Kim Bräuner
Many exhibitions today are actively working to reduce waste and CO₂ emissions. One of the tools gaining international traction is Better Stands – a certification scheme that evaluates how reusable an exhibition stand is.
As an exhibitor, you will typically encounter it in the form of a certification: Bronze, Silver or Gold. But what does this actually mean in practice – and what does it require from you?
Why Better Stands Is Becoming More Common at Exhibitions
According to Better Stands, a significant share of an exhibition’s total CO₂ emissions (excluding transport) comes from the design and production of exhibition stands – particularly single-use constructions. The focus is therefore very clear: fewer single-use structures and more reuse.
The concept promotes, among other things:
- Modular constructions
- Reusable systems
- Rental solutions rather than single-use purchases
- Materials that can be used across multiple exhibitions
The scheme is voluntary and functions as a practical framework for highlighting better choices – rather than a rule set with penalties.
Bronze, Silver or Gold – How Is Your Stand Evaluated?
Better Stands uses a 10-point framework in which key parts of the stand are assessed based on their reusability. This includes elements such as the main structure (walls), furniture, lighting, signage and branding elements, flooring and graphics.
Each element is assessed as either single-use or reusable/reused. Based on the overall assessment, the stand receives one of the following classifications:
Bronze – The core structural elements are reusable.
Silver – Most of the structure and several additional elements are reusable.
Gold – The stand is designed throughout for reuse across multiple exhibitions.
The certification applies to the stand itself – not to the company’s overall ESG performance.
What Does Better Stands Require from You as an Exhibitor?
An exhibition stand can either be evaluated during the event itself (onsite assessment) or through a pre-assessment, where documentation is submitted before the exhibition. However, this is not always possible and may in some cases require an additional fee.
This typically involves documentation of construction principles, technical drawings, fire certification, as well as photos and floor plans showing how elements can be reused.
Here, the stand builder plays a crucial role. Many modern stand solutions are already modular and designed for reuse – meaning that a complete redesign is often unnecessary. In many cases, it simply requires proper documentation.
What Does It Mean in Practice for Your Exhibition Stand?
If your stand is built modularly, with reusable structures and rental elements, you are often already well on your way towards a high certification level.
At Scanex, we produce a large share of our materials in-house or offer them as rental solutions. Many elements are designed to be used across multiple exhibitions and projects. Our project managers handle the practical documentation and dialogue required for certification, making the process straightforward for you as an exhibitor.
Make Your Certification Visible in Marketing and ESG Communication
Many exhibitors actively use their Bronze, Silver or Gold certification in their communications before, during and after an exhibition.
For example in:
- Social media
- Newsletters
- Press releases
- ESG or CSR reporting
In particular, the Gold certification acts as a clear signal of a well-considered and responsible exhibition stand solution.
How the Better Stands Certification Process Works – Step by Step
When an exhibition stand is evaluated according to the Better Stands framework, the entire practical process is handled in close cooperation with us as the stand builder.
The project manager at Scanex completes and submits the required documentation about the stand in advance. This includes descriptions of the construction, material choices, reusable elements, floor plans and visual documentation.
During the stand build, a representative from Better Stands carries out a physical inspection. The construction is checked, and photos are taken of the relevant elements. These observations are then compared with the submitted documentation.
After the exhibition, a preliminary assessment is issued explaining the achieved classification. There is an opportunity for dialogue and possible objections if something needs to be reassessed.
Once the process is finalised, the exhibitor receives the official certification. It can then be actively used in marketing and documentation.
Conclusion
At its core, Better Stands is a tool designed to promote reuse in exhibition stand construction. It is not a requirement – but an opportunity to document the choices already being made.
For many exhibitors, it is not about changing everything, but about thinking long-term and making sustainable choices visible. With the right planning, the certification can strengthen your brand profile, document your sustainability efforts and support a more long-term exhibition stand strategy.