Hardware
Sustainability a necessary consideration in kiosk design
Sustainability is becoming a core design consideration rather than a secondary feature.
February 3, 2026 by Richard Slawsky
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ClaudeAs the use of self-service kiosks proliferates, design considerations have expanded beyond simply durability, usability and cost. From energy-efficient electronics and modular components to enclosures made from recycled materials, sustainability is becoming a core design consideration rather than a secondary feature.
This shift reflects a growing recognition that kiosks can play a meaningful role in reducing environmental impact while still delivering reliable, efficient service.
Growth shows no sign of slowing
Although there's no clear count of the number of kiosks currently in use worldwide, the figure is certainly in the tens of millions. One industry sourcepegs the number of units deployed in restaurants alone as of 2025 at around 500,000, and that's only one of many use cases. Market research predicts that the self-service kiosk market will grow at a 10.9% clip over the next several years.
At the same time, the typical lifespan of a self-service kiosk is 5-7 years. That cycle of expansion and replacement offers opportunities to incorporate new features and eco-friendly designs, while also raising challenges related to energy use and e-waste.
When it comes to energy, more kiosks being deployed means a direct increase in electricity costs, while indirectly, the growing use of artificial intelligence in user interfaces ultimately leads to rising energy demands to fuel the data centers that power those features.
Additionally, the cycle of expansion and replacement means that as more kiosks are deployed, the amount of electronic waste rises. According to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, 82 million tons of e-waste is expected to be produced in 2030, up 32% from a record 62 million tons produced in 2022. Less than a fourth of that is expected to be recycled.
E-waste can include toxic substances such as lead, mercury and arsenic, according to the Geneva Environment Network, leading to health effects such as cancers, miscarriages and neurological damage. Although it's impossible to determine how much e-waste is attributable to kiosk replacements, the percentage is certainly nonzero.
Sustainability efforts on the rise
To help address those challenges, kiosks increasingly incorporate energy-efficient components such as LED screens, low-power processors and automatic standby or sleep modes that lower electricity consumption when the device is idle. Some systems also include motion sensors that activate the display only when a user is present, further conserving energy during periods of inactivity.
"We collaborate with customers to design solutions with sustainability at their core," said Scott Eggers, principal product manager, Zebra Technologies, in an email interview.
"Designed for low energy consumption, our kiosks feature options like smart power management," Eggers said. "This reduces environmental impact and lowers electricity costs."
Frank Mayer & Associates, a provider of interactive kiosks and retail displays, offered recommendations in a company blog that include incorporating a modular design that make it possible to swap out parts or make brand refreshes without the need to discard an entire fixture, contributing to a reduction in e-waste.
Frank Mayer also suggests using recycled aluminum, steel and plastics as well as supporting end-of-life recycling programs. Additionally, lightweight materials and flat-pack shipping can reduce fuel use and save on transport costs during transit to stores; sustainability benefits that can become significant over hundreds or thousands of units.
Diebold Nixdorf also emphasizes modular designs and power-efficient systems that support lower energy consumption and a reduced environmental impact in its product messaging.
"Diebold Nixdorf is committed to acting sustainably," the company states on its website. "We look at the entire lifecycle of our solutions–this includes design and development, the manufacturing process, the operational life, ongoing support and finally product recycling and reuse at the end of its lifecycle."
Sustainability certifications an added benefit
To help tout their sustainability efforts, manufacturers can apply for a number of certifications they can spotlight when marketing their products. Sustainability certifications for kiosks include:
ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program that certifies energy-efficient electronic products such as displays, computers, and power systems commonly used in kiosks. While complete kiosk assemblies are not always certified, manufacturers frequently specify ENERGY STAR-certified components to reduce power consumption and operating costs.
EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool)
EPEAT is a global ecolabel that evaluates the environmental performance of electronic products across their lifecycle, including energy use, materials, recyclability, and repairability. Kiosk manufacturers can demonstrate alignment with sustainability by incorporating EPEAT-registered displays, PCs, or integrated electronics.
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Compliance
RoHS is a European Union directive that restricts the use of hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and certain flame retardants in electronic equipment. Although mandatory in the EU, RoHS compliance is widely expected in global electronics manufacturing, including kiosks.
WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Compliance
The WEEE Directive governs the collection, recycling, and recovery of electronic waste in the European Union. Kiosk manufacturers selling into EU markets must register and participate in approved end-of-life recovery schemes. Even outside Europe, WEEE principles are increasingly referenced by sustainability-focused buyers seeking circular-economy practices and responsible asset disposal.
Most kiosk manufacturers demonstrate sustainability through a combination of certifications rather than a single universal standard. Zebra's kiosks, for example, are EPEAT Silver- and ENERGY STAR-certified. Another provider, KIOSK Information Systems, notes that its facilities are ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality management systems and ISO 14001:2015 certified for environmental management, underscoring the company's commitment to environmental standards and sustainable operational practices. These are just a few of the kiosk vendors incorporating sustainable practices into their product design.
More than marketing
The benefits of incorporating sustainability in kiosk design go well beyond marketing hype and extend to the bottom line. U.S. federal procurement policy, for example, requires agencies to purchase products certified under programs such as ENERGY STAR and encourages the use of EPEAT-registered electronics, meaning having those certifications offers an edge when competing for government contracts.
Around the world, it's estimated that51% of global businesses and 45% of public sector organizations include sustainability requirements in procurement policies.
Ultimately, sustainability is becoming inseparable from good design rather than an optional add-on, and decisions made at the design stage can have long-lasting environmental and financial consequences. Manufacturers and deployers that prioritize energy efficiency, modularity, responsible materials and end-of-life planning are better positioned to control operating costs, limit e-waste and meet evolving buyer requirements.
About Richard Slawsky
In addition to writing, Slawsky serves as an adjunct professor of Communication at the University of Louisville and other local colleges. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Communication from the University of Louisville and is a member of Mensa and the National Communication Association.
Included In This Story
Frank Mayer and Associates
Custom Kiosk Design | Manufacturer
Frank Mayer Kiosks and Displays specializes in large-scale rollouts of custom digital kiosks for enterprise and growth-oriented brands. With a relentless focus on premium design, customization, and end-to-end service, we manufacture self-service customer engagement solutions that expand market reach, boost sales, and enhance brand equity.
Zebra Technologies
Zebra’s scan engines for self-service kiosk solutions give customers seamless quick service technology while providing a long lifecycle they can count on.
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