Circular event: tips for less waste and more impact
Did you know that plastic products often only have a lifespan of 8 days? Our recent client changing this, through the circular recycling of PET plastic, has inspired us to dive deeper into circular event organizing. The government has developed the plan to have a circular economy by 2050. This is something we all have to contribute to otherwise it is not achievable, and so we, in the event industry, too
What is sustainability?
Sustainability stands for things produced or obtained in an environmentally and nature-friendly way. If we meet the needs of the current generation without endangering the future generation, we are living in a sustainable way. A sustainable event thinks about the impact it makes on the environment during planning to execution, during planning choices are made that keep the impact minimal.
What is circular?
In a circular economy, everyone deals extremely efficiently with the resources and materials at hand. It goes one step further than sustainability. Because we deal with materials in a circular way, they last longer, fewer new materials are needed and there is almost no waste. At a circular event, for example, you think about how to reuse certain materials and raw materials after the event.
So sustainability and circular are about the same principle, but circular goes a step further, to make sure that materials are recycled and not just that the material is sustainable.
Why organize a circular or sustainable event?
At the core, we all need to contribute to a world and economy where people, the environment and the economy are in balance. You can do your part by thinking smarter about use of resources and materials during and after your event.
Not only does being sustainable or circular help the world, but it also helps you as a company. Being sustainable or circular with event materials is cost-saving. You don't have to reorder materials as often, preferably never again.
Nowadays, it is not an afterthought but a necessity that you think about sustainability and circularity during your event. So it will also bring you closer to your target audience and put you in the spotlight for potential new relationships and clients who consider sustainability and circularity as important as you do.
Your business will come into its own if you sincerely think about how to make your event more circular. Involve your guest in this as well during the event, make sure they know what you are doing to be circular or sustainable so they can do their part.
Tips for organizing a sustainable or circular event
- Do you still have materials that may not be so sustainable? We say use them up first and then use them circularly! Throwing away materials that have not yet been used is of course super waste. This only creates more unnecessary waste. Use them up first, and then so use the circular options.
- As you plan, think about upcoming events and what materials you can use circularly. For example, think about your branding! Don't use years on branding, a banner with a slogan or the title of your event, if you attach a year to it you can never use it again.
- In our recent event we used a lot of circular branding, there were many banners with slogans present, all these materials can be used again another time at another event.
- If you do have to/want to use plastic, use PET plastic. After all, this is the only plastic that can be recycled again.
- For example, in our past event, we made the trays that the catering was served in out of PET plastic. This was part of the products the client made, but you can just as easily use PET plastic and recycle it. We had information on different tables about these food trays and the client's products. This further engaged the guest in the circular purpose of the event.
- In doing so, also consider proper recycling. Provide an effective waste system that ensures materials are properly separated and can also be recycled.
- Make choices in the suppliers you use. Nowadays, many suppliers use sustainable or even circular materials. We deliberately chose our supplier The Party Runner because they have upholstery that they recycle back. This was in line with the specific event we organized and so it also helps with the overall branding of the event.
Together we must work to create a world where we live in balance with the environment. By making our events and materials more sustainable and circular, we are helping to minimize our negative environmental impact.