Building sustainable event branding together
At the Beurs van Berlage, sustainability is no longer on the agenda as a separate ambition – it is part of the DNA. This also applies to permanent partner Faircom, responsible for signing at countless events in the iconic building. A partnership that goes beyond production and assembly: it is a shared vision of future-proof organisation.
Anyone visiting an event in the Beurs van Berlage often does not see it immediately, but behind the impressive visuals, banners and signage lies a careful interplay of technology, design and sustainability. Faircom, permanent partner in the field of signing and visual communication, plays an essential role in this. ‘We get involved as soon as an event switches from Sales to Event Management,’ explains Jeroen Veenstra, Director-Owner of Faircom. “From that moment on, we think along in calls with the client. Sometimes even earlier, if there are questions about sustainability, for example.”
And that sustainability is central is evident in everything. They actively advise customers on the use of eco-friendly materials and are constantly looking for ways to reduce the ecological footprint of events. ‘We consciously choose to use as many sustainable materials as possible,’ says Matthijs Mocking, Operations Manager at Faircom. “Think Reboard, deconext cloths, PVC-free foil and aluminium frames that can be reused again and again. We are also working on fixed formats for registration counters, among others, so that we can easily reuse boards,” Matthijs says.
The choice of printing techniques also plays a big role. Matthijs talks about their use of water-based latex ink: “Latex ink contains hardly any volatile organic compounds, unlike traditional solvent inks. This makes it safer for our print operators as well as for visitors.” For this, Faircom uses the energy-efficient HP Latex 700 printer, which has environmental certificates such as GREENGUARD and ECOLOGOARD. ‘It shows that top quality and sustainability can go perfectly well together,’ he adds. Last-minute changes to products sometimes require concessions. Yet Faircom actively thinks along even then: “We always look at what is the least burdensome solution. Sometimes, for example, we save on transport by reproducing on site with materials from the circular programme.”
“We look forward to every event in the Beurs van Berlage, because sustainability should no longer be an exception – it should become the standard. That is what we, together with our partners, are working on every day.”
After an event, Faircom ensures that materials are disposed of or reused responsibly. Aluminium frames are kept as standard for future use, Reboard goes with paper and cardboard, and other materials are handed in separately wherever possible. ‘We are also in the process of setting up recycling programmes for materials for which this is currently not well regulated,’ Matthijs says.
Sustainability is not only a responsibility, it is also an opportunity to show what you stand for as a location and as a supplier. The Beurs van Berlage and Faircom share this conviction and look forward to continuing their cooperation – not only in the execution of events, but also in the way they jointly tell their story. Lydia Baloe, Operations Director of the Beurs van Berlage, puts it aptly: “Sustainability goes without saying with us. But that is precisely why we have to keep mentioning it. That’s where the power lies.” Jeroen Veenstra, Director-Owner of Faircom, also looks ahead: “We look forward to every event in the Beurs van Berlage, because sustainability should no longer be an exception – it should become the standard. That is what we, together with our partners, are working on every day.”