Reflecting the organisers’ on-going mission to adopt a greener focus for its fairs, the initiatives rolled out this March focused on eco-friendly solutions in fair production and construction, including recyclable carpeting, energy-saving lighting and reusable structures.

APLF Director Michael Duck, who is also Chairman of the Sustainable Development Committee at UFI - The Global Association of Exhibition Industry, aims to serve members by promoting, encouraging and supporting sustainability within the exhibition business.  “We will become a reference point for best practice, tools, standards and learning,” Mr Duck said.

He added: “We have worked closely with our contractors and suppliers to make changes that have minor impact on the fair’s set up but significant, positive implications for the environment.”

APLF has eliminated carpeting in the gangways at MM&T and FA, for example, to cut down its post-show wastage. It spares landfills from some 18,700 square metres worth of carpet - equivalent to 2.5 football pitches. “Stand and gangway carpeting is one of the primary sources of waste at trade shows in Hong Kong and in the region. Needle-punch carpeting, the traditional option, is discarded after one or two uses and it cannot be recycled due to the component materials,” Mr Duck explained.

Needle-punch carpet also contains numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), prompting the organisers to develop better alternatives for its booths, where carpeting is still used.  “For the past 18 months, we worked with contractors and suppliers to introduce a new product previously unavailable on the market, which is non-toxic and 100% recyclable,” enthused Mr Duck.

Oil-based inks are another toxic substance being eliminated, replaced by the greener water-based inkjet graphics on show signage and stand fascias.

Meanwhile, the organisers have introduced a greater number of reusable raw materials.  23w energy-saving bulbs, producing a better lighting effect than the traditional 100w units, are being introduced and can be reused at many future events.

Wherever possible, reusable system materials make up the framework for feature areas, offices and signage, in preference over custom-made designs that consume more raw material and are difficult to transport and store, resulting in more waste at the close of the shows.

Many fixtures and furniture used on-site are discarded by exhibitors and contractors at the end of the fair, but APLF and its contractor partner AMC have arranged for useful items to be donated to local charities, as opposed to finding their way into the local landfill. Hanging banners are handled in a similar manner: they are given to a Hong Kong design studio that reuses and recycles the PVC into stylish bags and accessories.

“We are reducing waste and making more eco-conscious operational changes where possible,” Mr Duck stressed, “whether its imposing a 4 metre height limit on special-design stands to discourage over-consumption, or shifting some print material to digital formats.”  He added that the latter has already saved over 2 tonnes of paper, and also encourages suppliers to make use of digital promotional channels to reach buyers. 

APLF’s media partner FashionNetAsia.com, for example, offers paper-free options: virtual showrooms that display uploaded versions of press releases, catalogues and product information over the Internet.

Entering its 25^th year of operation, APLF has become an authority in the exhibition business of leather and fashion trade.  By taking green steps, it is paving the way for others in the industry to adopt more environmentally and socially responsible choices.

“Our initiatives are raising awareness and encouraging action from members. We want to send the message that every green step counts to contributing to a better environment, and a more sustainable future of the exhibition industry.”