Easyfairs, the leading international events company (which includes events such as Packaging Première, PCD and PLD, to name a few), has published its inaugural annual sustainability report, giving a transparent overview of performance up to the end of fiscal year 2023, and looking forward to further progress in pursuit of its “Act for the Future” strategy. Among other achievements, Easyfairs has cut its carbon footprint by a third since 2019.
Introducing the report, Easyfairs CEOs Anne Lafère and Matt Benyon state: “The world is changing, and so is the world of events. We recognise the profound impact businesses can have on society and the environment, and we are dedicated to leading by example. This report serves as a testament to our commitment to transparency, ethical governance, and responsible corporate citizenship.”
In 2021 Easyfairs appointed Nil Sönmez as its first Chief Sustainability Officer. She emphasised that while progress has been made, the journey continues: “Our business model has always leaned towards sustainability. We are especially delighted that we have reduced our group carbon footprint by 33% since 2019. We’re making real changes and every little bit counts. Of course, there’s much more to do. We’re doing good but aiming for great.”
The strategy has three central pillars, which are described in detail in the report:
- Act for the Planet: Easyfairs is reducing the environmental impact of its events and event venues through a variety of initiatives in five areas (emissions reduction, energy efficiency, travel & accommodation, elimination of waste and more sustainable food & beverage options).
- Act for Society: The report details how Easyfairs is making a positive impact on local and business communities, helping them on their own decarbonisation journey, boosting innovation and start-up enterprises and partnering with charities during events.
- Act for our People: Easyfairs launched a large initiative on diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) and fostered a culture of lifelong learning through the Easyfairs Academy’s programme of blended learning, under the slogan “Boost Your Future”.
Easyfairs has set out ambitious targets for the future and employs dynamic tools to measure progress, empower its team to act, and track contributions towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“We find ourselves inspired by the progress and invigorated by the journey ahead. Our collective efforts have reinforced our commitment to extend the boundaries of what we can achieve. We look forward to reporting further progress in the years ahead” Anne Lafère and Matt Benyon concluded.
During the last edition held from 21 to 23 May 2024, Packaging Première & PCD Milan strived to be environmentally and socially responsible with several initiatives, which follow the global sustainability strategy adopted by Easyfairs.
Acting for the planet, Packaging Première & PCD Milan partnered with Goodwings, the hotel booking platform that helped calculate, report and offset the CO2 emissions produced by visitors and exhibitors on their journey to and from the event.
As for the event set-up, Packaging Première & PCD Milan partnered with Montecolino, a leading manufacturer of textile flooring and upholstery, to recycle around 80% of the carpet used. Once the event was concluded, the carpet was collected at a nearby logistics centre, pressed and disposed for further processing.
Water dispensers were installed inside the exhibition halls to allow visitors and exhibitors to fill their water bottles freely. Furthermore, in the exhibitor lounge and restaurant inside the pavilion, red meat was avoided from the menus, opting for products with less environmental impact.
Particularly noteworthy was the Avant Garde project, developed by Packaging Première & PCD Milan and aimed at highlighting the most innovative, design and eco-friendly packaging and materials of the year: 8 proposals were selected for the sustainability category and exhibited in the dedicated area.
Even in the conference hall, sustainability was the main focus of talks and speeches: more than 10 covered this theme applied to packaging, luxury and beauty. For Packaging Première & PCD Milan, information is the real boost towards a more sustainable future.
Acting for society, Packaging Première & PCD Milan launched a collaboration with Impatto Positivo, a worthy project that measures and certifies the social and environmental impact generated by the recovery of products which risk being wasted through a recovery and redistribution process managed by the Regusto platform. Thanks to this collaboration, the Exhibitor Lounge dedicated to exhibitors was transformed into a positive impact environment.
Moreover, for the first time ever, Packaging Première & PCD Milan introduced a special offer to facilitate the participation of start-ups and to enable them to participate in the Avant-Garde project.
Finally, in acting for the people, Packaging Première included 36 women in the panel of speakers who brought their knowledge and experience on various topics on stage.
"For years, we have been embarking on a significant journey to sustainability. Our initiatives aim to reduce environmental impact, support society and improve people's well-being. We have implemented the use of recyclable materials, the reduction of food waste and the promotion of a more sustainable lifestyle. We agree that every small gesture can make a big difference and we are determined to do our part to build a better future," says Pier Paolo Ponchia, Founder and Director of Packaging Première & PCD Milan.
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