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How Sustainable Exhibition Stands Pay Off
16 April, 2025

It’s no secret that consumers are becoming more considerate of the brands they choose, and sustainability is the ultimate influence.

Environmental concerns are no longer hypothetical. Businesses have an opportunity to set the standard in proactive, forward-thinking processes that benefit the planet and their customers. Why not choose sustainable options that actually work harder for your brand, instead of just ticking the CRS (Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability) box?

 

To notice a true difference in return on investment (ROI) when investing in sustainable exhibition stands, it’s important to first understand what exactly makes an exhibition stand sustainable and the measurable difference that they can make. From upfront savings to lasting reliability, sustainable exhibition stands encourage brands into the kind of green thinking that turns heads (in a good way).

 

What Makes an Exhibition Stand Sustainable?

 

 

Let’s simplify what qualifies a stand as environmentally friendly – before we get into the payoffs. Sustainable stands that truly convert are designed with their entire lifecycle in mind. Sustainable choices can be built into every stage of the design and build process, making stands that are smarter, shipped lighter, and built for durability.

 

Key components of a sustainable stand:

 

Modular design

Customisable structures made up of components that can be easily assembled and reconfigured to suit different event spaces.

 

Sustainable materials

With eco-friendly swaps for wood-based materials, metals, plastics and even textiles, choosing sustainable materials has never been easier. Popular choices include Bamboo and Recycled Aluminium, durable materials that are strong and recyclable or eco-friendly.

 

Efficient build techniques

Building techniques such as 3D printing are an effective approach to minimising waste, but far simpler than that, using precise measurement techniques ensures that only the necessary amounts of materials are used.

 

End-of-life planning

End-of-life planning promotes reusability, recycling and the use of eco-friendly materials. Identifying materials that can be recycled helps divert materials from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources.

 

Subtle (But Strong) Sustainable Changes

sustainable stand example using digital illustrations

 

We understand that it is close to impossible for businesses to refresh their entire exhibition strategy overnight. That’s why we work closely with brands making small but effective changes that stack up and work for the brand over time.

 

  • Swap printed brochures for Digital illustrations: Travel lighter, go paperless and elevate the experience.
  • LED lighting: Uses significantly less energy and minimises frequent replacements.
  • Rental Components: Divide the workload (literally) with walls, counters and fixtures, all available for hire.
  • Vinyl replacements: PVC-free vinyl or fabric graphics have an impressively low carbon footprint and are easier to recycle.

 

Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Materials

 

sustainable stand for shopify showing bamboo display units and green sofa

 

To break things down further, what are some effective material swaps that businesses can make straight away? Believe it or not, old-school materials like MDF, solvent inks, or vinyl-heavy graphics, are no longer sufficient. Luckily for us, sustainable alternatives are just as premium and versatile.

 

  • Bamboo or FCS-Certified plywood as alternatives to MDF.
  • Frameworks built with recycled aluminium.
  • Eco-friendly board material replacing traditional foam core.
  • Fabric graphics that are easily tensioned and easy to ship.

These eco-conscious alternatives don’t compromise on quality and often perform better when they’re reused or repurposed.

 

Sustainable Exhibition Stands: Beyond Material Choices

Adopting sustainable practices doesn’t stop at material swaps, with the leading sustainable stands making choices at every level of design, build and delivery. Every step of the process can be considered and bettered, starting with sourcing and production.

 

Local production and sourcing of materials

Local procurement contributes to the growth and stability of local businesses as well as lowering carbon footprints with shorter transportation distances and lower fuel consumption.

 

Flat-pack designs for sustainable stands

Flat pack designs are purposefully designed to use fewer materials, decreasing production and packaging waste, and instantly lowering energy costs with smaller storage and transport facilities.

 

Smarter build schedules

A more efficient schedule ensures that labour and equipment are used efficiently, avoiding over-ordering and producing unnecessary waste.

 

How Sustainable Exhibition Stands Prove Their Worth

sustainable stand for timberland showing guest engaging with sustainable activities

 

Sustainable exhibition and event stands deliver instant payoffs through smarter materials choices and time-savings, while also creating benefits over time through budget efficiency, brand perception, and environmental impact.

 

Short-term rewards

 

Businesses can immediately take advantage of the short-term benefits that come with sustainable stands. Lower transport costs help reduce spending on shipping and logistics, while faster setup times also lead to significant savings on labour.

 

Mid-term rewards

 

Modular designs allow your brand to show up clearly and consistently across multiple events without the need for redesign. Additionally with each set-up, faster assembly and disassembly continue to keep labour costs at a minimum.

 

Long-term rewards

 

It only takes one thoughtfully designed stand to deliver a bold and professional presence across a dozen events. Over time, using fewer throwaway materials minimises environmental damage, on top of making considerable cost savings. Today’s consumers depend on brands that champion environmental sustainability, and a sustainable stand tells a persuasive story that they care about.

 

Sustainability Tracking

BOSS, a company specialising in event stand sustainability calculations, was recently featured in the Event Industry News event guide, highlighting their forward-thinking approach to tracking sustainability in the event and exhibition sector. The page explores how BOSS is tackling the industry’s challenge of measuring sustainability outcomes effectively and accurately. BOSS helps businesses, whatever their sustainability strategy, to understand their carbon footprint and make educated decisions to manage the environmental and social impacts of their projects.

Sustainability From Start to Finish

 

As an award-winning design and production agency, sustainability is embedded into every step of our design and build process. We work with brands at any stage of their sustainability journeys to make progress and keep ahead of the curve.

 

Our sustainability efforts extend beyond our dedicated work with clients. As a Planet Mark-accredited business, we’re actively working towards real carbon reductions through measurable efforts and practices across the business.

 

Some of our sustainability commitments include:

 

  • Planet Mark Certification, meaning we’re independently verified to measure and reduce our environmental impact every year.
  • Strict waste management practices and policies on-site and in our workshop.
  • Recycling schemes such as the ‘Can Back’ scheme, where we return and recycle our once-loved paint cans.
  • Replanting Initiatives with Carbon Footprint to offset our carbon emissions annually.

At Envisage Spaces Group, we guide and support clients in making sustainable choices that work with their brand and budget because we believe that sustainability is always a smarter way to work.

 

Ready to rethink your exhibition or event stand?

 

Get in touch. 

 

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