16 August 2024
Prepared by Decorex Africa

In our on-going commitment to promoting a sustainable future, Decorex Africa introduced the first mandatory Sustainability Audit for all exhibitors and suppliers participating in the 2024 exhibition. This initiative was designed not to penalize but to gather essential data, establishing a baseline for our collective sustainability efforts.

Understanding where we stand is crucial for improvement, and this audit serves as a pivotal tool for benchmarking our current practices against future achievements. Through this audit, we aim to create a detailed roadmap for improvement, guiding us all toward a greener future.

REGENERATE exhibition @Decorex Joburg 2024

Key Findings from the Sustainability Audit

Exhibitors expressed a strong interest in additional sustainability-related services and resources at future Decorex events. Key suggestions include providing water refill stations to reduce plastic waste, offering reusable coffee cups or water bottles, and ensuring recycling bins are available throughout the event for both guests and exhibitors.

The audit results highlight that exhibitors are deeply committed to sustainability and minimising environmental impact through various innovative practices. Many are prioritising the use of recycled, upcycled, or sustainable materials in their stand designs and products.

There is a strong emphasis on reusing elements from previous exhibitions to minimise waste and promoting eco-friendly alternatives such as digital marketing materials and sustainable packaging.

Some exhibitors are also incorporating advanced materials like GFRC for durability and sustainability, while others focus on upcycling existing products or sourcing natural, locally-produced materials. Collectively, these efforts reflect a dedicated approach to creating eco-conscious exhibitions, with an ongoing focus on improvement and education in sustainable practices.

There is also significant interest in having access to a sustainability consultant who can guide exhibitors on how to be more sustainability-aware and proactive.

Some exhibitors suggested that Decorex should partner with vendors and suppliers who prioritise sustainable practices, ensuring that all services and products adhere to high environmental standards. Additionally, providing LED lights for stands, offering sustainable stand options, and creating educational resources—such as brochures or dedicated stands showcasing sustainability in the industry—were recommended to further support these efforts.

1. Are you using sustainable materials in your stand?

●     Yes: 62% (46 respondents)

●     No: 26% (19 respondents)

Specific Materials Used:

●     Reclaimed, upcycled, or salvaged materials: 34% (25 respondents)

●     Sustainably certified wood (FSC or PEFC): 20% (15 respondents)

●     Eco-friendly paints and finishes: 31% (23 respondents)

●     Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) materials: 9% (7 respondents)

●     Green building materials: 14% (10 respondents)

2. Do you have energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems in your offices, factory, or retail space?

●     Yes: 65% (48 respondents)

●     No: 24% (18 respondents)

3. Do you have any sustainability training programs for your staff?

●     Yes: 19% (14 respondents)

●     No: 72% (53 respondents)

4. What are your current sustainability goals related to your exhibition stand and products/services at Decorex Africa?

●     Minimising waste generated during the event: 58% (43 respondents)

●     Increasing the use of sustainable materials in the stand: 45% (33 respondents)

●     Showcasing eco-conscious product features: 35% (26 respondents)

●     Supporting fair labour practices: 49% (36 respondents)

●     Raising awareness about sustainability among visitors: 34% (25 respondents)

●     Collaborating with other exhibitors for collective sustainability goals: 15% (11 respondents)

●     Integrating circular economy principles into products/services: 20% (15 respondents)

●     Achieving specific sustainability certifications: 9% (7 respondents)

●     Implementing innovative sustainable technologies: 26% (19 respondents)

5. Are you taking measures to reduce waste generated from your exhibition stand during Decorex Africa?

●     Yes: 70% (52 respondents)

●     No: 15% (11 respondents)

6. Have you measured the carbon footprint associated with your participation in Decorex Africa?

●     Yes: 4% (3 respondents)

●     No: 82% (61 respondents)

7. Are you collaborating with other exhibitors or organisations to promote sustainability at Decorex Africa?

●     Yes: 11% (8 respondents)

●     No: 73% (54 respondents)

8. How would you assess the overall sustainability and circularity of your exhibition stand and products/services at Decorex Africa?

●     Not Sustainable: 3% (2 respondents)

●     Somewhat Sustainable: 39% (29 respondents)

●     Very Sustainable: 38% (28 respondents)

Future Actions:

*Enhance support for sustainability initiatives by providing more resources, including sustainable materials, recycling options, and educational content.

*Create partnerships with sustainable vendors and infrastructure providers.

*Encourage ongoing sustainability education for exhibitors and suppliers.

*Set higher standards by making certain sustainability practices compulsory for all participants.

Together, we can make a meaningful impact, ensuring that Decorex Africa not only leads the way in design and innovation but also in sustainability.