Comprehensive waste segregation, recycling, and material recovery practices implemented during and after the event, ensuring minimal environmental impact and maximizing reuse potential.
14,945 meters carpet waste reused/recycled
• Show carpets, particularly the main aisle carpets, are collected for reuse.
• Small carpet waste was collected by Eayni for recycling.
168 tons of wood segregated, and recycled
• A first-of-its-kind wood recycling pilot at Riyadh Front.
• Handled trough partnership between Riyadh Front, Eayni, and specialist recyclers.
Exhibitors
• Encouraging eco-friendly materials in stand build and sustainable shell scheme options.
Badges & Registration
• Thermal paper badges to reduce material waste
• Digital visitor guide via QR code, minimizing printed materials
• Sustainable, recyclable lanyards
Waste & Recycling
• Segregated waste disposal bins across the venue
• Smart AI-powered bins to improve waste sorting efficiency
• RVM machines for recycling plastic water bottles
• Recyclable show waste diverted from landfill
Food & Beverage
• Sustainable coffee concepts (Costa & Draft)
• Food waste compactors to reduce organic waste volume
Venue & Operations
• Green-certified hotels highlighted through the official hotel map
• Electric golf carts used for on-site mobility
• Metro transportation encouraged
• All-natural plants sourced locally, supporting local suppliers and reducing transport emissions
Giveaways
• Sustainably sourced, eco-friendly giveaways
IFAT Saudi Arabia 2026 - Waste Management & Circular Infrastructure Case Study
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.
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, Eanyi, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Collaboration Driving Impact
Effective coordination between Riyadh Front, MWAN, Eanyi, 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.
Partners and Supporters 2026
