Utrecht, 1 November 2023 - From today, Royal Jaarbeurs is offering its exhibitors the opportunity to build their exhibition stands with sustainable and circular materials. With the introduction of the sustainable exhibition stand, Jaarbeurs is taking an important step in making its exhibitions and events more sustainable. The Utrecht event venue works together with suppliers such as Vepa the furniture factory, JMT and A-Booth. Marloes van den Berg, Chief People & Sustainability Officer Royal Jaarbeurs: "The introduction of the sustainable exhibition stand contributes to our ambition to become the most sustainable organiser and facilitator of exhibitions and events in Europe. With the so-called sustainable participation package, we can offer exhibitors a choice that allows them to make a real impact on the exhibition floor."
Circular materials: from wall to furniture
The new exhibitor participation package includes sustainable and circular materials that ensures lower CO2 emissions than traditional participation packages. For example, Vepa the furniture factory supplies sustainable furniture, including chairs and stools made from recycled PET bottles and tabletops made from residual wood. These tabletops are produced in cooperation with Maakbedrijf Werkpro, which organises day care programmes for people distanced from the labour market.
In addition, JMT Nederland BV takes care of the rental and logistics of the Vepa furniture. Jean-Pierre Brouwers, managing director JMT Nederland BV: "We are extremely proud to take this step together with Jaarbeurs and Vepa. It fits exactly into our philosophy of offering exhibitors sustainable furniture packages and giving them the opportunity to also distinguish themselves in this area. Add to this the social aspect of the Werkpro tops produced from residual wood and we leave a better world behind for our children."
The walls of the sustainable exhibition stand are supplied by A-Booth and consist of three-quarters recycled material. Jaarbeurs is also working with carpet supplier JMT Floorcoverings, which supplies sustainable exhibition carpet.
New legislation
The announcement of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) highlights the growing need for transparency on corporate sustainability efforts. From 2025, this European legislation requires reporting on environmental impact, social responsibility and sustainable policies, among others. "Adhering to the CSRD standards not only fulfils a legal obligation, but it is also a strategic move for companies to further propagate their sustainable policies and reduce their carbon emissions," states Van den Berg.
The sustainable participation package is now available from Jaarbeurs.
The sustainable participation package includes modular stand construction, circular furniture, recyclable carpet, a separate waste bin and LED lighting.
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