Dufaylite Design Lab: Episode 6

Ultra Board drawer unit build: Recyclable storage units for retail and POS

The Ultra Board drawer unit build proves how printers can create practical, branded, and recyclable storage units using FSC® certified paper honeycomb board. Designed for print environments, this unit combines smart engineering with clean aesthetics, offering a fast-build, flat-pack solution for storing and displaying products.

For printers producing eco-friendly display solutions, this project shows how simple, precision-cut parts can deliver structural strength, smooth drawer function, and strong visual impact using sustainable POS furniture materials. Typical applications include temporary office fit-outs, sustainable creative spaces and temporary accommodation environments.

Watch the Ultra Board drawer unit build

Want to test the strength for yourself?

Explore the same FSC® certified board used in the Ultra Board drawer unit build by requesting a free sample. Lightweight, printable and engineered for strength, it’s the ideal way to experience recyclable retail units before your next furniture or POS project.

Request a sample to assess strength, print quality and suitability for drawer units.

How to create recyclable storage units from recyclable materials

The challenge: could fully functional recyclable storage units be made from recyclable materials that still offer both strength and drawer functionality, using only paper honeycomb board? The result is a modular, glue-free build that printers can assemble with ease. Designed with modular display furniture in mind, the drawer unit is developed using CAD-led design, precision V-cuts, and slot-fit construction to ensure it works like a retail-ready product, but without plastic, glue, or excess weight. These recyclable storage units are suitable for retail stock rooms, exhibition storage, and temporary in-store installations where sustainability and simple logistics matter. Beyond retail and POS, the unit can also be used in temporary office environments, creative studios and short-term accommodation spaces where lightweight, flat-pack storage is required. Once no longer required, the unit can be disassembled and placed into standard kerbside recycling streams. If you’re exploring recyclable materials for print-led applications, our guide to kerbside recyclable packaging explains how these materials are designed to enter standard recycling streams.

The Process

How the drawer unit was built using paper honeycomb board

CAD-cut components for precision fit and modular assembly
V-groove folding to create structure and drawer cavities
Smooth-sliding drawers tested for usability and strength
Fully recyclable build, made from FSC® certified board
No glue, tools, or screws required
Flat-pack format for simple shipping, transport, and setup

The Result

Recyclable display storage that works hard

The Ultra Board drawer unit build proves that eco-friendly display solutions can still deliver on strength, practicality, and style – even under real-world load.

Deep, functional drawers with easy slide action
Fully printable surfaces for branding or wrap graphics
Supports heavy weights despite compact size
Modular format for retail display zones, exhibitions, or back-of-house
Flat-packable and reusable across multiple sites
Made from 100% recyclable paper honeycomb board

A smart way to add flat-pack retail furniture to your service offering.

Key benefits for printers creating recyclable storage units

Precision-built for strength, speed, and simplicity
Recyclable and FSC® certified – no plastic, no glue
Printable surface for direct-to-board branding
Lightweight for easy transport, heavy-duty for real use
Ideal for temporary displays, retail stock storage, or POS features
Helps printers offer modular display furniture with an eco advantage
Versatile enough for temporary offices, creative spaces and short-term accommodation projects

Choosing the right Ultra Board for display storage builds

The Ultra Board range gives printers flexible options for strength, finish and budget when creating recyclable retail units or storage displays.

3D and 3D White

Universal

Graphic

2D and 2D White

3D and 3D White

For the strongest, most robust drawer units.

Universal

Natural brown board ideal for wrapped finishes.

Graphic

Lightweight and cost-effective for signage or backdrops.

2D and 2D White

Perfect for eco signage or backing panels.

Each board is made from recyclable paper honeycomb board storage material and engineered for print performance.

Compare Ultra Board Grades

Request a Free Sample ›

Frequently Asked Questions

Can printers build functional drawers from paper-based materials?

Yes. Printers can build functional drawers from paper-based materials when those materials are engineered for strength, stability and repeat use. The Ultra Board drawer unit build demonstrates how paper honeycomb board storage solutions can deliver smooth drawer operation, internal support and long-term structural integrity. Precision slot-fit construction ensures the drawers perform reliably under regular handling. This allows printers to manufacture recyclable storage units suitable for retail displays, pop-ups and exhibitions, providing a credible alternative to plastic or MDF furniture.

What is the best sustainable material for flat-pack retail furniture?

Paper honeycomb board is widely regarded as one of the best sustainable materials for flat-pack retail furniture. It combines lightweight handling with high compressive strength and excellent printability, while remaining fully recyclable at end of life. For printers, this enables the production of recyclable retail units that meet sustainability targets without compromising durability, appearance or transport efficiency.

Can paper-based drawer units be branded for retail displays?

Yes. Paper-based drawer units made from Ultra Board can be fully branded using direct digital printing or vinyl wrapping on standard wide-format print equipment. The smooth liner surface supports high-quality graphics, making these units ideal for sustainable POS furniture that needs to communicate brand messaging, campaign visuals or retail information while also providing functional storage.

How easy is it for printers to assemble flat-pack drawer units on-site?

Flat-pack drawer units made from Ultra Board are designed to be assembled quickly and efficiently on-site. As modular display furniture, they use CAD-cut components, precision V-grooves and slot-fit construction, allowing one person to assemble the unit in minutes without tools. This makes them particularly suitable for temporary retail installations, exhibitions and event environments where speed and simplicity are essential.

Are paper-based drawer units suitable for active retail environments?

Yes. Paper-based drawer units are suitable for active retail environments when engineered using reinforced honeycomb structures. Ultra Board drawer units are designed to withstand repeated handling, storage loads and day-to-day interaction. This makes them a practical choice for eco-friendly display solutions in retail zones, back-of-house areas and promotional spaces where durability, sustainability and end-of-life recyclability all matter.

What are recyclable drawer units used for in print-led display projects?

Ultra Board drawer units are used by printers to create flat-pack, recyclable storage and display furniture for a wide range of print-led applications. Common uses include retail POS installations, exhibitions, pop-ups and back-of-house storage, where lightweight, printable and modular furniture is required.

Beyond retail, these units are also suitable for temporary office fit-outs, creative studio spaces and short-term accommodation projects, where printers need sustainable, easy-to-assemble furniture that can be branded, reconfigured and recycled at end of use.

Because paper honeycomb board combines structural strength with low weight and excellent printability, printers can produce drawer units in short or long runs without tooling costs, making them ideal for both bespoke projects and scalable campaigns.

Explore more recyclable display furniture in the Dufaylite Design Lab

The Ultra Board drawer unit build is one of many innovative projects developed in the Dufaylite Design Lab. These builds demonstrate how paper honeycomb board can be transformed into strong, printable and recyclable display furniture for retail, events, POS and exhibitions. From seating and signage to workstations and banners, each build shows how far printers can go with sustainable design thinking.

See what’s possible with recyclable display furniture.