ISE’s upcycling initiative turns old flags and banners into sustainable giveaway bags - a small idea with a big environmental impact. Step by step, ISE and Fira de Barcelona are working on how smarter design, cleaner logistics, and greener choices can make ISE more sustainable.
Sustainability: ISE Upcycling Initiative
Sustainability at trade fairs often begins with small, intelligent ideas – and at ISE 2026, one of the most charming examples is the upcycling initiative that transforms old ISE flags and textile banners into reusable bags. What would otherwise become waste is given a second life as a fully sustainable giveaway: fewer discarded materials, lower CO₂ emissions, conserved resources – and a smile on the face of every recipient. It’s a a clear signal of ISE’s growing commitment to responsible event design.
Beyond creative initiatives like upcycling, ISE and Fira de Barcelona continue to embed sustainability deeply into the tradeshow experience, encouraging exhibitors, suppliers, and visitors to take part. Stand builders are urged to adopt circular‑economy principles: use certified sustainable materials, rent rather than buy, minimize waste, and collaborate with local suppliers.
Promotional activities are shifting toward digital channels, with printed materials reduced and sustainable merchandise preferred when needed. Logistics and catering also play their part – from reduced packaging and optimized shipments to alternative‑fuel vehicles, reusable kitchenware, and seasonal local food.
Even visitor travel contributes to the greener footprint, with trains, eco‑friendly hotels, and Fira’s EV charging stations supporting more sustainable mobility. Step by step, these measures show how a major international tradeshow can not only reduce its impact but actively model a more sustainable future.
