Our Exhibitors
By continuously promoting sustainable design practices, we can create a more sustainable design industry.
This can have a positive impact not only on the environment, but also on the health and well-being of the people who live and work in the spaces we design.
To achieve this, we have set a goal to eliminate all disposable stands at our EMEA events, and we are actively engaging with our exhibitors to make this happen.
Our Better Stands campaign aims to tackle the environmental impact of stands and booths at exhibitions. By adopting reusable structures, we can significantly reduce waste while also enjoying various benefits.
An event stand is a temporary structure, so it’s important to design it in a low-impact, eco-friendly way. The main points to consider would be avoiding anything one use, swapping in sustainable materials where possible, and minimising waste.
Avoid One Use
- What will you be putting on your stand that you won’t be able to use again? Try and avoid this. Where is your paint or wallpaper from, can you find a lower impact option?
- Carpet - after the event can you take this off and get it made into a rug, or donate it to charity? What will be leftover when the event is done, how can you find a new use or rehome it?
Sustainable materials
- Use only recycled or recyclable materials like recycled wood, metal, or plastic. Ensure that the materials can be recycled or reused after the event.
- Natural materials are worth considering such as using bamboo, cork, or other rapidly renewable resources.
Minimising Waste
- Marketing materials - can you use QR codes instead of handing our physical marketing collateral. If you do need to print, ensure it's on recycled paper or that the paper you print on can be recycled. Perhaps use digital screens for information rather than handouts?
- Transport and deliveries - can you lower your carbon footprint in this area? Can you source locally, use fuel-efficient or electric vehicles for transporting materials to the event.
- Design - When designing your stand, use a design that incorporates modular and reusable elements to design out waste.
By focusing on these aspects, you can build a stand that not only serves its purpose at the event but also minimises its environmental impact.
There are small policies you can introduce to your team while they are working on the stand, that will make a difference. Emphasise the importance of recycling while you are on the stand, ensure that all your waste is disposed of in the correct bins throughout the venue. Recycle during build and break down of your stand too. Encourage team members to bring in their food in reusable containers and water in their own refillable bottle, car pool or take the train where possible or even better walk cyle in.
If you have a sustainability pledge, or goals - make sure they are clear for all to see and talk to visitors about them. The public are interested, and it’s your opportunity to show your positive work.
Learn more about what you can do to lower its impact, in all areas of your company, at our ‘Sustainability Discussions @ Decorex’ stand. Throughout the event we have multiple drop in sustainability sessions to share ideas and thoughts to improve the way we do business.
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