Why we can truly say our mannequins are 100% recyclable
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
Sustainability has become a key topic in the retail industry. Within the world of mannequins and visual merchandising, terms like eco, bio-resin, and sustainable materials are used more and more often.
But if we are honest, in many cases it is mostly marketing.
The reality is that many so-called sustainable mannequins are not fully recyclable in practice. At Bonami, we decided to approach sustainability differently. That’s why our mannequins are designed to be 100% recyclable and genuinely sustainable.
The problem with many “sustainable” mannequins
Today we see several initiatives on the market claiming to be environmentally friendly.
Bio-resin mannequins
Bio-resin mannequins are often presented as a sustainable alternative. However, they are not recyclable as a complete product, which makes it difficult to fully process them at the end of their lifecycle.
Paper or cardboard mannequins
At first glance, mannequins made from paper or cardboard may seem like an eco-friendly idea. But here as well, there is a major limitation: the internal metal systems are permanently glued inside the mannequin.
In addition, paper and cardboard are not ideal for retail environments. Stores are regularly cleaned with water, and moisture can easily damage these materials.
The result? The mannequin cannot be fully recycled without cutting out the internal components first. And that is exactly where the problem lies.
Moreover, the lifespan of these mannequins is often limited, as they are not resistant to humidity or intensive use.
Why this doesn’t work in practice
To recycle mannequins where the internal systems are permanently fixed, the metal components must first be cut out and removed.
This means:
extra work
extra time
extra costs
In reality, almost no one will carry out this process. It is simply too complex and expensive.
The result?Many mannequins marketed as “sustainable” still end up as waste.
How Bonami makes the difference
At Bonami, we approached sustainability starting from the design stage.
Our mannequins are developed so that all internal systems can easily be removed.
This means:
internal systems can be reused
the mannequin itself can be fully recycled
the process remains simple and efficient
No complicated dismantling. No additional costs.Just a smart design that makes recycling truly possible.
Color in the material, not on the surface
Another major difference lies in our finishing process.
Many traditional mannequins are spray-painted. This leads to several disadvantages:
paint can chip or peel over time
paint must be removed through sandblasting before recycling
In addition, multiple materials are often used under the paint layer to create a smooth surface. These materials remain invisible but make the product much harder to recycle.
At Bonami, we do things differently.
Our mannequins are not painted. The color is integrated directly into the material itself.
This offers several advantages:
much easier recycling
no paint peeling
no visible damage if the mannequin falls
scratches can be easily repaired with sandpaper
As a result, our mannequins remain beautiful for many years, even in demanding retail environments.
Sustainability starts with smart design
True sustainability goes beyond simply choosing the right material.It is about how a product is designed and what happens at the end of its lifecycle.
By:
making internal systems reusable
designing mannequins to be fully recyclable
eliminating the need for paint
we create mannequins that are sustainable from start to finish.
Transparency instead of greenwashing
The retail industry deserves honest solutions, not just marketing terms.
That is why we choose transparency. Not because sustainability is a trend, but because we believe products can and should be designed better.
Looking for truly sustainable mannequins?
Would you like to learn more about our 100% recyclable mannequins and how they can enhance your retail displays and visual merchandising?
📩 Feel free to contact us — we will gladly help you find the right solution.
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