Eco Friendly Exhibiting, Made Easy

Gone are the days when an exhibition stand was for one event and one event only, thanks to forward-thinking stand design companies most stands are now built to last. In the past, it was not uncommon for companies to build bespoke stands that were solely designed for one exhibition. The whole lot would end up in the skip after the show.

Here at Displays 2 Go, we are all about reusable stands whether it's a custom-built stand that has been designed for a programme of events or a modular stand that can be used in a variety of ways. We even have a webpage dedicated to such products Eco-Friendly Products!

Here are some top tips for being more sustainable at your next exhibition

Tip #1 | Choose a long-lasting modular stand

Modular stands have come on in leaps and bounds, no longer are they boxy and uninspiring; they now offer a combination of elements that are made from recyclable aluminium and often use fabric displays such as our Curved Display Wall that are much friendlier on the environment. They are easily customised and can be updated with additional banners or graphics. Choosing a modular display means you can add or remove components to suit the look and feel, and available space, at the different exhibitions you’ll attend.

Tip #2 | Graphics Printing

Make sure the graphics printing is ‘dye sublimated’. Not only does this process create more realistic, more impactful graphics, but the process is also more eco-friendly because it uses heat to vaporise the dye and permeate the surface it is covering.D2G - Dye Sublimation

There are no VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) which are often associated with solvent printing and the inks are water-based. This infusion also means the dye fades much less than in other processes. So basically, it’s a win-win situation!

Tip #3 | Replacement Graphics

Choose displays that can be re-skinned with replacement graphics. This provides the opportunity to replace any or all of your graphics as many times as you wish, without the need to replace expensive stand hardware. You can even try to use double-sided graphics where possible if you anticipate using different graphics for different shows. This allows you to simply flip your graphics around to show the alternative message on the reverse side. Check out how easy it is to do this with our Portable Plinths and SuperWalls.

Tip #4 |Stand Waste

Think about the waste you will create on your stand and how it is disposed of. In the past, all the packaging, such as bubble wrap and cardboard was thrown into a general-purpose skip. Now venues supply different skips for different materials. If you are serving refreshments, consider eco-friendly cups and disposable bamboo plates. Everyone likes to feel they are doing their bit for the environment so why not get that message across to potential clients.

Tip #5 | Lights

We all know what a difference good lighting can make, but consider LED and low energy lighting solutions which not only deliver great effects but also suck less juice. This means your stand requires less load, and the event electrician will have a smile on their face!

Tip #6 | Marketing Material

Marketing techniques are changing, gone are the days when you needed a shopping bag and a shoulder of steel to carry all the brochures around from the exhibition. Today, it is more common to give a brief marketing flyer with a scannable QR code or ask someone to enter their details on a tablet to receive more information. If you must use leaflets, then print on eco-friendly stock wherever possible.

Tip #7 | Staff Uniforms

It’s easy to forget about the uniforms that your stand staff might be wearing. Try to source eco-friendly gear that uses natural fibres. And if it’s being printed, consider the process used. It may be better to embroider, which is kinder on the environment, lasts longer and often looks a little more ‘premium’.

Tip #8 | Freight

The new fabric exhibition systems are light and can be packed down into small bags, making it easy for staff to transport the stands in their own cars rather than adding a freight truck into the mix.

Tip #9 | Car Pool

No doubt you have various people working on your stand. Encourage carpooling by limiting the number of parking passes you give out. Fewer cars on the road, less fuel – it’s all good.