Our commitment to sustainability

Since 2018 Vitafoods has worked towards our mission to shape the food industry for optimal health, through science and innovation. The role we play within the industry and the growing interest in sustainability from our visitors and exhibitors, as well as to our market, motivate us to continually grow our sustainable efforts. 

Organising Vitafoods Europe gives us lots of opportunities to improve our impact - environmentally, socially and economically. We want to make Vitafoods Europe more responsible and to play a role in helping the nutraceutical industry improve its own sustainability through connecting people with the networks and knowledge they need to help solve the big challenges in the sector.

Helping the nutraceutical market inspire sustainable development

  • Providing content that enables sustainable development
  • Sharing best practices with our stakeholders
  • Developing market relevant partnerships.

       How?

  • The Vitafoods Insights Stage will address sustainability, traceability, and diversity and inclusion
  • The Vitafoods Europe Conference provides insights and in-depth research on the most recent industry trends
  • A new Plant-based Sampling Bar will showcase the growing demand for products promoting a sustainable and healthy lifestyle
  • We will support a charity partner sharing our vision to bring more heath to more people

Running events in an increasingly environmentally responsible manner

  • Working towards zero carbon emissions and zero waste by 2025
  • Checking the sustainability credentials of the items we source for the event

How?

  • The event is powered by renewable electricity 
  • Show features are carefully designed to minimise waste
  • The carpet, signage, lanyards and paper used at the event is made from recycled materials and it is recycled or reused at the end of life whenever possible
  • Our catering is locally sourced, organic and seasonal, and uses minimal packaging. We also provide plant-based options

Running events in a socially responsible manner

  • Doing business safely and ethically
  • Considering wellbeing and accessibility
  • Measuring our impact to ensure we are positively impacting on our host city

How?

  • We implement a Health & Safety programme to ensure safety onsite for all involved
  • Our networking events promote wellbeing within the workplace with activities such as our participation in the Geneva Marathon.
  • We reduce local traffic congestion through encouraging the use of public transport
  • Our Code of Conduct ensures the event is inclusive and safe for all
  • We work closely with our suppliers to minimise the impact on the local community.

Our sustainable efforts

We recognise our events have an impact on the environment. At Vitafoods, we are proud to continue our efforts with a focus on waste reduction, carbon emission offsetting and community empowerment. We are working to strengthen the measures in place to minimise this impact including but not limited to:

Elimination of all single plastics

  • We are working towards eliminating all single use plastics generated by outlets serving food. This year caterers are eliminating the use of single beverage cups and where available use biodegradable plates or cutlery. 
  • Water dispensers will be available on the show floor to encourage attendees to use their water bottles.

Inclusive and locally sourced
Aiming to cater to different dietary and lifestyle choices, there will be a vegetarian restaurant serving only plant-based options.

Waste reduction

  • Any food leftovers from catering will be converted into biofuels charity company in Geneva that will be able to pick the leftovers
  • Leftovers from the exhibitors will be collected at end of last show open day at the Sustainability Corner
  • Increase number of recycling bins both for exhibitors and visitors on the show floor
  • We are working towards reducing waste from carpet
  • Printed guides have been replaced with digital screens and downloadable materials
  • We are working with our registration vendor to replace plastic badge holders with options made with recycled materials
  • All merchandise and sponsored items will be produced using sustainably sourced materials
  • Our event guides will be printed using vegetable inks, sustainably sourced paper and carbon neutral accredited

How can you be more sustainable?

  • Your biggest environmental impact is from travelling to the event. When possible, choose public transport such as train and metro over planes and taxis.
    Did you know you can get a free Geneva Public Transport ticket at the airport? Also, you can get a free personal and non-transferable Geneva Transport Card if you are staying in a hotel during your stay in Geneva. See more information about travelling in Geneva.
  • At the show be aware of what waste you are generating, reduce it as much as you can and make sure to use the recycling facilities provided
  • Consider choosing a hotel with eco certification to lower your carbon footprint
  • Ask exhibiting companies about the sustainability credentials of their business and their products 
  • Reduce your environmental impact by eating one plant-based meal a day

Our efforts recognised

Vitafoods Europe is powered by renewable energy

As a part of our continued commitment to the sustainability of our event, 100% of the electricity used within the Palexpo venue is generated from a renewable origin; 80% from hydro and 20% a mix of solar and sustainable hydro.

This results in our electricity use being carbon neutral, minimising the creation of CO2, and therefore significantly reducing our carbon impact.

ISO 20121 Sustainable Event Management System Certified

The achievement of this International Standard is an extension of Vitafoods pledge to running events that are environmentally and socially responsible. The ISO 20121 Standard focuses on management commitment and leadership, as well as stakeholder engagement for all aspects of sustainability through the whole supply chain. It recognises a continuing dedication to reduce the environmental impact of the event while increasing the positive impact on communities in which the business operates.

Informa Market Awards - Excellence in Sustainability 2019