Cardboard Recyclable Displays for Events and Exhibitions

Cardboard Recyclable Displays for Events and Exhibitions

Recyclable displays made from cardboard are a great, eco-friendly alternative to traditional banner stands and are ideal for use at exhibitions, events, conferences or for use in retail and showroom environments.

Printdesigns have developed a series of products that can be assembled from a flat-packed state in a matter of minutes with completely tool-free assembly.

Products like our Toblerone Cardboard Display can be seen in use within busy exhibition venues, providing an attractive way to promote products and services. The three-sided design means that content can be viewable from almost any direction unlike conventional one or two sided display stands.

There is also a strong demand for recyclable point of sale display products in retail showrooms. Not only are flat packed displays convenient for transportation to stores but at end of life, they can be disposed of in the normal paper and cardboard stream along with other waste.

The example below shows one of a series of cardboard ‘Toblerone’ displays that were distributed to Ducati motorcycle dealerships in order to promote 3 key model types.

Printdesigns employ a digital, UV printing process that allows us to print directly onto cardboard materials. Furthermore, we use digital cutting technology for the cutting, creasing and folding of our cardboard display products.

Using digital print and cutting technology removes the high set up costs normally associated with the production of cardboard POS (point of sale) displays and opens-up these products to customers with a demand for one off or small order volume requirements.

The range of applications for these displays really is endless whether for use at an exhibition, roll out into showrooms or for use in busy retail spaces as was the case with the example shown below.

In the example above you can see that the cardboard display stand was stood onto some bespoke printed carpet to further enhance in-store branding.

As well as ‘off the shelf’ display designs, Printdesigns can also help with the design of completely new display stands that are tailored to the clients exact requirements. Our team can create a virtual render of the product followed by a prototype for testing usually at minimal cost.

For more information, please get in touch with our team on 01785 818111 or visit our website www.printdesigns.com

Embrace or Embrace+ SEG Display Stands – What’s the difference?

DECEMBER 3, 2019

Embrace or Embrace+ SEG Display Stands – What’s the difference?

The Embrace SEG display stand is a popular, portable display backdrop. It utilises a collapsible ‘pop up’ style frame but combines it with a tensioned fabric display graphic rather than heavy, rollable panels that are common to traditional pop up stands.

The result is a portable display system that can be assembled in under 10 minutes but looks every bit as good as a conventional tensioned SEG fabric display that can take more than an hour to construct.

Original ‘Embrace’ Display Frame shown here with optional lighting curtains designed for back-lighting your printed graphics

The original ‘Embrace’ frame shown above can be fitted with curtains of optional LED lights. The lights allow the graphic to be illuminated from behind in order to create a portable freestanding lightbox.

Aluminium channel bars are attached to the perimeter of the frame. It is these channel bars that allow the printed fabric graphic to push-fit into place.

With the graphic attached to the frame, we can see that the image is illuminated thanks to the curtains of LED lights that sit behind it.

Notice the slight shadow around the edge of the display?

This is caused by the aluminium channel bars on the frame. They are preventing light from shining-through and back-lighting this section of the graphic!

The Embrace+ Display Stand is a new product that addresses this problem with a simple revision to the design of the channel bars…

The Embrace+ SEG pop up stand uses a triangular shaped channel bar instead of the conventional rectangular shaped bar on the standard Embrace Pop Up Stand. The triangle shaped profile means that less of the graphic is in contact with the face of the channel bar and this reduces the shadow effect on the edge of the panel when it is illuminated. Now the graphic is illuminated almost all the way up to the edge of the frame and there is little shadow-effect.

The utilisation of a triangle profile channel bar almost eliminates completely the shadow around the edge of the graphic when back-lighting

Other than the design of the channel bar, both the Embrace and Embrace+ Display Stands are comparable products. Both frames come in a choice of frame size and both products pack into a wheeled trolley bag for transportation.

Cosmetically, the Embrace+ framework looks different with it’s white, powder coated finish whereas the regular Embrace SEG frame is silver.

From 2020, Printdesigns will increase pricing on the backlit variant of the Embrace SEG pop up stand. The product will be re-branded and sold as the Embrace+ Backlit Display Stand.

The original Embrace display will still be advertised as a non-illuminated display stand although lighting curtains will still be available for purchase separately as an option for this product.

Graphic panels for non illuminated stands (Embrace) are printed onto a blockout fabric material for maximum opacity and vibrancy. Graphics for illuminated stands (Embrace+) are printed onto specialist back-lightable fabric material.

If you have a regular Embrace frame or an Embrace+ frame and require new printed graphic panels to fit then we are happy to assist and can supply blockout or illuminated fabric graphics depending on whether you intend to back-light the image.

Our printing and sewing is handled in house by our own experienced team so you can be assured of the best possible quality.

For more information on the Embrace and Embrace+ SEG Display stands please visit our website at https://www.printdesigns.com

illumiGo Free-Standing Lightbox

Backlit and illuminated displays have become increasingly popular over the last couple of Years as LED lighting technology has become cheaper and therefore more accessible to mass market.

Illuminated displays look fantastic and there is no doubt that they can grab attention in a way that an ordinary printed banner stand cannot. The problem is that until recently, illuminated/backlit displays tended to be bulky, heavy and just plain awkward to transport to and from events. That has been the major turn off for most potential buyers.

The illumiGo Freestanding Lightbox Display has been developed as a solution for exhibitors looking for a viable alternative to a banner stand but with the attention-grabbing visual effect of a traditional light box display.


The illumiGo Lightbox system has obviously been well thought out and engineered in terms of it's overall design. In particular, the packaging that uses a simple, lightweight cardboard container with carry handle to house all of the individual frame components together within a compact space. We are reliably informed that as well as the standard cardboard packing carton, a more substantial carry bag is in the pipeline which may suit customers who are using this product very regularly and could be concerned about the long term durability of the cardboard carton.



Open the lid of the box and you are presented with clear step by step instructions outlining the assembly process for illumiGo. It is very straight-forward with the sections of the frame simply push-fitting together. Small plastic buttons engage when the frame pushed together in order to keep the sections secure.

The process of assembling the frame is very simple. For the first time user it should take no more than 5 minutes. With prior experience of how the frame assembles, it should be possible in only a couple of minutes.



The frame is formed from powder coated steel and the white colour has a modern and clean appearance.

A small channel around the edges of the frame allows the graphic panel to push-fit into place. This is possible because the fabric graphic has a small bead of silicone edging sewn around the perimeter. The fit of the graphic to the frame is positive and due to the slight amount of stretch in the fabric itself, the print is pulled tight which removes any creases.

Of the entire assembly process, it is the fitment of the graphic that probably takes the longest time of all. There is definitely a technique involved on efficiently fitting the graphics and we found that fitting the top and bottom (short edges) of the print to the frame and then pushing in the sides (long-edges) in afterwards seems to be the most effective technique.

After a few attempts we were able to install a graphic print into the illumiGo frame in a few minutes at most. That means that the total assembly time for this product can be under 5 minutes. Great if you are in a hurry to set up at an event or trade show.



After assembling the framework of the stand and fitting the graphic panel, the unit can be plugged in and switched-on.

The power lead plugs into the bottom of the framework and the illumiGo comes with a mains adapter. The adapter will work with any voltage from 110V to 250V and so it would be possible to use this type of display stand in any worldwide location with the relevant local plug socket adapter.



The lighting effect on the illumiGo Lightbox really works brilliantly. It is hard to believe how much LED technology has come on and also quite astonishing how the small rows of LED lights on the frame of this free standing lightbox are able to disperse light so evenly over the graphic. We were unable to detect any lower level of illumination in the centre of graphic that is further away from the lights when compared to the edge of the graphic.

Another nice feature of this stand is the almost frameless effect. Unlike old light boxes that have a frame around the edge of the image, with the illumiGo lightbox you have a graphic that is pretty much edge to edge.

The illumiGo Freestanding Lightbox Display is certainly a product we would not hesitate to recommend. OK, it's more expensive than a standard roller banner but what you get is a portable display solution that looks every bit as professional as a display you might find in an upmarket retail location. Assembly is a longer process but visually, it's worth it.

From an environmental and economical stand point, another consideration is that this frame is re-usable. You can swap the printed cover for the stand anytime and effectively build a library of artwork designs or promotional messages for use on a single frame. That's got to be better for the planet than throwing away old, outdated roller banners. The fabric itself being polyester based can be recycled widely along with other textiles.

Prices on illumiGo vary but the product as tested is available from most Ultima dealers as well as https://www.printdesigns.com

Printdesigns are specialist suppliers of portable displays for events and exhibitions and have in house printing equipment for the fabric backlit materials required for use with this product. You can find more information about the illumiGo Lightbox at the link above.

Barracuda Banner Stands

The Barracuda Banner Stand is a long-established favourite and perhaps one of the most popular types of roller banners on sale in the UK today.

Since being introduced over 15 Years ago the product has undergone several revisions with the latest model offering many enhancements in terms of design and functionality.

With a wide, stable base, Barracuda Banners do not require twist-out support feet that are common on economy/budget type systems. This is a benefit if the display is to be used in high-traffic environments where a very 'planted', stable display is preferable. From an aesthetic point of view, the stand is pleasantly designed and features an anodised silver base with contrasting black, plastic end plates.

There is a slotted ratchet hole on the side of the display that can be turned in order to increase the internal spring tension. This allows the mechanism of the banner to be adjusted dependent on the thickness of the graphic material that is fitted to the display (for thicker/heavier graphics you can add more tension to help wind-up the material).

The Barracuda for 2017 features a new, modified upright support pole with a telescopic top-section. This means that the finished height of the banner stand can be adjusted. It also makes assembling the display easier for shorter individuals who may otherwise struggle to reach the top of the display.

Barracuda banner stands are available in widths ranging from 600mm all the way up to 2400mm so whether it's a compact space-saving display you need or a large mural back drop there is a stand that will be suitable for you!

Barracuda Banner Stands are available for purchase from the Printdesigns web store.

TEXStyle Icon Banner Stands

Most, traditional banner stands are 2 dimensional in appearance and have a flat graphic that can be single or double sided.

New, fabric based display banners are providing the ability to create different, interesting shapes such as the collection of Icon banner stands shown here that Printdesigns Limited produced for The BBC.

The Icon Banner Stand uses an oval profile base and a simply upright support pole and shaped top section. The printed graphic is hung over the frame and a silicone bead sewn at the bottom of the print push-fits into the oval base to secure and tension the fabric.

Printing for the stands is produced using a dye sublimation process which allows the prints to be crumpled or folded for convenient store and transportation without causing damage to the print itself. Should the prints become dirty or marked after repeat use, the fabric can even be machine washed.

TEXStyle Icon banner stands are available with a choice of two upright shape profiles and due to the 3 dimensional shape can be viewed from any angle which makes them an ideal banner stand for use in open, public places where traffic may approach from various directions.

TEXStyle Banner Stands with Fabric Graphics

New TEXStyle banner stands with stretch fabric graphics offer a totally unique display solution when compared to traditional roller banner stands.

The fabric 'skin' used on these displays is printed onto highly elastic fabric using a process of printing known as dye sublimation. Dye sublimation printing onto fabric involves printing the ink and then subjecting the fabric to temperatures in excess of 180 degrees which effectively 'fixes' the ink into the fabric.

Due to the process of printing used, fabric graphics for these types of display can be folded up for convenient transport and even machine washed should they become marked or dirty during use.

Aside from the unique appearance that stretch fabric graphics allow, another major benefit with these banner stands is that the prints are not hard-wired to the framework itself. In other words, the graphics can be removed and replaced at will and without the need for purchasing a new display frame.

For exhibitors looking for new, innovative banner stand displays the TEXStyle range of stands from www.printdesigns.com offer a great and distinctive alternative to existing market offerings.

In the example above we see a TEXStyle Swirl Banner Stand produced for Samsung. The display has a far more upmarket, unique look when compared to conventional roller banners.

The number of suppliers who produce banner stands using stretch fabric graphics is quite limited. This is primarily down to the specialist printing equipment that is required and the skills needed to finish (sew) the fabric graphics into completed products. We do expect that in the coming Months and Years that more companies will consider using these types of displays due to the number of benefits they offer.

Banner Stands with a Replaceable Cassette

It's possible to change the printed graphic on almost any roller banner stand but doing so is usually a fiddly process especially if you don't know what you are doing.

Many graphics companies will happily remove and replace the printed banner on your stand if you return the old unit but the process of returning old stands takes time and of course costs money.

Replaceable banner stands allow you to simply lift out the old printed banner cassette and simply drop-in a new one in a matter of seconds. The ability to update graphics as and when required is of great benefit to those customers who want to swap and change between a 'library' of designs that they may build on over time.

The drawbacks of removable cassette banner stands....

Many supplier advertise replaceable cassette systems as a cost saving product whereas this is not the case!

Replaceable cassette banner stands are generally rather more substantial than typical budget / economy roller banners and so are a greater investment to begin with. Likewise, the costs of purchasing a new roller mechanism and print for these stands can also be greater when compared to purchasing a complete economy stand with print.

The Rollbat banner stand from Printdesigns features a good quality, robust base mechanism that is ideal for use is high traffic environments such as busy retail or exhibition spaces. The base itself is more aesthetically-pleasing than most budget type systems having a wide base that negates the need for twist-out stablising feet that are found on budget products.

At only £50 ex vat for a new replacement banner stand graphic, pre-loaded onto a cassette, these stands are not quite as cheap when compared to a complete 'throw away' stand but for those customers looking for an upmarket banner stand at a sensible price, it's a great option.

For more information visit:-

Replaceable cassette banner stand