (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol) is a clear plastic like acrylic but stronger against impact. It meets FDA rules for food safety. Stores often use PET-G for food-safe shelving liners, bins, refrigerated cases, and deli display cases.
HDPE
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is also FDA-approved for food contact. It’s a moisture-resistant plastic and is a common material for shelving and cutting boards.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a strong, shatter-resistant material. It is best used for grocery store displays in high-traffic areas as well as shelving and protective shields and barriers.
Expanded Foam PVC
Expanded foam PVC sheets are available in rigid and flexible forms and can be directly printed on. These qualities make them a good choice for signage (signs, shelf talkers, checkout/aisle numbers, logos) as well as promotional or custom displays.
Applications Across Grocery Store Displays
Plastic materials are versatile in numerous ways. Here are just a few examples of applications for plastic in a grocery store.
Produce Department
The produce department includes food-safe shelving and produce bins, promotional displays, and signage.
Deli and Prepared Foods
The Deli department includes refrigerated display cases, cutting boards, salad bar sneeze guards, and signage.
Bakery
Bakery sections include display cases, refrigerated cases, and various kinds of signage.
Frozen foods/refrigerated items
Frozen food departments usually require freezer barriers, refrigerated displays, and signage.
Packaged Foods
In areas that showcase packaged foods, fixtures like display stands, signage, shelf talkers, and promotional displays play an important role.
Checkout
Within the checkout section at most grocery stores, you will find dividers and barriers, signage, and promotional displays.
Food-Safe and FDA-Compliant Plastic Options for Grocery Store Displays
Two top plastic materials for direct and indirect food contact are HDPE and PETG. Here’s how they work best in grocery store displays.
HDPE
HDPE is moisture-resistant in addition to being food-safe. It is best for storage bins and shelf liners to help keep food fresher longer. Its durability makes it a great choice for cutting boards in the deli section as well.
PET-G
PET-G maintains its durability even under cold conditions. It also retains its optical clarity so it can be part of cold displays at the deli counter.
Durability in Cold, Moist, and High-Traffic Grocery Store Displays
Impact resistance and moisture tolerance are essential in grocery store environments. Grocers carry a large inventory of products that need to be put at varying temperatures throughout the space.
PET-G and Polycarbonate
These plastics are best for cold storage displays, like dairy and deli cases. They are moisture-resistant and maintain their clarity for optimal product visibility.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate resists impact well and works perfectly for cold storage doors or shelving in high-traffic areas.
Customization for Grocery Store Displays Branding
Custom branding and promotions help grocery store displays work better. You can easily cut, shape, and print plastics like acrylic, PETG, and expanded foam PVC. These materials are great for making custom displays, printed signs, shelf talkers, and other promotional items around the store.
PET-G and Acrylic
You can cut and shape both plastics easily. This makes them great for many custom projects. For example, use them for small things like sign holders or bigger displays made just for your needs. Because they are so versatile, they work well in grocery stores.
Expanded Foam PVC
Expanded foam PVC sheets print well but don’t last as long as some other plastics. They work best for indoor signs and short-term displays like promotions, shelf talkers, and directions.
In short, plastic is a good choice for grocery stores. First, it is strong and light. Also, it is easy to shape. Plus, it does not become hurt by water or breaking. Finally, many plastics are safe for food. At Acme Plastics, we have many plastic options to help you make displays receive consumer attention and help you sell more. Contact us today to find the best plastic for your store.
