Better Stands Initiative

Paving the way to a More Sustainable Events Industry

In an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of the UK exhibition industry, 11 key exhibition organisers have joined the Better Stands initiative for multiple events, to reduce the use of single use stands.

We discuss what this means for the event industry, and what you can do to make a positive change at your next event.



Why are Disposable Stands bad?

The events industry is proactively addressing the need to reduce the total waste generated from exhibiting for a more sustainable future. Disposable stands can only be used at a single event, and are typically created with poor quality material or non recyclable products - meaning most of it is sent straight to landfill after the show.

The continuous use of disposable stands historically creates a high carbon footprint, and can also offer you less financial return on your investment.

Which Organisers have signed up to the Better Stands Programme?

The eleven organisers signed up so far are Montgomery Group, AMP Events, Clarion Events, Faversham House, Hyve, IMEX, Informa, Raccoon Media Group, Reset Connect, ReThink and Terrapin.

Their goal for exhibitors at their events is to achieve at least bronze status in the programme by using materials designed with sustainability in mind for their exhibition stands.

What are the Sustainability Measures for these Events?

There are 10 categories within the initiative to monitor the core elements of an exhibition stand.

There are 3 levels of award in the Better Stands Programme - Bronze, Silver and Gold.

All elements within a particular category must be shown to be reused or recycled to achieve that classification. The structure, flooring, lights and graphics amongst others, are key areas to make a positive change in your environmental impact. Reusing your graphics across your events, and utilising rental furniture and decorative items can help you on your way to achieving your Better Stands status.

To achieve Bronze status you must ensure your stand structure and walls, platform flooring, furniture and lighting are all able to be reused after the event. To achieve silver status you must also ensure and signage, rigged structures, ceilings and displays are also able to be used. Finally, to be awarded Gold Status floor coverings such as carpet or lino plus graphics and decorative items must be shown to be recycled or reused after the exhibition.

How can a Modular Stand make Exhibitions more Sustainable?

Unlike disposable stands, Modular exhibition stands use reusable components that slot together to create a structure with almost endless variations in design available.

They provide the style options of a custom build but without the majority of the structure ending up in landfill. Instead of painted wood, a modular frame is constructed and then covered in a variety of substrates, providing seamless graphics. At the end of the show the graphics are removed and the modular components dismantled, ready to use again.



Multiple modular systems are available and all have pros and cons. Here at Tecna HQ, we predominantly use T3 due to its sustainability, speed of build and the beam and connector system allowing it to be packed down and transported easily saving road miles.

Made from Sturdy Materials:

Our modular exhibition stands are made from a lightweight aluminium framework. Its versatile, durable, reconfigurable, and reusable nature make it the perfect solution for any modular display application. Adaptable to any shape, the system is strong enough to integrate shelving, gantries, counters, light boxes, screens, AV and more.

Easy to Transport:

At Tecna UK, our UK manufactured lightweight framework can be easily stored and reused again and again. The compact nature of materials mean there are fewer storage requirements. This not only reduces the carbon emissions of transporting the raw materials onsite, but also the amount of waste in the exhibition industry.

A typical modular exhibition stand can be packed into a small van, reducing road miles and number of trucks needed, all with cuts down the carbon footprint.

Rent or Buy Your Stand for a sustainable future:

The other benefit with a modular stand is the ability to use it multiple times. Renting a modular stand offers a cost-effective build with relatively low lead times, and no storage needs. The reusability of components mean there is lower need for your exhibition stand builders to spend time and budget sourcing materials - giving you shorter timescales and economic savings. You can use the same graphic across all your events and just reconfigure your stand if you have a different space at an event.

Depending on the complexity of your design - you can simply buy your stand and even build it yourself, should you wish. The tool free modular system allows you the opportunity to design and build your own stand to use across multiple events. The choice is yours.



Combined with the use of additional sustainable features such as recyclable flooring and fabrics, and rental furniture, You can achieve Better Stands awards in no time.

How can Tecna UK help make Exhibiting more Sustainable?

Looking for a stress free build? Our modular system offers a greener and more sustainable way to create standout displays.

With a uniquely sustainable construction method, we are able to offer fully net zero stands, meaning that every element can be reused multiple times and then recycled at end of life. We can provide eco alternatives to foamex and pvc free materials to ensure graphics are sustainable and work with clients to look at how their stand graphics can be used across multiple events or repurposed to maximise their lifecycle. Furniture and flooring can all be returned to stock and we work with our suppliers and charity partners to provide them a second life after exhibitions. We only work with suppliers who can demonstrate their eco credentials, to drive a sustainable change in events, and give our clients piece of mind.

We can design and build you a stand which conforms to the Better Stands criteria for you to take away or let us take away the hassle and do everything for you, from design to install and dismantle with our full turnkey service.

We are the first stand builder to achieve a Tier 5 ESSA sustainability accreditation, and have already achieved gold and silver Better Stands status' for our clients at multiple events.



Let's go for gold! Get in touch about your next event.