The UK events industry has a long history of wastefulness, producing over 100,000 tonnes of waste each year, much of which is either incinerated or sent to landfill. A significant amount of this waste originates from temporary exhibition stands, printed materials, and promotional items that are discarded after a few days [Source: Ecobooth].
This outdated approach needs to change.
At Nimlok, we’re committed to driving innovation in sustainable exhibition solutions to minimise environmental impact while helping our clients achieve their goals. Here are our top five strategies to make your next exhibition more sustainable.
Our Top Five Sustainability Strategies:
- Bespoke Hire Model
- Reusable Graphics
- Digital Data Capture
- Swap Freebies for Engagement Experiences
- Start by Choosing Sustainable Suppliers
Strategy #1: Bespoke Hire Model
What is bespoke hire?
It might sound like an oxymoron, but it’s a practical and proven approach to exhibiting sustainably by combining the most valuable aspects of bespoke versus hire. Bespoke stand hire combines a modular framework with custom-built elements, enabling businesses to reduce waste without compromising on the design.
At Nimlok, we use an aluminium framework that can be tailored to fit various stand sizes and layouts. Whether you’re envisioning sleek curves or structured angles, our solutions adapt to bring your brand vision to life—sustainably.
Why it's sustainable:
We follow the reduce, reuse & recycle principle: save resources, save money. On average, our stands are built using 80% hired elements, including reusable structures, lighting, and AV components. The remaining 20% can also be reused across multiple events, cutting down on waste and cost.
Hired elements include:
- Reusable aluminium framework
- Counters, kiosks, and plinths
- AV solutions including screens and lighting
- Interactive elements such as games and quiz equipment
- Lockable storage areas
- Decorative features like greenery and timber-style finishes
Bespoke elements include:
- Printed graphics (solvent-free and reusable)
- Custom woodwork or architecture
By reusing and restoring our hired inventory, we minimise landfill waste and offer our clients a cost-effective, eco-friendly exhibition experience.
We extend the lifespan of the durable hired elements by restoring and repurposing elements which are worn, therefore keeping our waste to a minimum.
Plus, by freeing up budget, clients can invest in value-adding features like engagement tools or heat-mapping analytics that measure footfall and dwell time—helping boost event ROI.
Strategy #2: Reusable Graphics
Before printing any material, ask: Can this be reused for future events?
Even when printed on recycled substrates, graphics can still become wasteful if they’re too show-specific. If you’re planning to attend multiple exhibitions, designing for longevity is key to exhibiting sustainably.
You’ve got around three seconds to capture a visitor’s attention—so your messaging needs to be bold, brand-consistent, and reusable.
To make your graphics reusable, avoid including:
- Event-specific dates
- Venue names
- One-off statistics or promotions
Instead, focus on evergreen messaging and timeless visuals to extend the life of your materials and reduce environmental impact.
At Nimlok, we print your exhibition stand graphics in-house using solvent-free methods, ensuring a more sustainable production process. Your graphics are processed and stored on-site at our facility, alongside any other bespoke elements. This not only helps reduce your carbon footprint by cutting down on unnecessary transport but also lowers storage costs—all while keeping your assets safe and ready for your next show.
Strategy #3: Digital Data Capture
Gone are the days of paper forms and clipboards. Not only is printing costly and wasteful, but it also poses data protection risks if lost or mishandled.
Many exhibitions now offer badge-scanning systems that are GDPR-compliant and allow you to export your visitor data into your CRM. Going digital doesn’t just support eco-friendly exhibitions—it also makes your post-show follow-up more powerful.
Benefits of digital data capture:
- Share brochures and sales materials instantly via email—no printing needed
- Track follow-up engagement (opens, click-throughs, downloads)
- Keep data organised, secure, and exportable
- Reduce printed handouts and giveaways
Strategy #4: Swap Freebies for Engagement Experiences
Did you know? Over 70% of trade show giveaways are thrown away before attendees even leave the venue.
Freebies are costly to produce, transport, and store—not to mention a major contributor to landfill waste. In contrast, interactive experiences offer a far more memorable, sustainable, and data-rich alternative.
Why ditch the swag:
- Reduces carbon emissions from transport
- Eliminates unnecessary printing and packaging
- Increases audience engagement and dwell time
- Captures GDPR-compliant data with ease
At Nimlok, we help clients design creative engagement tools such as multiplayer games, interactive quizzes, and even smart coffee opportunities. These solutions require users to opt in before interacting—giving you valuable data in return for an immersive and memorable stand experience.
Plus, when your event wraps up, there’s no leftover merchandise to manage or discard.
Strategy #5: Start by Choosing Sustainable Stand Suppliers
Sustainable exhibiting starts with the right partners.
The core of the Nimlok business model is the reduce, reuse, and recycle philosophy. With over 55 years of experience, we help clients lower their carbon footprint through a combination of bespoke hire options, advanced logistics solutions, and eco-friendly stand design.
From pre-show planning to post-show wrap-up, our goal is to support eco-friendly exhibitions that balance business impact with environmental responsibility.
Why partner with Nimlok:
- We design for reuse and modularity
- We repurpose existing materials wherever possible
- We support clients with measurable sustainability goals
Many clients switching from traditional custom builds to our hire model discover they can achieve a fresh look for less than it costs to refurbish their existing stands.
Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a seasoned pro, taking small steps toward sustainable exhibitions can make a big difference—for your business and the planet.
Need help designing your next stand with sustainability in mind?
Contact Nimlok today to discover how we can help you create an impactful, eco-friendly exhibition experience.
