Sustainable Printing: Why It Matters for Eco-Friendly Exhibition Stands

Exhibition stands are a powerful way for brands to make an impact, but they often come with a hidden cost: harmful environmental waste. From single-use materials to excessive printing, traditional exhibition setups contribute significantly to landfill waste and carbon emissions. Hint: walk through an exhibition hall after an event, and you’ll likely see piles of discarded banners, posters, and stand materials, all bound for the waste bin. 

With businesses under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, many are now asking: “Can I create an exhibition stand that is both visually striking and environmentally responsible?”. The answer is yes! 

Sustainable printing is revolutionising how brands approach event marketing. By using eco-friendly printing techniques and materials, businesses can drastically reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing quality or creativity. In this article, you’ll discover: 

• What sustainable printing is and why it matters.
• How it reduces environmental impact.
• A real-world example of a brand successfully using sustainable printing for an exhibition stand.
• How a sustainable printing company like NEXT can help you shift to an eco-friendly event presence.

What Is Sustainable Printing? 

Sustainable printing is an eco-conscious approach to producing printed materials while minimising environmental impact. Unlike traditional printing methods that rely on plastic-based substrates, chemical-heavy inks, and energy-intensive processes, sustainable printing prioritises:

• Eco-friendly materials – Using recyclable, biodegradable, or FSC-certified paper and boards instead of PVC and other harmful plastics. 
• Low-impact printing techniques – Employing water-based or UV inks that reduce harmful emissions and avoid toxic chemicals. 
• Energy-efficient production – Utilising cutting-edge technology to lower carbon footprints and reduce waste. 

How does sustainable printing apply to exhibition stands? 

Exhibition stands require large-format prints, banners, backdrops, and signage, often produced with short-term use in mind. This means that after an event, many of these materials are discarded, ending up in landfills. Sustainable printing solutions offer an alternative by using: 

• PVC-free and recyclable boards – Materials like Re-board® provide sturdy, customisable, and fully recyclable display solutions. 
• Fabric-based graphics – Replacing heavy, plastic-based posters with lightweight, reusable fabric prints. 
• Reusable modular designs – Instead of single-use structures, brands can opt for exhibition stands that can be reconfigured and repurposed for future events. 

Does sustainable printing compromise on quality?

One common concern is that eco-friendly printing lacks the vibrancy, sharpness, or durability of traditional prints. However, advancements in sustainable print technology mean that today’s eco-friendly materials and inks can match or even exceed the quality of conventional printing. Businesses can still achieve high-impact, photo-quality visuals while making a positive environmental choice. 

So, by adopting sustainable printing, it seems businesses can align their brand values with eco-conscious consumer expectations, without sacrificing aesthetics or professionalism. 

The Environmental Benefits of Sustainable Printing   

Switching to sustainable printing for exhibition stands isn’t just about looking good – it’s about making a real impact on the environment. Traditional exhibition printing contributes to waste, pollution, and resource depletion, but eco-friendly printing solutions can help mitigate these effects. Here’s how: 

1. Reducing landfill waste

Traditional exhibition stands are often made from PVC, foam boards, and other non-recyclable plastics that go straight to landfill after a single use. Sustainable printing solutions replace these with: 

• Recyclable materials – Eco-friendly substrates like Re-Board® and FSC-certified paper-based boards can be disposed of responsibly.
• Reusable designs – Modular stands and fabric-based graphics allow businesses to repurpose materials for multiple events. 

2. Lowering carbon footprint

The production and transportation of heavy, plastic-based displays contribute to carbon emissions. Sustainable printing helps by: 

• Using lightweight materials, reducing fuel consumption during transport 
• Employing energy-efficient printing techniques, such as UV printing, which requires fewer resources 
• Supporting local production, minimising emissions from overseas shipping. 

3. Avoiding toxic chemicals and emissions 

Traditional printing often relies on solvent-based inks containing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that release harmful emissions. Instead, sustainable printing alternatives: 

• Use water-based and UV inks, which are free from hazardous chemicals 
• Eliminate toxic laminates and coatings, ensuring materials are safe and biodegradable. 

4. Conserving natural resources

The production of PVC and other synthetic materials requires vast amounts of water, energy, and raw materials. Sustainable printing reduces this by: 

• Using certified sustainable materials, such as FSC-approved paper from responsibly managed forests 
• Cutting down on excess printing through precise, digital-first design processes. 

Sustainable printing: A smart business move

Beyond environmental benefits, sustainable printing can also boost a company’s brand reputation and customer loyalty. Consumers and B2B clients are actively choosing eco-conscious brands, making sustainability a competitive advantage at events and exhibitions. 

By embracing sustainable printing, businesses can create stunning, high-quality exhibition stands while significantly reducing their environmental footprint. 

Case Study: A Brand That Did It Right! 

To understand the real impact of sustainable printing, let’s look at a brand that successfully transitioned to eco-friendly exhibition stands, proving that sustainability and high-impact design can go hand in hand.   

Client: A leading retail brand embracing sustainability 

L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics company, wanted to showcase their commitment to sustainability during their annual ‘Engagement Day’ at their Australian Head Office in Melbourne. The goal was to create visually striking, premium-quality exhibition stands that highlighted new and existing products to attending retailers and influencers, while demonstrably minimising environmental impact. 

The Challenge: Reducing waste without sacrificing design 

Traditional exhibition materials – such as PVC banners, foam boards, and heavy, non-recyclable structures – did not align with L’Oreal’s sustainability values. The brand needed a fully recyclable, lightweight, yet durable solution that maintained the high-end aesthetic expected from their brand. 

The Solution: NEXT Printing’s sustainable approach

NEXT Printing partnered with L’Oreal and their marketing agency, PIM Group, to create an eye-catching eco-friendly exhibition stand using:

• Re-board® panels – A lightweight, 100% recyclable alternative to traditional foam boards. These panels provided the same level of strength and quality without the waste. 
• Water-based UV inks – Vibrant, high-resolution graphics were printed using eco-friendly, non-toxic inks, eliminating harmful VOC emissions. 
• Reusable, recyclable design – The exhibition stands were designed for easy reconfiguration for future events or where not required, recyclability.

3. The Results: A stunning and sustainable stand!  

The highlights of this eco-friendly exhibition stand speak for themselves: 

• 100% recyclable materials used, allowing for easy recycling post-event and reducing landfill waste 
• 50% lighter stand, lowering the transportation emissions and cost 
• Positive brand perception reinforces their sustainability commitment with customers. 

By using sustainable print solutions, L’oreal not only met its eco-friendly goals but also received an eye-catching exhibition stand that was cost-effective, innovative, and waste-free – courtesy of NEXT Printing! 

Learn more 

Shifting to Sustainable Exhibition Stands with NEXT Printing

Are you looking for an eco-friendly printing company to support your sustainability goals? 

NEXT Printing is at the forefront of sustainable printing solutions in Australia, helping brands create eco-friendly exhibition stands and displays without compromising on quality, creativity, or impact. Whether you’re looking for recyclable materials, reusable designs, or low-emission printing, our team can tailor a solution to your needs. 

Why choose NEXT Printing for your sustainable exhibition stand? 

• Experts in Sustainable Print Solutions: NEXT Printing specialises in large-format sustainable printing using eco-friendly materials and innovative techniques that minimise waste and emissions. We know our onions! 
• High-Quality, PVC-Free Printing: Traditional exhibition stands often rely on PVC and other plastics. Instead, our team offers alternatives like Re-Board® and paper-based displays, which are fully recyclable, lightweight, and durable. 
• Customisable and Reusable Designs: Unlike single-use exhibition materials, we help businesses create modular, reusable stands that can be adapted for multiple events – reducing costs and environmental impact. 
• Water-Based and UV Inks: Our materials include low-impact, non-toxic inks that eliminate harmful chemicals while ensuring sharp, vibrant print quality. 
• Trusted by Leading Brands: From retail giants to innovative startups, NEXT has helped hundreds of brands make a lasting impact with sustainable exhibition stands that align with their environmental goals. 

It’s Time to Make Sustainability a Part of Your Exhibition Strategy

Exhibitions and trade shows are a powerful way to showcase your brand, yet traditional display stands generate waste, emissions, and pollution. With sustainable printing, businesses can create high-impact, eco-friendly displays that align with modern sustainability goals. 

By choosing sustainable materials, reusable stand designs, and eco-friendly printing techniques, your brand can: 

🌱 Reduce landfill waste with recyclable and biodegradable materials. 
💨 Lower their carbon footprint through lightweight, energy-efficient designs. 
🎨 Maintain premium quality without harmful chemicals or excessive resource use. 
💡 Enhance brand reputation by showcasing your commitment to sustainability. 

NEXT Printing has already helped leading brands transition to eco-friendly exhibition stands without sacrificing creativity or quality. Now, it’s your turn! 

Take action – choose sustainable printing today! 

Sustainability isn’t just a trend but a necessity. If you’re planning your next exhibition stand, it’s time to make the switch to eco-friendly printing solutions. 

Contact NEXT Printing today – Australia’s leading sustainable printing company – and begin creating stunning, sustainable exhibition stands that make an impact on your audience and the planet.