Sustainability

No major event can be one hundred percent sustainable. Nevertheless, the aim must be to act as sustainably as possible and to make as many adjustments as possible.

We are committed to collaborating with our colleagues and partners to develop innovative solutions and practices that will ensure a more sustainable future for our events and the industries we serve.

IFAT Saudi Arabia 2026 delivered a sustainability programme developed by Messe München and dmg events that aligned directly with the event’s themes of waste management, circularity, and sustainable infrastructure. Working closely with Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center and local partners, the event introduced new recycling pathways and demonstrated strong leadership in advancing Saudi Arabia’s resource‑management ambitions.

Sustainability. The measures of IFAT Saudi Arabia 2026

At IFAT Saudi Arabia, we are committed to fostering sustainability throughout our event, and we encourage all exhibitors and sponsors to join us in our sustainability mission. Here are some key guidelines to help you participate in creating a more sustainable event

Circularity in Practice: First Wood Recycling Pilot at Riyadh Front

To address major waste streams, IFAT launched the venue’s first wood‑recycling pilot. A total of 168 tons of wood were dismantled, segregated, and recycled through a partnership between Riyadh Front, Eayni, and specialist recyclers. In addition, 14,945 metres of carpet were reused or recycled, with main aisle carpet recovered by the supplier and smaller pieces repurposed or recycled.

Wider Sustainability Engagement

Broader initiatives helped reduce the event’s footprint and promote responsible behaviour. The Sustainable Coffee House provided low‑impact hospitality, while food waste was tackled through onsite composting and surplus meal redistribution. Plastic and paper reduction measures included sustainable lanyards, thermal paper badges, and digital guides replacing printed materials. Clean mobility was offered via electric golf carts, and giveaways focused on reuse. The introduction of the “Best Sustainable Exhibitor” award further motivated exhibitors to adopt sustainable stand practices in line with the event’s themes.

Collaboration Driving Impact

Effective coordination between Riyadh Front, MWAN, Eayni, third‑party recyclers, exhibitors, and contractors ensured operational delivery aligned with circular‑economy principles and supported the creation of new recycling pathways previously unavailable at the venue.

Smart Waste Infrastructure Demonstrating Circular Innovation

A full suite of smart waste technologies showcased how infrastructure enables circular systems. Sensor‑enabled bins, AI‑powered sorting units, reverse vending machines, and compactors were deployed across the venue to improve segregation, boost recovery rates, and reduce contamination, bringing the event’s circularity themes to life.

Significance: Turning Circularity from Theme to Action

The sustainability programme positioned the event as a catalyst for industry transformation by pairing thought leadership with practical implementation. Wood and carpet recovery, smart waste technologies, and strong cross‑sector collaboration translated circularity from concept to action. This integrated approach set a new benchmark for events in the region and supported the waste sector’s shift toward a more sustainable future.

BOOK YOUR STAND

Sustainability tips for exhibitors & sponsors

Avoid single-use plastics and reuse stand materials where possible
Choose sustainable, low-emission materials for your stand.
Use LED lighting to reduce energy use.
Choose reusable or recyclable flooring.
Switch off lights, screens and equipment when not in use.
Avoid plastic giveaways and choose useful, reusable alternatives.

Reuse branded stand elements and rent furniture where possible.
Provide recycling bins on your stand to separate waste.
Go digital where possible and reduce printed materials.
Recycle any leftover printed materials after the event.
Use local suppliers and responsibly sourced materials where possible.
Combine deliveries and shipments to reduce unnecessary transport.

Five key focus areas:

Energy

How our events can be powered efficiently and use renewable energy sources.

Food & food waste

How we source sustainable food options and eradicate food waste.

Freight & logistics

How we can move goods efficiently to, from and around our shows and transition to net zero emission logistics.

Production & waste

How we can redesign our events with a focus on using sustainable materials and eradicating waste.

Travel

How we can work with and influence partners in the travel sector to reduce and mitigate emissions from travel to events and from business travel generally.

Interested in getting involved?

If you’re passionate about sustainability and want to contribute to a greener future for the events industry, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you have ideas, initiatives, or expertise to share, there are many ways to get involved.

Get involved: marketing@ifat-saudiarabia.com