Go Green with Grand Stand Events

How we’re building a better future for exhibitions—together.

Introduction

Sustainability in the events and exhibition industry is no longer a trend – clients expect it. Attendees respect it. And the planet demands it.

At Grand Stand Events, our response to that challenge is clear and ongoing:

Go Green with Grand Stand Events is our in-house sustainability initiative built to reduce environmental impact across every phase of exhibition planning, construction, and delivery. This isn’t just something we do behind the scenes. It’s a commitment we share with our clients and one that shapes the future of how we all show up.

From the materials we use to the partners we choose, and from internal practices to client collaboration, we’ve embedded sustainable thinking into every layer of our business. Here’s how.

What is “Go Green with Grand Stand Events”?

Go Green with Grand Stand Events launched in 2020 with a single goal: to reduce reliance on single-use construction materials and minimise landfill waste. What began as a practical solution to replace MDF flooring has since evolved into a comprehensive sustainability framework—touching every part of our business, and yours.

The initiative is grounded in three key pillars:

1. Sustainable Materials and Modular Systems
2. Recycling and Waste Reduction
3. Client Collaboration and Transparent Reporting

We work with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure sustainable decisions are built into every proposal, every project, and every post-show process.

1. Sustainable Materials and Modular Design

The most effective way to reduce waste is to stop creating it in the first place. That’s why we use modular systems and long-life materials that are built to last, reuse, and adapt.

Our key actions include:

• Eco-Flooring: A 100% recycled plastic flooring solution with a 10-year life span, now included in over 95% of our custom stands.
• AMES and BeMatrix aluminium frame systems: Used across hundreds of builds and fully recyclable.
• Reusable slat walls and signage: Designed in-house to fit into standard framing and storage systems.
• No MDF unless specifically requested—MDF is non-recyclable and used only in rare cases with clear justification.

“Eco-Flooring alone has saved tonnes of flooring waste from landfill since its launch.”
— Christian McNally, Director, Grand Stand Events

2. Recycling and Waste Reduction

Even with long-life materials, every build produces offcuts, packaging and by-products. That’s where our industry-first recycling practices come in.

What we’re doing:

• PanelCycle Partnership: Recycles and repurposes ACM panels, PVC panels and vinyl flooring.
• Black and white rear panels are reused across multiple stands until end-of-life.
• Damaged panels are cut into smaller, usable sizes for new builds.
• Client signage is stored and reused across future shows to prevent unnecessary reprinting OR recycled post show
• Internal warehouse recycling: All paper, aluminium, packaging, food containers and plastics are sorted and recycled in-house.

Update: In 2024, our recycling programs diverted more than 7 tonnes of materials from landfill across several months. This includes rear-wall panels, printed graphics, vinyl, and other commonly discarded items.

3. Collaboration with Clients

Sustainability doesn’t stop at our side of the build—it requires buy-in and collaboration from every client we work with. That’s why we educate, enable and support sustainable choices at every touchpoint.

How we work with you:

• All proposals include eco-conscious materials by default, with clear breakdowns of reuse and recycling potential.
• We advise clients on storing and reusing printed panels and discuss options to integrate older components into new builds.
• We offer pack-down, inventory and storage services to facilitate multi-use setups across campaigns.
• All projects include a waste management and reuse plan, aligned with your own sustainability goals.

Internal Sustainability Practices

What we ask of our clients, we do ourselves. Behind the scenes, the Go Green initiative has transformed our internal operations.

We’ve implemented:

• Digital-first systems to eliminate paper-based quoting, project management and logistics
• Low-plastic procurement policies
• Training programs for staff and contractors on sustainable handling, reuse, and waste management
• Regular audits and reporting to track material use, waste volumes, and diversion rates

This ensures the standards we promote externally are met internally—and that our team is equipped to lead by example.

Measurable Impact to Date

• 95% of all custom stands use Eco-Flooring, replacing MDF
• Over 300 Eco-Floor installations since 2020
• More than 17 tonnes of waste diverted annually from flooring alone
• Over 7 tonnes of ACM, PVC and vinyl diverted through recycling in 2024
• Target: 15% annual landfill reduction through to 2028
• Supporting signatory of the EEAA 2030 Sustainability Pledge

Looking Forward

Sustainability is not a project with an end date. It’s a continuous process of improvement, innovation and accountability.

As we roll out new projects, deepen our recycling partnerships, and expand our modular hire systems, we remain focused on helping our clients reduce waste, emissions, and costs—without compromising on design or impact.

“Our stands are not just functional — they’re designed to make less waste, last longer, and leave a lighter footprint.”
— Christian McNally, Director

Work With a Stand Builder That Shares Your Values

Whether you’re preparing for your first trade show or managing a national campaign, we can help you make sustainable decisions without sacrificing performance or visual impact.

Go Green with Grand Stand Events isn’t a marketing campaign. It’s a promise.

Let’s build something better—together.

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