At the heart of our mission is a commitment to reducing single-use stands.
At Pharmapack in 2026 edition are proud to announce that we have achieved a leading milestone of just 1% single-use stands per net square meter. This remarkable achievement shows our attendees and our exhibitors’ dedication to driving change and setting a benchmark for sustainable event.
The Better Stands Programme is an industry-wide programme to improve sustainability in the events industry, with support from leading international exhibition organisers and registered as part of the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative.
Now implemented by 60+ organisations, at more than 400 global events, the programme uses a framework to assess the reusability of stands, celebrating exhibitors and their appointed contractors who choose to use reusable structures. Pharmapack has implemented the programme since 2024, assessing thousands of stands every year.
Single-use exhibition stands may offer convenience, but they generate over 80% of total event waste in certain regions. These space-only constructions are built on-site from low-quality materials and subsequently dismantled for landfill disposal or incineration, creating substantial environmental challenges.
Beyond their ecological impact, improper handling of these temporary structures poses significant health and safety risks to personnel involved in their assembly and breakdown.
Reusable stands dramatically reduce waste whilst improving safety and sustainability, as all its core elements can be used again. This approach improves exhibitor experience, lowering costs over time and making builds and breakdowns a smoother, less stressful process.
When designing your stand, be sure to speak to your contractor to ensure all elements are built for reuse at future events.
Enjoy a smoother, more predictable and stress-free build and breakdown experience
Cut down your waste bill and other unpredicted costs
Reduce the cost of your stand’s design and construction
Promote your brand in a positive light by highlighting sustainable qualities
There are no shortcuts to sustainability, and the only way the pharmaceutical industry can get there is by working together as a community. In order to provide benchmarks for progress, the Better Stands Programme has been divided into three key stages: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Going forward, Better Stands Programme will become an integral part of stand build regulations. Compliance will be monitored throughout the event cycle from stand plan submission through to on-site review and verification.
Reusable:
Reusable:
At this year’s show, our aim is for all space-only stands to be constructed to Bronze standard, and we encourage all of our exhibitors to consider a reusable build for their stand design.
We are proud to recognise companies that have achieved Gold status multiple times since 2024, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to sustainable exhibition practices.
By working with contractors that align stand design and build to Better Stands recommendations, exhibitors can benefit from the aforementioned advantages and contribute to a greener and more responsible exhibition industry.
Silvia Forroova
Director of Partnerships & Sustainability – Pharma
Discover how CPHI exhibitors Hovid and Brevetti Angela, reached Better Stands Gold status and what you can learn from their success with Pharmapack.
Answers to some of the most common queries
The Better Stands Programme is an industry-wide initiative supported by leading international exhibition organisers and part of the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) framework. The programme brings together exhibitors and contractors, encouraging them to transition from single-use stands to reusable structures.
The programme operates across three certification levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold) based on the Better Stands 10-point framework.
Each level represents the number of stand elements that are reused after the event. The more elements reused, the higher the certification level achieved. Stands that do not meet minimum Bronze requirements will be classified as single-use.
A single-use stand is a space-only build that can only be used once at a single event. They are typically constructed onsite from poor-quality raw materials, which are then demolished post show and sent to either landfill or burnt for energy.
Easily reusable:
Can be reusable with careful handling:
Difficult to reuse:
An independent third-party assessor, Abraxys, conducts on-site inspections during the build-up and dismantle phases, evaluating each stand element against the Better Stands 10-point framework. With photographic documentation taken throughout the process, they will verify whether elements are reused or disposed of.
Following the event, during the week of 22nd Feb 2027, participants will receive a detailed report outlining their stand's classification and a certificate confirming the level achieved.
If your stand is classified as disposable, it means it does not meet the minimum criteria outlined in the Better Stands 10-point framework. Exhibitors will be notified and provided with a report explaining why the stand was classified as disposable. While no certificate will be issued, the communication email will include recommendations for improving your stand design to meet Bronze, Silver, or Gold level at future events.
What about Shell stands and Modular Stand design ( MSD ) package?
Shell Stands are constructed using materials that will be reused across multiple events, supporting CPHI’s commitment to sustainability. Whilst Shell Stands do not receive Better Stands certification, the structural components (walls, flooring and framework) are retained and repurposed for future exhibitions.
Modular Stand Design (MSD) packages automatically achieve Gold-level certification in the Better Stands Programme, with zero additional effort required from exhibitors.
This ready-made solution, makes exhibition participation simple and sustainable. All structural elements, furniture, lighting and rigged components are fully reusable, whilst graphics and floor coverings are recycled.
Yes, all space-only/raw space stands are assessed against the Better Stands 10-point framework. This ensures a consistent approach to assessing and encouraging responsible stand build processes across the event.
To ensure your stand meets at least the Bronze level, you should focus on incorporating reusable elements into your stand design in line with the Better Stands 10-point framework. Here are some key steps:
For exhibitors:
Review the information in the Exhibitor Manual Verify your contractor has completed the Pharmapack Contractor's course
For contractors:
Consult the Contractor's Guide available in the manual
Your Better Stands report and certificate will be sent via email during the week commencing 22nd Feb 2027.
You will have two months from the date of receipt to download your certificate.
Please contact contact Pharmapackcustomerservice@informa.com or get in touch directly with your account manager to discuss exhibiting more sustainably.