At Comexposium, we are committed to more responsible events. By bringing together communities in the same space and the same time frame, our events make it possible to pool meetings and avoid the impact of isolated trips. However, our environmental impact remains significant. This is why we strive to reduce it by working with the players in our ecosystem (decorators, caterers, equipment manufacturers, exhibition centers, etc.) and by taking into account the constraints of the places and territories in which we operate.

Optimize the environmental impact of our events

  • Our events are designed according to the 4R logic (refuse/reduce/reuse/recycle) leading us to make decisions that limit their impact; such as the reduction or removal of carpets in common areas.
  • We also work to consolidate scenography and decorative setups whenever possible; prioritize reusable, non-dated signage from one edition to the next; and minimize the printing of visitor guides.
  • For certain events, we follow a benchmark of CSR commitments. This framework can be co-constructed with our partners and give rise to a tailor-made charter of commitments, as on INTERMAT or One to One B.Better, or resulting from a labeling process. Since 2023, the Group has certified four LEAD events (Label Event with Sustainable Ambition) including the first one-to-one event labeled LEAD in France.
  • Each event having its own specifics, we also adapt our approach to each show. For example, at Wine Paris, Vinexposium has implemented an effective action plan:
    • +100,000 glass bottles collected and cleaned
    • +18,000 liters of alcoholic beverages distilled into biofuel
    • +35,000 corks collected, transformed into Insulation materials
    • Upcycling of residual PVC, carpet and plywood banner surfaces.
  • We are also committed to fighting food waste. The voluntary contribution points for exhibitors at the Foire de Paris  or donations to the Food Bank at the Salon de l’Agricultural demonstrate this commitment.
  • In 2022, Comexposium committed to the “Net Zero Carbon Events 2050” initiative, an international effort led by UFI (Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) and supported by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This initiative aims to bring together all stakeholders in the events sector around a common goal: reduce the overall carbon footprint of events and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
  • Within this framework, Comexposium has launched a process to estimate the carbon footprint of its events also including visitor travel and exhibitor setups.
  • As part of a continuous improvement approach, and based on initial findings from these carbon assessments, Comexposium defines reduction actions.
  • At trade shows, where indirect emissions from participants and exhibitors account for 70 to 90% of carbon emissions, Comexposium conducts awareness-raising activities among the various stakeholders.

Ensuring inclusion, accessibility, and safety at our events

  • We facilitate accessibility for people with disabilities by carefully selecting adapted and accessible venues and exhibition centers. Additionally, we implement complementary measures such as wheelchair loans, dedicated assistance, and, at certain events, free admission for people with disabilities.
  • Depending on each event’s objectives, we also support charitable initiatives like “La Croix Rouge” at SIAL or “Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque” at the Salon Mondial du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie.
  • Accessibility also means promoting access to our events for job seekers. At several trade shows, Comexposium applies tailored pricing policies for students and offers dedicated visits in partnership with specialized schools.
  • Safety and security are core priorities within our CSR policy. Comexposium continuously raises awareness among its employees and service providers on these issues, especially during pre-event briefing meetings. During setup and dismantling phases, the Group ensures compliance with the use of personal protective equipment and nominative identification badges. Random checks may also be conducted among service providers selected for their commitments and the quality of their safety policies.

Encouraging our exhibitors and visitors to engage in CSR practices at our events

  • For both visitors and exhibitors, Comexposium has implemented eco-friendly actions that promote best practices for responsible event participation.
  • Customer surveys may also include questions to assess visitors’ awareness and needs regarding CSR, as well as to contribute to estimating the carbon footprint.
  • Regarding exhibitors, Comexposium encourages the use of equipped stands, which have a lower carbon footprint than bare stands. The Group has designed its own equipped stand, the “Comexposium stand designed by Marcelo Joulia.” Developed with sustainability in mind, this stand emits 25% less carbon than an equipped stand with brushed cotton and 40% less than an entry-level bare stand.

Sharing responsible and ethical practices across our value chain

Comexposium is committed to fostering a culture of responsibility throughout its entire value chain. We ensure that our partners, suppliers, and service providers share our commitment to ethical, sustainable, and transparent practices. By sharing our commitments and encouraging virtuous initiatives, we collectively strengthen the positive impact of our events.

  • We have developed a Responsible Purchasing Charter and prioritize service providers who implement reuse, sharing, and waste reduction solutions.
  • We ensure compliance with our Code of Ethics and uphold our commitments to transparency in business conduct.
  • We enforce a strict GDPR policy to guarantee data security.
We adopt a co-creation approach with our suppliers. We work with many professionals in the event industry, whose job is to adapt to new challenges. By comparing our ideas, technical constraints, business logic and CSR ambitions, we foster shared learning and growth.

Armelle Keromnes

Safety, Security and Sustainable Development Manager
In the event industry, we act as conductors, fostering a constructive culture of trust within the entire ecosystem of professionals. Our ability to adapt and innovate with our partners is the cornerstone of our shared success.

Ronen Cohen

Operations and Purchasing Director, Comexposium
Net Zero Carbon

a commitment to achieve this objective by 2050, initiated by the UFI

Responsible purchasing

development of a responsible purchasing charter

Commitment

in favor of Green Growth for the circular economy (UNIMEV initiative)

Impact Report 2024

Explore Comexposium’s Impact Report, which outlines our responsible engagement strategy and the positive-impact initiatives we have developed in collaboration with our stakeholders.

Sustainable initiatives report 2024 (PDF – 7 Mo)Sustainable initiatives report 2024 (PDF – 7 Mo)

See also…