Swanline was recently challenged with creating a fully sustainable stand for our long-standing customer of 15 years, Palate Display. Their client, Bostik, had asked for an exhibition stand to showcase at Screwfix Live 2024, however, the stand needed to align with their sustainability goals. The result was a show-stopping design that not only met these sustainability goals by being created out of 100% recyclable and compostable materials, but also earned the prestigious ‘Stand of the Year – Best Sustainable Initiative’ Award at Screwfix Live 2024.
Traditional vs. Corrugated Stands
Traditional exhibition stands have a significant environmental impact due to their non-recyclable materials, single-use components and energy intensive production processes. They tend to use large amounts of plastics and synthetic materials, especially for the flooring. These systems are designed for short-term use, resulting in large amounts being sent to landfill after events. The bulky construction can also result in higher transport costs and emissions.
Considering this, the Swanline team knew they had to make the stand as sustainable as possible and do what they’re best at, transforming corrugated materials. Swanline have previously made several corrugated exhibition stands during 2023 for Palate Display and have been developing and perfecting their stands over the past few years. This gave them an advantage on how to align with Bostik’s vision for this stand in particular, as it was exhibiting at a major event for their industry.
Stand Design
Swanline asked their design team to shed some light from start to finish on how they pulled the stand together and made sure it was structurally viable, strong, and contained all the necessary components and add-ons required. Our Swanline Design Manager Alex Smith explained: “The layout and flow of the stand are shaped by the allocated space within the exhibition venue, considering the position and any existing walls. We then work from a customer brief outlining their requirements, which might include elements such as storage, shelving, demo tables, seating, TVs, lighting, a refreshment area, printed flooring, or custom games designed to encourage interaction at the stand.”
Swanline used a new demo table for this exhibition made from corrugated material, which can be customised for different strengths depending on need and storage. Their ability to customise extends into in-built shelving, freestanding shelving units and even interactive games.
Another main benefit which the design team highlighted is that the system connects to individual modules which creates a single wall, using corrugated components that can be assembled on site, not requiring tooling. Alex mentioned: “Our stands are the ultimate flat pack solution to the exhibition industry, utilising lightweight modules, corrugated furniture and no power tools necessary, just a pair of hands. It’s possible to carry 3m tall panels individually which enables a quick setup time, no forklifts required.”
We asked the team how they communicated with Palate Display during the decision process, and they highlighted how customer feedback was integral. Alex tells us: “Palate Display trust us from our previous track record to come up with a concept from the brief, and after maintaining this relationship for the past few years, we have gotten to know what our clients expect from us. Our clients love that everything can be recycled, with no single use plastics used. This is a great benefit for Palate Displays’ customer as it’s easy to depose of. We continually think how to cut our transport emissions, which helps to align with Bostik’s sustainability vision.”
Palate Display
Swanline asked Palate Display how impactful and cost effective the corrugated stand was: Andrew Home, Director of Palate Display confirmed: “Extremely impactful compared to traditional stands, and the costs are generally similar”. Andrew also mentioned when asked about how satisfied their client, Bostik, were with the overall result, “Very happy, especially with winning the award at Screwfix. The stand puts a strong light on sustainability for Bostik”.
Swanline asked how was the process of working with Swanline? Andrew responded, “The process worked well, the process works at its best when Swanline have control not only of the design but also the artwork in house.”
Bostik
Swanline asked Bostik how the stand design helped to showcase their brand, and they responded: “The stand was strong, bright, and welcoming for visitors. Both the brand and products stood out well.” Sustainability was at the heart of this project, so we asked Bostik did the stand’s sustainable design help reinforce any of Bostik’s brand values? “Yes, it perfectly reinforced Bostik’s vision of sustainability. The finish is so impressive that people often don’t believe it’s cardboard. When they learn it is, it adds a powerful element to our sales pitch, something that Huw Morgan, our Divisional Sales Director, was particularly delighted with.”
It was an amazing achievement for Swanline, Palate Display and Bostik to win Stand of the Year – Best Sustainable Initiative during Screwfix Live 2024.
Bostik told Swanline that the recognition aligns with their future sustainability initiatives, emphasising their commitment to aligning sustainability, recyclability, and reusability in upcoming projects.
It’s apparent, sustainability is a bigger factor for companies, especially when exhibiting at trade events. Swanline has the capability to deliver award winning stands for companies in a variety of industries. Contact Us for more information on our sustainable exhibition stands.
