Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Yet many companies engage in greenwashing campaigns, presenting themselves as eco-friendly without meaningful action. In the trade show industry, sustainability can seem especially challenging. Exhibits are often built from brand-new wood, used once, and discarded.
The result? U.S. trade shows generate an estimated 600,000 tons of waste annually, with the average attendee producing 4.5 pounds of trash per day. Globally, the events industry produces more than 300 million tons of CO₂ emissions each year. These numbers highlight the urgent need for change. Fortunately, with thoughtful planning, it’s possible to design sustainable trade show displays without sacrificing impact.
The Challenge of Sustainability in Trade Shows
Depending on where a booth is built, it may be fabricated cheaply from plywood or particle board, designed for single use, and demolished immediately after the show. This creates unnecessary waste and increases costs over time. A better path forward involves renting, reusing, and selecting environmentally conscious materials.
1. Rent and Reuse Trade Show Displays
Renting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to cut waste. Many exhibitors rent a booth for several years, then refresh the design. Behind the scenes, exhibit houses reuse frames, hardware, and custom elements—rather than sending them to landfills. This reduces environmental impact while saving money and preserving flexibility.
2. Choose Sustainable Materials
Trade show displays don’t need to rely on fresh lumber. Designers increasingly use tension fabric, reclaimed wood, glass, and stone, all of which are durable and reusable. Lighter materials like fabric also reduce shipping emissions. When planning your next booth, ask your exhibit partner how to integrate eco-friendly components into your design.
3. Partner with an Exhibit House That Gives Back
Sustainability should extend beyond materials. Partner with companies that invest in offset programs or corporate sustainability initiatives. For example, Absolute Exhibits supports One Tree Planted, a nonprofit that restores forests worldwide. For every project, the amount of wood used in booth construction is matched by replanting trees. This ensures that resources consumed are replenished for future generations.
Building Toward a Sustainable Future
With thousands of trade shows held globally each year, exhibitors have an opportunity—and responsibility—to set higher standards. Renting and reusing displays, selecting sustainable materials, and partnering with eco-conscious exhibit houses are concrete steps toward reducing waste and emissions. Real sustainability in trade show displays is not only achievable, it also strengthens your brand reputation and resonates with eco-minded clients.
Quick Checklist: Eco-Friendly Trade Show Display Practices
- Rent and reuse booth components to minimize waste.
- Select sustainable materials such as tension fabric, reclaimed wood, or glass.
- Work with exhibit houses that support reforestation or similar initiatives.
- Ask vendors about recycling, repurposing, and responsible disposal practices.
- Promote your sustainability efforts to prospects and clients.
