The advantages of sustainable fittings for events and exhibitions
Sustainability is certainly one of the hot topics that has been gaining ground in recent years, as confirmed by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, signed on 25 September 2015 by 193 United Nations countries, including Italy.
The goal? To share a commitment to ensuring a better present and future for our planet and the people who inhabit it. And how can this be done? By taking one step at a time.
This is a change that must be embraced by all sectors of work, and today we will tell you what we can do in ours: sustainable exhibitions, trade fairs and events.
What should be taken into consideration for eco-friendly exhibition stands?
The factors that can determine the success of a sustainably created exhibition stand, event or trade fair can vary and are not limited to the materials used, although these are certainly an important part.
Sustainability must be seen as a new growth opportunity for every exhibiting company, because even through these seemingly small choices, they are able to communicate their values and convey them to the public visiting the exhibition: not just words about good intentions, but also deeds.
This is what people are looking for: honesty. It is no coincidence that more and more companies are being reported for engaging in the practice known as greenwashing, and it is also no coincidence that Europe is trying to stop this phenomenon.
So what can we do? Take action on multiple fronts.
Designing sustainability
The first important step is to identify innovative and circular solutions in the design phase for the architecture of the available space: fasteners, materials, joining systems.
We could start with semi-finished or finished quality products, so as to ensure reuse and reduce new production; then, where possible, try to recycle the pieces or donate them to other organisations such as associations, voluntary bodies or others.
And if they cannot be reused? Then it would be better to plan the dismantling of the individual components according to the material, so that they can be easily collected and disposed of.
Materials
When we talk about trade fairs, exhibitions and events, what immediately comes to mind are the structures and stands. What are the most commonly used materials, those that have respect for the environment in their DNA?
Recyclable and biodegradable materials: recycled cardboard or organic materials, or plastic-free or recycled plastic consumables.
Eco-friendly fabrics: ideal for covering stands; you can choose fabrics made from natural or recycled fibres.
Low environmental impact materials: such as recycled glass, bamboo and cork; these can be used for walls, floors or decorative details.
It is advisable to limit the use of non-reusable materials such as plasterboard.
In addition to the choice of materials, sustainability can also be considered in relation to paints, printing inks, etc. It is always better to choose products with low environmental impact and safety, such as water-based paints.
Cardboard
The intrinsic characteristics of cardboard make it an excellent choice for temporary installations at trade fairs, exhibition spaces, exhibitions, and shop windows. But that's not all: it is also an excellent tool for use in interior design, perhaps to delimit spaces within shared areas.
The type often used for these events is honeycomb cardboard panels, which are both sturdy and lightweight. There are three types:
Perforated honeycomb
Continuous closed honeycomb
Expanded (or open) honeycomb
One of the most interesting features of cardboard for use in installations is its high degree of acoustic and thermal insulation, perfect for crowded places such as trade fairs or events.
Suppliers
In addition to design and materials, the choice of suppliers is another important factor in terms of sustainability: how? By choosing suppliers who have a sustainable management system in place, in accordance with ISO 20121 and international standards.
The location of suppliers can also have an impact: it is best to choose based on supply distance, taking into account logistical sustainability, both in terms of the distances to be travelled and the means of transport to be used.
Communication
Communicating sustainability creates an emotional bond with customers. When a brand communicates its sustainable actions transparently, consumers feel involved and more loyal to the brand.
This is why it is very important to have staff who are able to convey this message of sustainability in the best possible way, favouring online communication methods and minimising printed material (unless it is also sustainable).
Why choose a sustainable exhibition stand
To conclude this article, we would like to summarise the possible advantages of choosing a sustainable exhibition stand.
Reduced environmental impact: obvious but certainly the first indisputable advantage
Positive image and reputation: assuring people that your approach is not only sustainable in words but also in deeds increases the credibility of a brand.
Regulatory compliance: many events are becoming increasingly eco-friendly, banning the use of certain materials. The Salone del Mobile 2024 itself has banned the use of plasterboard within exhibition spaces.
Potential financial savings: opting for reusable options can lead to significant financial savings in the long term. If you also combine this with the use of LED lighting, even better.
Now that you have discovered all these advantages, come and find out about our design and fitting-out service for trade fairs, events and showrooms, and together we can create a sustainable stand tailored to your needs.
