De Beers Group received the Silver certificate in the Informa Markets’ Better Stands programme for its sustainable booth at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) section of the recently concluded Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW).

The group’s booth at Hall 3 of HKCEC used 100 per cent recycled materials, fully natural flooring and eco-friendly paint, among other sustainable measures.

“Our ‘Sustainability Booth’ is part of our Building Forever strategy, which builds on decades of work and De Beers Group’s commitment to being a leader in driving ethical practices across the diamond industry,” explained Maria Olivas, De Beers’ vice president, Industry Engagement and Corporate Brand Experience.

According to Olivas, 28 per cent of the booth was made up of hired products, 61 per cent of the materials will be reused for other shows, and 11 per cent of items will be recycled through local donations. In addition, the plants in the booth’s living wall improved the condition of the air and will be donated to a charity post-show.

De Beers used sisal flooring, which is made from 100 per cent natural materials and used no glue or chemicals. Part of the flooring was made of cork, which is a renewable material. 

The cardboard material used for counters was fully recyclable and biodegradable. And the booth’s frame structure is reusable for future events and can be fully recycled at the end of its structural life. 

Informa Markets’ Better Stands programme aims to unite and encourage exhibitors, along with their appointed contractors, to move away from disposable, single use stands at events, in favour of reusable or recyclable structures.

The programme has three key stages: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Bronze certification covers four points: Stand structure and walls; platform or raised flooring; furniture and equipment; and lighting. Silver certificates require additional compliance for fascia and overhead signage; rigged structure; ceiling; and display facilities. Gold certificates are given to exhibitors who extend their commitment to graphics and decorative items; and flooring. 

JGW 2023 took place from September 18 to 22 at the AsiaWorld-Expo and from September 20 to 24 at HKCEC.

(Pictured, from left) De Beers’ Emanuela Morando, Lisa Tang, Corine Lim, Samantha Sibley, Maria Olivas, Informa Markets Jewellery’s Celine Lau, De Beers’ Loletta Lai, 2Heads’ Pippa Laxton, De Beers’ Claudia Chen, Informa Markets Jewellery’s Kitman Chan and De Beers’ Agnes Chan