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The foundation’s donor recognition display featured 11 acrylic panels with names printed on them. Each year, as new donors were added, the foundation needed to update the display. The pre-Thysse approach meant scrapping the full set and replacing them with freshly printed panels—even if only a few names had changed.
That got expensive fast. Acrylic isn’t cheap, and it’s heavy. It’s also delicate—soft enough to scratch during handling, and the printed surface could be damaged during install. Updates had to be done by professional installers, just to avoid costly mistakes.
The display looked beautiful, but the process? Not so much. That’s when Emma got pulled in. They needed a smarter way to manage updates—something that kept the look they loved but made life a whole lot easier.
Instead of replacing every acrylic panel each year, Emma suggested a more sustainable and cost-effective approach. To maintain the same thick-glass appearance, she proposed sandwiching a printed transparent layer between two blank acrylic panels.
This layered solution allows the expensive outer panels to stay in place year after year. Only the inner printed layer needs to be updated—and that layer is now produced on thin (0.020") PETG. PETG is a transparent, flexible, and durable material that closely resembles acrylic in appearance but costs significantly less. The end result looks identical to the original method, but it’s far more efficient in both cost and process.
Each updated panel includes:
The front panel can be easily removed, allowing the association’s team to slide in a new PETG insert without tools or adhesives. The PETG layer is scratch-resistant, lightweight, and simple to align—making the update process quick and seamless.
“The fun part for me is really searching for that ideal solution. In this case, we came up with something that's visually identical to the original, but works better and costs a lot less. From raw materials to print, shipping and installation, this solution added value across the board.”
—Emma Lyons, Account Manager at Thysse
Thysse produced PETG panels sized to drop seamlessly into the original donor wall structure. With reduced material thickness and easier handling, the client can now remove the acrylic facer, update the insert, and reseal the panel—all without disassembling the structure or risking scratches or fit issues.
Emma provided clear install guidance and support on the first update, but now the client is empowered to handle updates on their own going forward.
The updated system reduced annual update costs by a staggering 70%—and... and made the display easier to maintain. It also gave the foundation peace of mind: they can now recognize donors on their own timeline, without worrying about damaging high-cost materials or coordinating professional services.
The client came to us with an existing display and design files in place. We simply found the right materials and process improvements to make their system work better.
Whether we’re designing from the ground up or stepping in to support a preexisting concept, Thysse adapts to what each client needs—offering practical, cost-effective solutions that keep recognition programs running smoothly.
Whether you're managing or considering a donor wall, employee recognition system, or facility display, Thysse offers multiple ways to partner.
Already have a design? We’ll help bring it to life—with better materials, fulfillment, and long-term usability. Need support from the start? Our design team can help craft the full experience.
Explore more at thysse.com/wide-format, or reach out to Emma directly at emma@thysse.com.
