How to create sustainable exhibition stands?

Sustainability and impact on the environment are important topics in today’s world. Now, more than ever, consumers are concerned about landfill waste and are increasingly turning to recyclable materials and sustainable practices.

Unfortunately, the exhibition industry has, for a long time, generated significant waste! Not only do business events unite large groups of people, but they also involve large quantities of temporary stands, many of which are sadly disposable. Last year alone, there were 1,100 exhibitions in the UK and approximately 178,000 exhibitors. If each of those businesses opted for a disposable stand, the environmental impact would be severe.

Luckily, many businesses are working to improve the environmental impact of their exhibition stands. So, what does sustainable exhibiting look like, and how can you create an eco-friendly, responsible exhibition stand?

Selecting a reusable exhibition stand is the most important part of sustainable exhibiting.

There are a lot of mixed messages online about what makes a stand environmentally friendly. While there’s no perfect solution, sustainability ultimately comes down to two key factors: the materials used and the lifespan of the stand.

In general, for something to be sustainable, the practices must be able to be sustained long-term, without depleting natural resources or harming the environment.

In the world of exhibitions, this means opting for reusable stands made with eco-friendly materials!

Here is a little more info about some of the popular solutions on the market:

• Custom-Builds – Traditionally disposable and made from unsustainable materials like MDF, ply-faced panelling, topped with acrylic, vinyl and paint.
• Recyclable Stands – Often made using materials like hemp, cardboard, cork and ethically sourced timber. While better than traditional custom builds, they are still disposable.
• Modular Stands – Reusable, reconfigurable stands, made using aluminium frames, overlayed with graphic media. Reconfigurability maximises reuse opportunities across a variety of shows. Aluminium can be recycled endlessly and is often referred to as a green metal – it’s usually used on a hire plan, allowing it to be used to its full lifespan. Panels are designed for long-term use but can be replaced with minimal waste.

Exhibition stands are a significant part of creating a sustainable trade show presence, but they are not the only factors at play.

Replacing pamphlets and literature with digital resources is a great way to improve your sustainability at trade shows and to integrate tracking to measure engagement and ROI. Businesses can do this using QR codes and NFC tech!

While one company’s move to paperless events may not have a notable impact, across an entire show, the effect is substantial. Now think about this impact magnified across an entire year!

Many people are surprised to know that travel emissions are the primary driver of the carbon footprint for trade shows and conferences, typically accounting for between 60 – 90% of total emissions.

Since many shows are now co-located, we may be seeing more concentrated figures. It’s also worth remembering that international attendance will be a key contributor. Nonetheless, these figures are a clear sign that we need to reduce impact where possible, whether through car-sharing, minibus hire or the use of public transport.

It’s worth noting that different stand types also impact travel emissions. Since custom builds are heavier, they usually require HGVs, which create greater travel emissions. Modular stands typically create fewer emissions as they can be transported in large estate cars or LGVs, where they’re often packed alongside many other stands. This makes them a more sustainable choice in terms of emissions.

Another factor in sustainable exhibition stands is the choice of lighting. Make sure to opt for sustainable LEDs, which can help make your exhibition pop, without costing the environment!

Finally, select sustainable giveaways. When creating sustainable giveaways, focus on selecting useful items that will be kept long-term, preferably made using sustainable materials.

Exhibiting sustainably is not just about the type of exhibition stand selected, but also about how you use it.

Stands are much more environmentally friendly when they are in use for longer, and this should be a consideration when selecting a system and curating a stand design.

Where possible, consider a brand-first design, focusing on evergreen content and timeless design styles. For product launches or impermanent content, use screens, small segments of the stand or digital resources!

Timeless design, paired with a high-quality, reconfigurable exhibition stand, can keep a stand in use for years, significantly reducing its environmental footprint.

If you want to discuss a sustainable exhibition stand design, our design consultants have years of experience creating stands that get businesses noticed, without sacrificing sustainability impact. Contact us at +44 (0)1202 723 500 or design@quadrant2design.com to speak to one of our talented and expert Design Consultants for a free, no-obligation design proposal.