Industry Guidelines for Green Exhibiting

The Green Meetings Report encouraged companies to:

• Communicate environmental policies with employees, vendors, and clients.
• Request that event organizers share onsite waste reduction programs in advance.
• Print collateral on recycled paper with vegetable-based inks.
• Offer digital downloads instead of printed handouts.
• Bring only necessary quantities of materials and remove unused items after the event.
• Provide onsite recycling for paper, metals, glass, plastics, and other materials.
• Donate reusable decorations or displays to local schools or charities.

In short, exhibitors were asked to rethink not only what they bring to shows but also how they dispose of materials afterward.

The Challenge of Going Green at Trade Shows

Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s urgent. Yet the trade show floor presents unique challenges. Tight deadlines, union labor restrictions, and limited setup times often make eco-friendly practices harder to implement. Despite these obstacles, progress is possible.

How Absolute Exhibits Approaches Sustainability

Absolute Exhibits has been environmentally conscious since its inception. As new materials become available, we review them with clients and integrate sustainable options whenever possible. Examples include:

• Bamboo – Produces 35% more oxygen than average trees, grows quickly, and does not require re-planting.
• FSC-certified wood – Sourced from responsibly managed forests.
• Recycled metals – Using aluminum and steel where possible.
• Low-VOC paints – Organic or recycled latex paint reduces air pollution.
• Tension fabric – Lightweight, compact for shipping, and reusable.
• Cardboard structures – Tubes and panels can be repurposed for walls or exhibit elements.

Green Practices in Fabrication and Operations

At Absolute Exhibits, we continue to implement new initiatives that reduce waste and environmental impact:

• Recycling steel, aluminum scraps, recyclable plastics, and wood trimmings.
• Steam cleaning, repairing, and resizing carpet for reuse.
• Repurposing carpet padding as packing materials or recycling it into new pads.
• Digitizing internal processes to cut paper use and lower electricity consumption.

By focusing on reuse, recycling, and smarter material choices, we reduce the footprint of every exhibit we build.

Why Green Exhibiting Matters

Some believe that going green is always expensive, but that is not the case in trade show exhibiting. Rental systems made from prefabricated, reusable components allow companies to reduce waste and still achieve a polished, professional look. Exhibitors can protect the planet and their budgets at the same time.

Each step—no matter how small—makes a difference. As more exhibitors reduce their ecological footprint, the collective impact grows stronger and longer-lasting. Together, the industry can balance great design with environmental responsibility.

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Checklist: 10 Ways to Go Green at Trade Shows

• Print collateral on recycled paper with vegetable-based inks
• Offer digital downloads instead of printed brochures
• Reuse and recycle booth materials after each show
• Select sustainable materials like bamboo, FSC-certified wood, or recycled metals
• Use low-VOC or recycled paints during fabrication
• Choose tension fabric systems to reduce weight and shipping emissions
• Repurpose carpet and padding instead of discarding them
• Minimize freight by shipping only what you need
• Provide onsite recycling for paper, plastics, and metals
• Donate leftover materials or décor to schools or charities