Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

PROVADA is working to reduce its footprint, with the goal of reaching zero. To achieve this, we take the necessary steps annually based on the principle: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

We are part of a chain in which all links must accelerate. The organization, the venue, caterers, booth builders and also our visitors and exhibitors play an important role in making the fair more sustainable.

In 2024-2025, a significant part of the focus is on reducing waste and better waste separation.

Want to know what we at PROVADA do to reduce the footprint and how you as an exhibitor or visitor can contribute to this? Below you will find more information and practical tips. Do you have good tips or suggestions for us? We would love to hear from you!

Our sustainability actions

Central waste management approach PROVADA 2025

null
PROVADA takes a new step in waste reduction and separation with a central approach during the fair. We strive for a cleaner fair floor and more efficient processing of recyclable materials.

What does this entail?
✔ Collection of waste at booths and aisles – No more separate orders needed.
✔ Colored garbage bags + instructions – For optimal waste separation.
✔ Special bucket for Swirl and coffee grounds – For separate collection.

PROVADA continues to invest in sustainability and takes on the largest part of the bill for waste processing. Last year, with our commitment to a cleaner fair floor, we produced 25% less waste during the event!

To prevent and/or reduce waste, we advise exhibitors:

  • No samples, flyers, maps and carrying trays
  • No plastic bags (giving them away for free is prohibited anyway)
  • Less catering packaging, no giveaways
  • Avoid use of disposables

With this approach, we reduce waste and encourage more conscious use of materials. Together we contribute to a more sustainable PROVADA!

Material passport for booths

null

In the future, we ask exhibitors to provide a material passport for their booth. When choosing materials, three factors are taken into account: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. From conversations with booth builders, we know that more is possible than you might think. The use of bio-based materials, for example, or reusable items and furnishings.

A few tips:

  • Where possible, use booths, stages and décor that are designed for disassembly and reuse
  • Do not print dates on banners and signage
  • Make agreements with your booth builder

Looking for inspiration?
During PROVADA 2024, the Rabobank booth showed how you can develop a beautiful and sustainable booth through the use and reuse of (natural) materials.

Donation program

null

Donate leftover items
This year too, Provada has a donation program for exhibitors. The Donation Room is an initiative in which exhibitors can play a key role. Exhibitors can hand over leftover items that meet the donation criteria below to the Donation Room. These items are then donated via RAI Amsterdam to various affiliated social initiatives in the Amsterdam region. Examples are De Voedselbank, HVO Querido and PuurZuid.

How does the Donation Program work?
On Thursday June 19, 2025 from 17:00 to 19:00, exhibitors can donate leftover items to the Donation Program. Exhibitors can donate these items upstairs at Entrance C (next to hall 12 entrance, opposite the information desk). The Donation Team is also present on the fair floor to collect leftover items that meet the donation criteria. The Donation Team can be recognized by the red 'Donation Team' t-shirts.

Products that can be donated are shown in the donation list below. However, it is important that the items are undamaged, clean (or very easy to clean) and complete. Food and drink can only be donated if it is unopened. The Donation Team has the possibility to refuse items that do not meet the wishes of the social initiatives. If you want to donate something that is not on the donation list, discuss the possibilities with the Donation Team. Whether the product can be donated or not depends on the product in question and the wishes of the social initiatives.

Click here for the complete list of what can be donated, including the donation criteria. Prior registration for the Donation Program is not necessary.

Catering

Catering also plays an important role in PROVADA's footprint. We ask exhibitors to make conscious choices as much as possible. We are in consultation with the RAI and catering partners about the range and food waste. What do we hope for? More vegetarian options, less packaging and less food waste.

Choose the (vegan) PROVADA bitterbal at the reception, for example, instead of the regular one. At least as delicious, but much more sustainable..
null

CO2 compensation - Trees for All

null

To offset our CO2 emissions, PROVADA became a member of Trees for All in 2021. We support Vastgoedbos (an ING initiative) with 200 trees in the Netherlands and 100 CO2 credits for Bolivia per event. We also promote this initiative among our participants. Together we want to inspire others to make the world a little greener and healthier. In 2025, we gave each speaker a tree, a symbolic gift that continues to grow – just like the ideas shared during PROVADA.

Certificate Trees for All 2021

Certificate Trees for All 2025