The most effective POP materials to highlight your promotions
POP (Point of Purchase)

The most effective POP materials to highlight your promotions

August 18, 2025

Do you want your promotions to really catch your customers’ attention in-store?

Then you need to choose your POP materials carefully. Because it is not just about design — it is about visual impact, durability and sustainability.

Today we are going to look at a guide so you can pick the best materials for your POP based on your goal, type of campaign and budget.

 

What is POP and why is it so important?

Point of Purchase (POP) advertising consists of physical supports placed in points of sale or retail spaces to promote products, offers or brands.

They can play several roles:

  • Capture consumer attention straight away.
  • Reinforce brand image with a strong visual presence.
  • Drive sales at the very moment of purchase.

And if you pick the right materials for your POP, you can turn a simple display into a real conversion tool.

 

Most-used POP materials to highlight promotions

Not every material works the same in every campaign.

Let us look at the most popular ones and their advantages, so you can apply the best POP strategy to drive your sales.

 

1. Cardboard. Affordable, versatile and eco-friendly

Cardboard displays are one of the most popular options, especially in POP for short-term campaigns. Why?

  • Easy to assemble and transport.
  • 100% customisable.
  • Recycled cardboard POP is available, an environmentally friendly solution.

It is also ideal if you are looking for recyclable POP with low production cost.

2. Acrylic. Durability and transparency

Acrylic POP is perfect for products that need a more elegant or long-lasting finish, such as cosmetics or electronics.

  • High resistance to continuous use.
  • Offers a more premium presentation.
  • Perfect for high-traffic zones or long campaigns.

3. Plastic. Strong and mouldable

Plastic POP offers a durable and adaptable solution and is ideal when you need curved shapes or complex structures.

  • A good option for interactive displays.
  • Handles humidity and prolonged use well.
  • You can combine it with lighting or moving elements.

4. Cardboard and metal combined. Stability with design

Have you considered a POP that combines cardboard and metal? This format gives visual lightness with structural robustness — a great combination for heavy products or demanding zones.

  • Tougher than cardboard alone.
  • Keeps a clean and functional design.
  • Ideal for hot spots in-store.

5. Adhesive vinyls. Make the most of every surface

Adhesive vinyls for floors or walls let you use zones that usually remain free. You can use them to:

  • Signpost promotions.
  • Guide customer flow towards a product.
  • Generate interaction with short-term campaigns.

This type of POP material is affordable, eye-catching and very easy to apply.

 

How to pick the ideal POP material for your campaign

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Picking the right POP material depends on several key factors you should be clear about before designing any support.

1. Type of product you are promoting

Is it a light or heavy product? Premium or mass-market?

These questions will help you decide whether you need a sturdy POP or something more temporary.

2. Campaign duration

For campaigns of just a few days, choose affordable materials such as cardboard. For long-term promotions, invest in POP made with sustainable, durable materials.

3. Location within the point of sale

If the support will sit near the entrance, in a traffic zone or next to the shelf, the material must suit the environment. For example:

  • Cardboard. Ideal for aisles and gondola ends.
  • Acrylic or plastic. Recommended for display cases or high-contact zones.

4. Available budget

Sometimes the most expensive is not the most effective. Many POP types can be adapted to your budget without losing visual impact or functionality.

 

Which POP materials are more sustainable?

More and more brands are choosing to make their POP with sustainable materials in order to connect with consumers who are much more engaged with the environment.

Let us look at some options in this area.

  • Recycled and recyclable cardboard.
  • Bioplastics derived from plants.
  • Reusable materials such as modular metal.

So if your brand has an environmental commitment, pick supports that reflect it — today, visual impact must go hand in hand with ecological impact.

Remember: good POP does not just decorate, it sells, positions and moves people. So take the time to plan and choose wisely.