As climate change continues to be a growing concern around the world, the term 'sustainability' is no longer a buzzword, it's now a crucial requirement that has echoed into the event industry.
The event industry is a key user of single-use plastic, much of which ends up in a landfill. Something we're on a mission to change.
The question is, how can you as an exhibitor deliver at an event that has an impact on your stand visitors, but not the environment?
1. Think Green with Your Stands
If you're looking to exhibit at a show, the first step is to organise your stand. But don't let your stand be a one-show wonder. Increasingly, exhibition stands are built to last with many exhibitors reusing custom-built stands, as well as any specifically designed elements.
But, if commissioning a custom built stand isn't in your budget, there are equally good alternatives out there. Take our Show Ready Exhibition Packages, for example. You'll get all the flash of a custom build styling, without the price tag or the cost to the planet. Everything is recyclable or reusable - a completely zero-to-landfill option for the eco-conscious exhibitor.
By incorporating sustainability into your exhibition stands, from the stand build, through to the graphics, all without sacrificing quality, but having a positive impact on cost, you will be playing a huge part in the industry's efforts in going green.
(Did you also know that the graphics we create for stands are 100% recycled? We definitely take our part in being kind to our planet seriously!)
2. Go Plastic and Paper-Free
We're all aware of how much damage plastics are doing to our landfills and oceans if not recycled correctly. Its creation alone carries a massive carbon footprint. So, what can you do to go plastic-free and eliminate single-use plastics at your next event?
- Using plastic name badge holders? We've launched a completely recyclable, custom-printed badge holder that looks great and has the durability of traditional badges all while keeping sustainability front of mind.
- Eliminate the use of plastic cups and plates at your stands, and always bring your own reusable water bottle and coffee cups!
But, it shouldn't stop there...
Going paper-free by switching to digital with your materials is a positive movement for sustainability in several ways:
- Increased awareness - Committing to paper-free events helps raise awareness of the importance of event sustainability, inspiring others to adopt more eco-friendly practices in how they live, both professionally and personally.
- Improved recycling - Having a focus on digital replacements, events can promote the use of recyclable and sustainable materials, making it easier to recycle and cutting down on overall waste.
- Reduced waste - By switching to digital, events can significantly reduce the amount of paper waste and packaging materials.
Visit Connect allows users to scan QR codes using their mobile phones to access all of your resources at the convenience of having them all on their mobile phones by using a 'digital briefcase', a completely eco-friendly alternative to paper resources.
Not only is it more eco-friendly going completely paper-free with e-invites, tickets, and other digital replacements, but it also has an impact on the overall cost of exhibiting at an event, with printing costs being next to none.
A research study carried out by events consultancy, MeetGreen showed that over 170 kilograms of carbon emissions are generated per attendee, each day of the event.
But that's just carbon emissions...
When you think about how many events run every day, the amount of waste can rack up to a huge amount, especially if it isn't even recycled. So we'll help you do your bit with your stand, but we'll need your help too if we're to create 100% zero-waste events.
3. Be Greener with your Catering
Keeping it local, and choosing organic catering for your stand, is a fantastic way to play your part in making events more sustainable. Buying locally sourced catering helps you have a positive social and economic impact on the surrounding area of the event. It also cuts down on the number of carbon emissions used as the produce doesn't need to be transported a long distance if locally sourced.
For your catering choices, you could also consider including meat-free and plant-based options, which are always greener for the event as they're less resource-intensive than meat.
Did you know that the average event wastes between 15%-20% of the food it produces? Now if you multiply that by how many events happen every day, that totals up to a significant amount of food waste each time.
But it doesn't have to be that way.
If you choose to provide catering for your stand, it can be tricky planning how much to order, and this alone can increase waste in the industry.
So why not donate any leftovers to a local food shelter or get in touch with the local heroes at FareShare to see what you can do to help?
4. Pick an Eco-Friendly Venue
When you're in the process of choosing where you want to exhibit, you should select a venue that perfectly reflects your organisation's sustainability goals.
Be on the lookout for venues that:
- Encourages reduced plastic and waste.
- Has the ability to include your sustainability goals in the event.
- Ensures there are plenty of recycling stations around the venue, or has an effective in-house recycling policy.
- Has the correct sustainability certifications showing they have the right factors to be an environmentally-friendly event choice.
- Has good public transport links to be able to travel green, minimising the amount of transport needed to get to the venue and encouraging visitors to ride/walk in.
5. Choose a Sustainable Supplier
Check for suppliers' sustainability practices and products when you're deciding on which supplier to work with. This is key, as it's super important for them to align with your company's sustainability efforts.
From non-toxic material alternatives, reduction, as well as reuse/recycling of resources, and waste minimisation, it's a must to keep these factors in mind when choosing your supplier.
There are several accreditations that suppliers that practice event sustainability can obtain, some include:
- ISO 20121: This accreditation offers guidance to help manage events by working on the event's social, economic, and overall environmental impact, no matter the type of event, or size.
- The ESSA Sustainability Accreditation: Formed in line with ISO Standards, current industry standards, and the EIA cross associations supplier commitments. Covering 13 different areas of business management, ESSA uses a point system with accreditation tiers; bronze, silver, gold, and platinum.
Choosing a supplier that holds different sustainability accreditations, it highlights their efforts in being a sustainable supplier for events, and this is the type of team you'd want to partner with to achieve an eco-friendly event!
There are also certain memberships that suppliers can be a part of to reflect their sustainability efforts, such as FESPA.
FESPA UK provides guidance, training, and networking opportunities to its members, but it's also behind a number of shared learning initiatives that encourage better products and working practices, from sustainable printing to material and textile design, right down to waste management.
(It just so happens we have all of these memberships and accreditations, just saying...)
By keeping our tips in mind next time you're looking to exhibit at a show, you will be playing a detrimental part in a greener future, for our planet, and for everyone.
With years of industry experience, our team can expertly guide you on how to reduce waste and focus on the overall result of being green, all whilst still having a successful show.
If you would like more information on how to make your next event your greenest one yet, contact us today, we're always happy to help!