During the last couple of years, we have seen a big increase in sustainable initiatives within the marine industry. Products and building methods become greener and materials are being recycled into new composites and some newly made materials are either biodegradable or reusable.
The industry follows the latest trends. We see more and more exhibitors that step into the world of electric propulsion and energy saving supplies. Being sustainable is popular and for all the right reasons. At the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center, where METSTRADE has taken place from the first edition in 1988, we are constantly working to provide an exhibition environment which is as green and sustainable as possible. Every year steps are being taken to reduce the ecological footprint of the event even further and we welcome each and every initiative that makes the show as well as the industry future-proof.
Practical steps
We are pleased with the progress we have made at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center. Lights have been replaced by LEDs and other energy efficient light sources. Did you know that more than 7000 LED spotlights will be placed while building up the show? The floors of the exhibition halls are covered in carpet tiles. The combined length of the carpet tiles in aisles throughout the show is close to 35 kilometer (an equivalent of almost 22 miles). For the first time in the history of the show, we will use a carpet tile for the aisles which are completely made out of recycled materials. After they have served their purpose, they will be recycled again for the next round, a big win! Furthermore the RAI has executed a pilot in one of our biggest halls last summer, which has resulted in an energy reduction of 91 percent.
Waste management is also of paramount importance to us. At the RAI we have made it very easy to separate waste with dedicated trash bins. This ensures that plastics and paper can conveniently be recycled without too much trouble. In an attempt to reduce the amount of materials we use for the show, we have digitised a lot of information and have chosen for a sturdy paper badge, which does not require a plastic cover, for the exhibitors. Besides that, we encourage our visitors and exhibitors to refill their bottles with the high-quality tap water which is widely available.
A podium for innovations and thoughts
Next to the practical steps we take, the METSTRADE Show also offers a lot of possibilities to emphasize the need for future-proof ideas. In November, the entire industry from around the globe is brought together. The show provides the ideal environment to exchange thoughts with the different branches of the industry to talk about the road ahead. Since 2015, METSTRADE has organised sustainability forums during the show in cooperation with ICOMIA. During these forums, pressing matters such as the recycling of yachts, are being discussed.
The METSTRADE Show also houses the E-nnovationLAB and the I-nnovationLAB. Electric and hybrid engines are in growing demand and the E-nnovationLAB showcases the growing array of products concerning both electric and hybrid marine propulsion technology. The I-nnovationLAB offers an open stage where a large variety of topics will be addressed. It also showcases the products that have been nominated for the DAME DESIGN Award, which are more often than not products with a strong focus on sustainability which are made with as little impact on the environment as possible.
The road ahead
As our exhibitors are always at the forefront of sustainable initiatives, the METSTRADE Show cannot stay behind and will continue to make an effort to be as green and sustainable as possible. New technologies are embraced, as they allow us to reduce our ecological footprint year after year. We invite you to come to Amsterdam in November and share your thoughts and ideas for the show and the industry.