Sustainable Exhibiting: Solving the Graphics Problem

Foamex, fabric and artwork churn (and how to fix it).

Event graphics, such as banners, signs and backdrops, can pose a sustainability challenge to exhibitors. Naturally, exhibitors like to mix up their stands for different shows, whether that’s to promote new products, support new campaigns, market to new audiences, or even just to keep things fresh. 

No matter the reason for updating the artwork, it does mean that graphics can be produced for a single event before being thrown away. Many are time-sensitive and tailored for specific locations or launches, meaning they aren’t relevant for other events. They may also be poor quality, produced in a rush, with little consideration for potential reuse.

Reducing the volume of graphics you produce, and planning what happens to them after each show, is one of the simplest ways to make exhibiting more sustainable without compromising on design.

Foamex and fabric - recycling in theory, difficult in practice

Some common substrates used for graphics can be recyclable, but the reality is more complicated once printing is involved. Inks, adhesives, laminates and fixings can mean that printed materials require specialist handling after use.

Stand graphics are often made of polyester fabrics, many of which are recyclable. Foamex (a PVC foam board) can also be recycled, but once ink and glue has been applied during the printing process, it’s typically treated as contaminated. This means a specialist process is needed to handle it after use.

The bigger issue is that the majority of stand materials do not get recycled. Finding places that can recycle printed boards and fabrics can be difficult, and as an individual exhibitor, it’s unlikely that you’ll be generating enough waste to make specialist recycling a viable option. At the end of an event, many exhibitors will simply throw them away, as it’s more convenient.

How a specialist partner manages graphics recycling for you

A specialist partner like GES takes responsibility for collecting materials after the show. They sort different substrates - like PVC and fabrics - at scale, so that each material can be sent into either a recycling or reuse stream.

As a single exhibitor, you are unlikely to have access to specialist recycling processes, but a partner can bulk-handle graphic recycling at factory level. You won’t have to worry about how to dispose of trickier substrates - materials can be collected, sorted, and routed correctly as part of a managed service.

Reducing artwork churn (without making your stand boring)

Aside from end-of-life management, rethinking your artwork can further reduce your carbon emissions by minimising the volume of graphics that you use. Where possible, use core, evergreen messaging that can be applicable to multiple events. If you are using modular graphic layouts, only certain panels will need to be changed.

Finally, when it comes to choosing materials, ones that have clear recycling routes should be the priority. There are companies that specialise in upcycling graphics, turning printed artwork into items that can be used time and time again, such as cushion covers and tote bags. For some brands, this can also become a positive story to share post-show.

The goal is not "never change graphics"

Most exhibitors need to refresh messaging across the year. The goal is to stop treating all artwork like it’s disposable by default.

If you can...

• Standardise sizes
• Build a reusable core message
• Swap panels instead of reprinting everything
• Plan end-of-life properly

...you can keep your stand current while dramatically reducing waste and reprint volume.

What next: your graphics checklist

Use this before your next artwork brief:

• What percentage of our messaging can stay evergreen across 6-12 months?
• Can we standardise sizes so panels can be reused across multiple shows?
• Can we shift to modular layouts where only specific panels change?
• What is our rule for reprints (what genuinely triggers new artwork)?
• Do we have a clear plan for collection, sorting and recycling after the event?
• Can our supplier evidence recycling routes and report on outcomes?

This is one of the easiest areas to improve, because it's usually a planning issue, not a creativity issue. If you have any questions about our event services, get in touch with the GES team.