Convention-goers have seen the greening of library shows—think online-only preconference guides, totes constructed of recycled materials, fewer water bottles. Now they can start to expect the same sustainability savvy from some of their library vendors as they get serious about reducing the footprint they leave when they exhibit.

Brodart Supplies & Furnishings made a splash at the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting in Boston this January by demonstrating its commitment to the sustainable use of resources via its new exhibit structure (right). The framework is made from recyclable aluminum. The gray walls are made from 100 percent recycled PET plastic. The countertops and shelves are bamboo, a renewable wood source. The signage is made with recycled PET plastic and nonsolvent-based ink, and the carpet is now composed of recycled plastics.

The new space "support[s] our corporate environmental goals for a greener exhibit," says Dennis Keith, Brodart's events and exhibits manager. "While not mandated yet for the exhibition industry, these trends are...what companies are doing worldwide to become more environmentally responsible, eliminate or reduce waste, and reduce costs."

Demco has taken a different approach to sustainable exhibiting by reducing the amount of waste and extending the life cycle of reusable materials. Several years ago, DEMCO decided to reduce the amount of literature and the number of catalogs shipped to shows, says Demco's director of library relations John Ison. "We often print as needed on-site rather than risk sending too much." Displayed products that won't be shown again are donated to nearby schools and libraries.

Over the past several years, notes Ison, Demco has reduced its booth structure and reused components. The floor space, signage, and products themselves have become the booth. "We live with products far beyond their designed lives," Ison says. Demco supplements its booth setup with rented, reusable components, including recyclable carpet and recycled padding; it extends this commitment to attendees with recyclable totes.