The amount of waste generated at exhibitions and events is a hot topic right now, so we thought we\u2019d explore some of the ways that the industry is addressing this, from a stand building and materials point of view, our own exhibition logistics and commitment to reducing our environmental impact wherever we can. As an exhibitor, some small steps can add up to a big change \u2013 but only if a sufficient proportion of exhibitors buy into it, whether by choice or by show organisers imposing new rules and regulations to force the hand of companies.<\/p>\n
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Exhibition Stand Materials<\/strong><\/p>\n According to estimates by \u2018Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy\u2019 90% of the conventional materials used for stand building is dumped in the mixed residual waste at the end of a show. (Source: beMatrix Sustainability Charter) This is a shocking figure, even more so because a very large proportion of this waste is avoidable.<\/p>\n What is a \u201csustainable product? \u201cSustainable products are those products that provide environmental, social and economic benefits while protecting public health and environment over their whole life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials until the final disposal\u201d. (Source: Wikipedia) – one of the key parts of this sentence is the mention of \u2018life cycle\u2019. Everything has a life cycle, one of the easiest ways to reduce environmental is to ensure that wherever possible the products you use are reusable time and again \u2013 thus extending their life-cycle. Single use, wooden framed traditional style exhibition stands should be consigned to where they belong \u2013 to history.<\/p>\n New materials, new manufacturing techniques, innovative new designs are now all part of the tool kit at your disposal when it comes to exhibiting.\u00a0 Whatever stand you decide on, there will always be a number of options of materials you can use. Consider the environmental properties, the energy-efficiency, ability to recycle, and of course, the ease of transport \u2013 if all these are considered during the design process, there will be a huge difference made to the overall environmental impact of your stand. Whether you choose to look for solutions manufactured from recycled materials, or are more focussed on using materials that can be recycled after their useful life, exhibition stand companies are responding to consumer demand and it bodes well for the exhibition industry that they are being so proactive in so many areas.<\/p>\n See the bottom of this blog for links to find out what some of the stand companies that we work with are doing to help ensure everyone\u2019s future is sustainable.<\/p>\n The perfect solution fo comapnies who exhibit frequently.\u00a0 Reusable stands in bespoke cases with no disposable packaging are a great long term way of reducing the impact of your exhibiting. Reusing the same packing box ensures your stand is packed safely (reducing the need for expensive reprints if items are damaged between shows or during packing), plus they are packed as small as possible which has a positive impact when it comes to shipping too.<\/p>\n Plan for different sizes \u2013 for example a modular stand can be configured in many different ways to fit the floor space available, with minimal additional materials needing adding.<\/p>\n Flooring:<\/strong> Can your flooring be made from a reusable or an eco-alternative material?\u00a0 Is there a click together solution for your stand?\u00a0 Ask your stand builder or please contact us<\/a> for advice if you are unsure of the options.<\/p>\n Stand Materials:<\/strong> many of the modern modular stand frame systems boast excellent credentials when it comes to the frames themselves but also consider the printed panels that overlay the framework.<\/p>\n The 3 most common options are: This T3 TechnaUK Frame feaures a fabric centre panel for maximum light transparency & 2 side vinyl panels<\/p><\/div>\n Modular stand manufacturers are also investigating new materials that could be used in the future, keeping an eye on recyclability, impact of production, ease of use and transportation as well as the durability for each panel.<\/p>\n You can hire entire exhibition stands as well as the additional items that make your stand come to life. We have a selection of modular stands that can be reconfigured to fit any needs, they just need new panels printing for your branding. Not only does this save you money but it also reduces the environmental cost of the stand.<\/p>\n Tables, chairs, TVs as well as the stands themselves can all be hired rather than purchased outright. This saves you an initial financial outlay and also means the same equipment is being reused over & over which helps reduce the environmental impact. Less to dispose of at the end of their natural life, less manufactured and so on. It also reduces the logistics required as the kit would all come back to us in our warehouse.<\/p>\n T3 TechnaUK Modular Stand – available to rent & personalise with your own graphics<\/p><\/div>\n Lighting<\/strong>: Try to use efficient, modern lighting \u2013 make sure your equipment is up to date, older, less efficient lighting systems will be using a higher level of electricity than modern LEDs, and will be more susceptible to unexpected breakdowns.<\/p>\n Printed materials \u2013 less is more:<\/strong> Do visitors really want to take away a printed catalogue or bundle of printed sheets? Could they be delivered in an electronic way? Either by collecting customer details & via email or handing over a pre-loaded USB Thumbdrive with your catalogue on it. This will have a higher perceived value and is more likely to be kept after the show too, as it can be used for other purposes. If paperless is not an option, can you use recycled paper or FSC certified stock as an alternative?<\/p>\n Giveaways:<\/strong> Consider what you are giving away, does it have a perceived value that will mean it is retained or is it something that will likely be chucked in the bin when someone returns to the office? Here are a couple of ideas: branded bamboo travel cups, recycled pens or pencils, organic cotton bags, there are a plethora available online, how will you make yours stand out? You don\u2019t want your brand to become instantly disposable \u2013 from a business point of view or an environmental one!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Reusing<\/strong>: We try to reuse old packing materials & wooden pallets as much as possible, We ensure that all shipments are carried out using as little additional packaging as necessary, without compromising on the safety of the items<\/p>\n Recycling<\/strong>: Packing materials and wooden pallets are recycled where possible (subject to materials limitations) as much of it as possible once its useful life has ended.<\/p>\n Efficiency<\/strong>: we also ensure that our delivery routes are carefully planned in such a manner, whether a local delivery or right across Europe, so that we can make each delivery run as fuel efficient as possible and helping to keep unnecessary vehicles off the road.<\/p>\n Up To Date<\/strong>: Our fleet of modern vehicles are fuel efficient and regularly serviced to ensure they are running at their optimum<\/p>\n By carefully planning the routes, we ensure we can complete all deliveries, anywhere in Europe, using the smallest number of vehicles possible.<\/p><\/div>\n Incrasingly being asked by customers regarding the environmental imapct of thier products, many manufacturers now publish a guide to explain thier eco-credentials and give more infromaton on how they are preparing for the future.\u00a0 You can read more from 3 of our suppliers below.<\/p>\n Nimlok<\/strong> Nimlok is working to minimize their impact on the environment by: You can read more about Nimlok\u2019s Environmental & Quality Commitment here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n beMatrix<\/strong> \u2022 Aluminium frames are 100% recyclable You can read more about beMatrix\u2019s Sustainability Charter here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nomadic Display<\/strong> You can read their Green Commitment in full here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Still got questions?\u00a0 Contact our logistics experts<\/a> today for expert advice on reducing your environmnetal imapct today.<\/p>\n UK\/EUROPE: Tel: +44 203 780 0666\u00a0 email: info@ebiss.co.uk <\/a><\/p>\nLet\u2019s explore a few simple steps to help reduce wastage at exhibitions and shows.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Do you come here often? Reusable \u2013 plan ahead<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n\u2022 Vinyl panels with magnetic fixing<\/strong>s \u2013 the hardest wearing of the options, giving outstanding reusability, they can simply be wiped down, rolled up and packed away until the next time you need them. Vinyl can be recycled, but not all services will take them \u2013 due to toxic gases emitted when it is melted down, so you would need to find a specialist recycling company willing to accept them if you were committed to this action.
\n\u2022 Foamboard or Foamex inserts<\/strong> \u2013 these panels are not recyclable and are very susceptible to damage. They cannot be rolled or folded, meaning that they are delicate and difficult to transport.
\n\u2022 Fabric sleeve that covers the framework.<\/strong> The fabric sleeve offers the smallest environmental impact as they pack away considerably smaller than the alternatives, can be washed and reused many times over.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ebiss-usa.com\/ebissuktest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/3D-Render-White-Panel-300x222.jpg\")
<\/a>For the occasional exhibitor \u2013 Considered hiring your stand & furniture?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Think efficiency at all times<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What are EBISS doing?:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Additional information from some of our popular modular exhibtion stand manufacturers.<\/h2>\n
\nIn February 2010, Orbus Exhibit & Display Group, of which Nimlok is a division, became the first North American company in its class to achieve ISO 14001:2015 certification, recognizing an organization’s high-level commitment to environmental protection.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Producing sound and recyclable display and exhibit solutions
\n\u2022 Designing custom modular displays that can be reconfigured instead of scrapped
\n\u2022 Reduction in waste via comprehensive recycling programs and the use of recyclable materials in every display we build
\n\u2022 Reduction in use of harmful compounds by investing in eco-alternative production processes
\n\u2022 Partnering with eco-conscious vendors and service providers<\/p>\n
\nThis lightweight aluminium frame system is remarkably versatile and can be reused hundreds of times, thanks to its modular construction.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Lightweight construction, requires less people to construct it and requires the transportation of less materials than a stock wall stand
\n\u2022 In house manufacture means reduced transportation costs as no subcontracting, fully automated manufacturing to improve efficiency and reduce wastage
\n\u2022 No harmful acids used in the manufacture of the aluminium frames
\n\u2022 They are currently investing in research into a new \u2018eco-panel\u2019<\/p>\n
\nA few key points taken from their Green Commitment
\n\u2022 Aluminium structures contain 80% post-consumer recycled content & are recyclable themselves after their useful life has ended
\n\u2022 The internal packing foam in their cases is made from 100% recycled plastic, the cases themselves contain the maximum levels of reprocessed resins possible.
\n\u2022 The packing cases are 100% recyclable
\n\u2022 All manufacturing waste of steel, aluminium, plastic bottle, batteries and print cartridges are routinely collected & recycled<\/p>\n