6 Design Trends Transforming Cardboard Displays in 2025

Cardboard displays have long been a staple in retail environments, offering an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and customizable solution for showcasing products. But as consumer preferences and technology evolve, so too does the design of these displays. Cardboard Displays in 2025, several emerging trends are reshaping how brands use cardboard displays to engage shoppers, enhance the shopping experience, and reinforce their brand message.

In this post, we’ll explore the top six design trends transforming cardboard displays this year, and how you can leverage them to create impactful, high-performing displays that stand out on the retail floor.

1. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials

As sustainability becomes a central concern for consumers and brands alike, the demand for eco-friendly cardboard displays has skyrocketed. In 2024, brands are increasingly focused on using recycled, biodegradable, and FSC-certified materials to design displays that are not only functional but also environmentally responsible.

Why It’s Important:

• Consumer Demand: Shoppers are becoming more eco-conscious, and they expect brands to reflect their values. Eco-friendly displays show that your brand is committed to sustainability.
• Brand Reputation: Companies that prioritize sustainability often enjoy increased consumer trust and loyalty, making eco-friendly cardboard displays an essential part of a brand’s identity.

How to Leverage This Trend:

Opt for sustainable materials like recycled cardboard or biodegradable finishes for your displays. Consider promoting the eco-friendly aspect on the display itself with messaging that highlights your commitment to sustainability. This can help build positive brand associations and attract environmentally conscious consumers.

2. Minimalist Design for Maximum Impact

Less is more, and this principle is being applied to retail display design in 2025. The trend toward minimalist design focuses on clean lines, simple shapes, and a more refined use of space. This design style eliminates distractions, allowing the products themselves to take center stage.

Why It’s Important:

• Clarity and Focus: A minimalist design helps guide customer attention directly to the product, making the display’s purpose clear and focused.
• Visual Appeal: Simple, elegant designs stand out and are often more memorable. Minimalism can create a visually striking display that catches the eye without overwhelming the viewer.

How to Leverage This Trend:

Use bold typography, large product images, and plenty of empty space to create a clean, simple display. By reducing clutter, you allow your product to shine, creating a more sophisticated and appealing display.

3. Interactive and Engaging Displays

In 2024, cardboard displays are going beyond just showcasing products—they’re becoming interactive experiences. QR codes, augmented reality (AR) features, and tactile elements are being integrated into displays to encourage customer interaction and create a memorable shopping experience.

Why It’s Important:

• Customer Engagement: Interactive displays capture customer attention in a way that passive displays cannot. They encourage customers to engage with your brand and explore the products in a more immersive way.
• Data Collection: QR codes and digital features allow brands to gather valuable data on consumer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns.

How to Leverage This Trend:

Incorporate QR codes that lead to product videos, promotions, or online stores. If your display is placed near a product with multiple variations (e.g., colors or sizes), use AR or touch-sensitive elements to allow customers to see different options and visualize how the product would fit into their lives.

4. Bold, Vibrant Colors and Graphics

In 2025, bright, bold colors are making a comeback in retail display design. Strong color contrasts and striking graphics are being used to grab attention and make displays more visually stimulating. These designs use color to evoke emotion, create urgency, and encourage customers to take action.

Why It’s Important:

• Attracts Attention: Bold colors immediately stand out in a crowded retail environment, making your display impossible to miss.
• Creates Emotional Connections: Colors can influence consumer emotions and behavior. For example, red can evoke excitement, while blue can create a sense of trust and reliability.

How to Leverage This Trend:

Use bold, contrasting colors to highlight key products and make your display pop. Don’t be afraid to use vibrant graphics or creative illustrations that align with your brand’s tone and message. Just be mindful to maintain brand consistency and avoid overwhelming the viewer.

5. Modular and Flexible Display Structures

As retail spaces evolve, the need for flexible and adaptable display solutions has grown. Modular designs that can be easily customized and reconfigured are becoming increasingly popular. This trend allows retailers to adjust displays based on product rotations, seasonal promotions, or store layouts.

Why It’s Important:

• Adaptability: Modular designs make it easy to update or rearrange displays without starting from scratch. This flexibility can save time and money, especially for seasonal campaigns or changing product lines.
• Efficient Use of Space: Customizable displays can be scaled up or down depending on the available retail space, ensuring that you make the best use of your store layout.

How to Leverage This Trend:

Consider designing displays with interchangeable parts, shelves, or panels that can be adapted to different product types and retail environments. Modular systems allow for greater versatility and can accommodate everything from seasonal promotions to special events.

6. 3D and Structural Designs

In 2025, cardboard displays are getting a makeover with 3D elements and sculptural designs. These displays are no longer flat—brands are incorporating innovative shapes and dimensional elements to create a more dynamic and immersive retail experience.

Why It’s Important:

• Visual Interest: 3D designs create a more striking visual impact, making the display stand out in a crowded space.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Structural elements invite customers to look closer and engage with the display, encouraging longer dwell times and increased interaction.

How to Leverage This Trend:

Consider incorporating 3D elements like product cutouts, raised platforms, or sculptural designs that enhance the visual appeal of your display. These creative features not only capture attention but also create a memorable, hands-on experience for customers. For urgent order that require within 3 days, you could turn your local supplier for help like CreativeDisplayNow.

Conclusion

2025 is an exciting year for cardboard display design, with emerging trends focused on sustainability, minimalism, interactivity, and creativity. By embracing these trends, you can create retail displays that not only attract attention but also engage customers, reinforce your brand, and increase sales. Whether you’re using bold colors, modular designs, or eco-friendly materials, the right display can make a lasting impact in your retail environment.

At Packwins, we specialize in designing and manufacturing custom cardboard displays that reflect the latest trends and meet your brand’s specific needs. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve in retail design, let us help you create a display that stands out and drives results.

Ready to innovate your retail display? Contact us today to get started on your custom design!