BETTER STANDS
Foam Expo Europe's vision is to reduce the number of disposable stands at our event by 2028. We know it’s an ambitious goal, and that the journey to sustainability doesn’t happen overnight! To help us get there – and help bring our exhibitors and contractors along the journey with us – we have introduced different tiers of Better Stands for space-only stands.
What is Better Stands?
Did you know that one medium-sized disposable stand produces around four tonnes of waste, which is almost 10x the average person’s household waste per year? Designed to be used only once, they have a significant impact on the environment, in addition to increasing health and safety risks onsite.
Foam Expo Europe is beginning its journey to become more sustainable, environmentally, and socially responsible, and we want our Exhibitors to join us! Help us to reduce the environmental impact of Foam Expo Europe by applying the Better Stands program framework to your planning processes for future events.
This is currently in the education phase, and we hope to work with our exhibitors and contractors to educate them on our Better Stands program in the hope that all exhibitor stands will be Bronze level over the next few years.
How do you define a better stand?
All space-only stands are categorized into 4 levels (disposable, bronze, silver to gold) as shown in the table below. The blue crosses denote that the specific element of the stand build was largely disposable, the ticks denote that the specific element of the stand build was reusable or recycled.
What do I as an exhibitor need to do?
To start thinking about your commitment to Better Stands and contribute to a more sustainable event. Better Stands aims at moving all events towards a Gold Standard, with the medium-term expectation that exhibitor stands to have reached at least a Bronze level in the Better Stands program. Here is how you can prepare for this over the next few years:
2025 - 2026
- Familiarise yourself with the Better Stands framework found above.
- Share these guidelines with your contractor before they begin designing your stand to see if they can incorporate any of the Better Stands objectives.
- Decide what you want to implement and how far you want to go with your stand over the coming year(s).
2027 onwards
- Design your stand that incorporates elements of the Better Stands framework, ideally your stand reaches at least a bronze level, meaning the stand structure and walls, platform or raised flooring, furniture, equipment, and lighting are all reused.
- Include these elements within your stand design and clearly communicate how you will meet the Better Stands guidelines on the Foam Expo Europe exhibitor portal.
What’s in it for me?
- A better quality, more attractive & sustainable stand
- Opportunity to promote the sustainable credentials of your brand
- Smoother, more efficient build up and breakdown periods
- Lower work hours and reduced construction costs
- Reduce or eradicate your waste bill
- Lower carbon footprint
If you require any further information or guidance on the Better Stands program, please contact your Operations Manager: [email protected]