Working towards a better future
TFWA strives to carry out its activities in a socially and environmentally responsible way - from the lighting in its offices to the eco-responsibility rating of its event venues.
Even before the adoption of its Sustainable Development Charter in 2010, TFWA was conscious of environmental and social causes, introducing paperless pre-registration and online versions of its event publications and – through TFWA Care - strengthening ties to social causes and charitable projects.
Since 2010, TFWA has examined the social and environmental impact of every aspect of its business, proactively discussing ways to further improve sustainability with members, exhibitors and partners. And as the examples below show, TFWA is a committed advocate of sustainability to the duty free and travel retail industry.
TFWA World Exhibition 2011
Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan addressed the 2011 conference on the huge environmental and political challenges facing the world. He explained that companies can contribute greatly to solutions, and that it is in their interests to support the welfare of their communities.
That ethos of pragmatic altruism – with companies finding their own rationale for acting responsibly - is one TFWA believes lies at the heart of sustainability. The association’s focus this year was on recycling and recovery of materials used for signage around the event, and in particular the use of inks with minimal environmental impact. Meanwhile the Palais des Festivals – host venue of TFWA World Exhibition and a key partner – has its own admirable goals. In 2010 it recycled or recovered 60% of on-site waste; by 2012 it hopes to reach 100%.
TFWA World Exhibition 2010
Sustainability was centre stage at the 2010 conference, with Havas Media UK chairman Lord Alan Watson explaining how consumers increasingly demand sustainability credentials from their brands.
A new initiative that year saw TFWA partnering BMW to provide a low carbon emissions car service, using its range of Active Hybrid cars.
TFWA World Exhibition 2009
Even before the TFWA Sustainable Development Charter, the association was committed to social and environmental causes. At TFWA World Exhibition 2009, singer and anti-poverty campaigner Sir Bob Geldof drew awareness to the plight, and potential, of Africa, and the global impact of climate change.
Also that year, TFWA began paperless registration for its events – a process that is both efficient for clients and makes considerable carbon reductions through minimising paper mailings and their associated transport.
