Trade shows make eco-shift in Northwest

The growth of green business in the Pacific Northwest has prompted trade show exhibit designer and distributor Exhibits Northwest to partner with Michigan-based Eco-Systems in manufacturing Eco-Systems's products to drive the reduction of waste in trade show industry and reduce fossil fuel emissions in shipping.

Trade show exhibit displays are often discarded immediately after events due to high shipping costs for heavy materials, making the industry second to only the construction and demolition industry in producing solid waste in the United States. As trade shows presenting green businesses and technologies have emerged around the country, many presenting companies are seeking less wasteful alternatives.

Eco-Systems builds its portable-modular exhibits using bamboo plywood, low-VOC stains and finishes, LED lighting, and polyester fiber made from recycled soda bottles. Eco-Systems also offers an internal recycling service called Reincarnation, which collects retired exhibit materials for use in new displays. The company’s shipping cases are also made from recycled materials. Seattle-based Exhibits Northwest, a division of Classic Exhibits, is the exclusive Northwest distributor and West Coast manufacturer of Eco-Systems products..

Bill Evans, marketing director of Exhibits Northwest, says that the company’s current clients have been enthusiastic about exploring green options, but says the cost of Eco-Systems’ products can be a challenge; the new line is 20 percent more expensive than those made with conventional materials. Evans says prices have come down 30 percent since their introduction in 2007, and the company anticipates further reductions as the materials used become more mainstream.

Exhibits Northwest is also focused on educating its clients about more sustainable options, including renting displays as a cost-effective alternative that promotes reuse. Exhibits Northwest also promises comparable shipping costs, providing more incentive to invest in Eco-Systems's recycled and recycleable products.

Eco-Systems is the first in its field, but competition is appearing in the market. The company makes nationwide visits to trade shows, conferences, seminars and hosts webinars regularly, which Eco-Systems says is another innovative way to spread knowledge to clients and businesses without producing waste. Eco-Systems currently has about 30 distribution offices throughout North America.