SUSTAINABLITY

While the events industry plays a critical role in creating meeting spaces to work on solutions to end the worldwide climate crisis, it also contributes to the problem. The Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative was created to bring together organizations across the industry (from venues to organizers to exhibitors and more) to drive the events sector towards net zero. This concrete goal of this collaborative, hosted by The Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC,) is aimed to be accomplished by 2050.

As written on the Net Zero Carbon Events’ website, the group brings together stakeholders to:

  • Jointly communicate our industry’s commitment to tackling climate change and driving towards net zero by 2050

  • Develop common methodologies for measuring the industry’s direct, indirect and supply chain greenhouse gas emissions

  • Construct an industry-wide roadmap towards net zero by 2050, and emissions reductions by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement, with support and guidance on key issues

  • Foster collaboration with suppliers and customers to ensure alignment and common approaches

  • Establish common mechanisms for reporting progress and sharing best practice

EDPA is an Official Supporter of Net Zero Carbon Events. We are proud of our events industry and wish it to provide opportunities for many generations to come. 


To learn more about this initiative and to get involved, become a Supporter or take the Pledge. Also, get involved with the EDPA Sustainability Chapter, which shares similar goals with this Initiative.

RECYCLING FOR A GREENER INDUSTRY

Did you know numerous companies in the trade show industry recycle their PVC and acrylics? Did you know they’re not paying for it – and sometimes are getting paid for these materials? This is an exciting recent development we are able to use through Return Polymers, the plastic resign manufacturer based in Ohio (the company is part of the Vycom Corporation. You can recycle the following products:

  • PVC, PE, and acrylic 

  • Printed and unprinted rigid PVC sheets

  • End of use commercial and retail signage

  • Scraps and drops from cutting and fabrication

  • Trade show, mobile exhibits, brand environments, marine, and more

which Return Polymers will use to create beautiful, long-lasting, sustainable products like the following:

  • Vycom PVC, HDPE, and PP sheets

  • TimberTech decking

  • AZEK Exteriors trim boards

Return Polymers will send their trucks to you, at no cost, to pick up your materials. If the market allows it, they will also pay you a small price per pound of material. This is a great dynamic as it allows you to save money (as you will no longer need to store and process these extra materials) while also reducing our industry’s carbon footprint.

How to Enroll in the No-Cost Recycling Program:

1) Contact Vycom 

  • Contact Mike Sherrod or Ryan Manley today to enroll in the Vycom Recycling Program. 

  • MIKE SHERROD – email Mike.Sherrod@AzekCo.com or call (570) 578.0029 

  • Laurel Foell – email Laurel.Foell@ReturnPolymers.com

2 ) Bins & Totes Provided 

Once enrolled, Vycom will provide you with bulk containers to store your scrap and would be recycled materials. 

NOTE: Keep in mind, recycled materials must be separated by polymer; i.e. PVC and Acrylic cannot be stored in the same bin. 

3) Schedule a Pick-Up 

When it’s time to schedule a pick-up:  Contact Vycom at Recycling@AzekCo.com, who will coordinate with you and other EDPA member companies in need of a pick-up. The pick-up date and time will be agreed upon. They will replenish your bin stock so the process can continue without interruption. 

4) Your Scrap & Waste is Recycled 

After collection, your scrap and waste are recycled and repurposed into high-quality raw materials used in the production of beautiful, long-lasting, sustainable products.