Better Stands by NZCE
Sustainable stand construction with Better Stands
An exhibition stand that ends up in a skip after just one show is no longer of this time. That is why King of Exhibition Stands builds according to the international Better Stands program: reusable stands that are assembled faster, are safer, produce less waste, and emit less CO₂ — without compromising on design or impact.
What is Better Stands?
Better Stands is a global initiative, born from the Net Zero Carbon Events movement, which unites the exhibition and event industry around one goal: the end of the disposable stand. A traditional “single-use” stand is built once and completely disposed of after the show. Better Stands instead encourages reuse: stand components that are used time and again, exhibition after exhibition.
The core of the program is a 10-point framework that assesses which parts of a stand are reused. Based on this, each stand receives a classification: Single Use, Bronze, Silver, or Gold. More and more exhibition organizers — including the largest in the world — are asking exhibitors to build at least Bronze and are rewarding participants who build demonstrably reusable stands.
The 10-point framework: from Bronze to Gold
Better Stands assesses ten elements of an exhibition stand for reuse. The more elements that are reusable, the higher the classification:
| Level | Reusable elements |
|---|---|
| Bronze | Stand construction and walls, (raised) floor structure, furniture and equipment, lighting |
| Silver | Bronze + fascia and hanging signage, rigging, ceiling, and display facilities |
| Gold | Silver + flooring and graphics/decoration (reused or recycled) |
The 90/10 rule applies here: at least 90% of an element must be reused within an exhibition setting. Stands can be assessed on-site, or a stand builder can have their construction method pre-certified in advance.
Why choose a reusable stand?
Sustainable construction is not a compromise. Reusable stands are among the most modern and surprising designs on the market — and provide you with immediate benefits.
- Faster assembly — a smoother and more reliable preliminary process, so you are ready as soon as the exhibition opens.
- Less waste, less CO₂ — you contribute directly to your own sustainability goals and ESG reporting.
- Cost-effective — components that last for multiple exhibitions pay for themselves.
- Recognition — more and more organizers reward exhibitors with a Bronze, Silver, or Gold stand with visibility and benefits.
How King of Exhibition Stands builds your Better Stand
We have anchored sustainability in every phase of our projects — from design and procurement to assembly and dismantling. Our working method is laid down in our sustainability policy and aligns with the requirements of Better Stands Gold:
- Modular as standard. We build as standard with modular, reusable frame systems (such as beMatrix), designed for endless reconfiguration and easy disassembly.
- Responsible materials. Wood is FSC or PEFC certified, metals are recycled or fully recyclable, and we avoid disposable roll carpeting — we choose reusable or recycled floors.
- Circular graphics. Textiles and graphics are recyclable and, where possible, go through take-back and recycling programs.
- Less transport and emissions. We prefer to work with local suppliers and efficient logistics, in line with the ambition of Net Zero Carbon Events.
- Demonstrable. We advise you in advance which Better Stands level is achievable for your stand and ensure that this is demonstrable to the exhibition organizer.
In this way, you not only meet the Better Stands requirements that organizers are increasingly setting, but you also show on the exhibition floor that your brand takes sustainability seriously.
Ready for a stand that lasts for more than one exhibition?
Whether you want to build reusable for the first time or go straight for Gold: we are happy to think along with you about a stand that stands out and meets the Better Stands requirements of your exhibition.