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A sustainable event

Putting sustainability first

Driving meaningful change

We are committed to Vitafoods Europe having a positive impact on people and planet. We want to play a key role in helping the nutraceuticals industry improve its own sustainability by connecting people with the networks and knowledge they need to help solve the big challenges of the future. Find out how we are aiming to achieve these goals. 

What's in this guide

Our sustainability initiatives

01 Inspiring sustainable development

02 Running an environmentally responsible event

03 Running a socially responsible event

04 What we are doing in Barcelona

05 Tips for attending responsibly

06 How to exhibit responsibly

01
Inspiring sustainable development

Embedding sustainability into our brand by 2025, inspiring the nutraceutical sector to adopt more sustainable practices.

   

 

Initiatives

1 Sustainability Inside Initiative integrates sustainable practices into the event, supporting UN SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and providing attendees with knowledge and tools for a healthier future.

2 Sustainability-Focused Programme includes expert-led discussions on sustainable sourcing and legislation, awards recognizing sustainability innovation, and workshops promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

3 Partnership with Solidaridad works with the non-profit to promote sustainable, inclusive supply chains, helping businesses adopt responsible sourcing and drive positive change.

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02
Running a environmentally responsible event

Working towards carbon neutral and halving our waste by 2025 – a crucial step toward achieving zero waste and net zero carbon by 2030 or sooner. Here’s how we are making it happen:

   

 

Initiatives

1 100% renewable energy: The event is powered entirely by renewable electricity, significantly reducing our carbon footprint.

2 Better Stands programme: Encouraging exhibitors and their contractors to adopt modular and reusable stand designs, reducing disposable waste.

3 Zero waste show features: Key areas such as event theatres, Tasting Bar, Sales Lounge, and other show features are built using 100% reusable elements and 100% recyclable graphics and carpet. These spaces meet the Gold-level standard of the Better Stands programme, ensuring zero waste is sent to landfill.

4 Recycling & waste reduction: Implementing comprehensive waste management strategies across the event waste streams to maximize recycling and minimize landfill waste.

03
Running a socially responsible event

Fostering diversity and inclusion while creating a positive impact in our host city of Barcelona. Through our initiatives, we strive to support underrepresented voices, empower innovation, and give back to the local community.

        

 

Impact

1 Vitafoods Europe Innovation Awards recognize groundbreaking advancements in the nutraceutical industry. The Diversity & Inclusion Award honors organizations that promote equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or physical and mental ability.

2 Diversity and Inclusion Networking Events include the Women’s Networking Breakfast, where professionals gather to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies for fostering greater equity in the industry.

3 Start-up Pavilion provides a platform for emerging companies to showcase innovations, gain industry exposure, and connect with investors and partners, supporting the next generation of industry leaders and forward-thinking solutions.

4 Partnering with Nutrició Sense Fronteres, a Barcelona-based food bank, to help fight food waste and hunger. Leftover food from event catering will be donated, and exhibitors are encouraged to contribute any excess food on day 3 of the event.

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04
What we are doing in Barcelona

Advancing sustainability at our event through Sustainability Inside.

     

sdg
Committed to UN SDG3
Driving sustainable change
Through our Sustainability Inside initiative, we incorporate sustainable practices across the event that support better health and well-being, aligning with United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Learn about our key focus areas in 2025
Increasing mental health awareness

Aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), we aim to showcase the importance of mental health in the nutraceutical industry. 

Strenghtening the connect between healthy lifestyle and diet

We aim to emphasize the role of nutrition in personal well being through our various content sessions, including key ingredient categories at the Vitafoods Europe Conference. 

On-site quiet room

We will provide a quiet room on the show floor with mental health resources. 

Yoga activity

We are also excited to host a yoga activity to promote overall well-being of our attendees. More information coming soon!

Looking ahead to 2026

To build a stronger foundation for Sustainability Inside, Vitafoods Europe 2025 will conduct a sustainability questionnaire to gain deeper insights into the industry’s biggest sustainability challenges. These insights will shape the Sustainability Inside for 2026, allowing the event to act as an enabler or accelerator of sustainable change within the nutraceutical market.

By embedding sustainability into the heart of Vitafoods Europe, we aim to create a platform that inspires action, fosters collaboration, and supports the industry’s sustainability journey.

05
Tips on attending responsibly

Sustainability starts with small choices. Here’s how you can contribute:

  

Sustainability guidelines
Sustainable Travel & Accommodation

Opt for lower-carbon travel such as trains, public transport, or carpooling. Choose eco-friendly hotels with strong environmental policies, with assistance from our partner⁠ bnetwork.

Attendees traveling with RENFE trains can use a 15% discount code, available in the Exhibitor Manual.  

Waste Reduction

Recycle responsibly at the venue and your hotel. Minimize food waste by only taking what you'll eat. Bring a refillable water bottle to use at onsite refill stations.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Consider vegetarian or vegan meal options. Be mindful of giveaways by taking only what you'll use and opting for digital versions when possible. Use the event app to reduce paper waste.

Engage & Share

Provide feedback on sustainability challenges and how we can support you by completing the Vitafoods Europe Sustainability Questionnaire, available onsite at the Customer Insights Lounge.

Better stand at Vitafoods Europe
06
How to exhibit responsibly

Sustainability starts with small choices. Here's how you can contribute.

   

Sustainability guidelines
Sustainable Stand Design

Create a reusable stand that can be used again by you or your contractors. If non-reusable elements are included, ensure responsible disposal to minimize landfill waste.

Smart Logistics & Materials

Consolidate shipments and choose logistics providers with strong sustainability commitments. Reduce printed materials, opt for digital alternatives, and use recycled or sustainably certified paper.

Waste Reduction & Donations

Donate excess food to Nutrició Sense Fronteres and minimize overall waste through responsible disposal and sustainable choices.

Sustainability Messaging

Use your stand and marketing materials to highlight your company’s sustainability initiatives and inspire others.

Sustainability Zone
Post show 2024
Sustainability report
Take look back at the many ways our 2024 event inspired sustainable development and the key ways in which we ran an environmentally and a socially responsible event.