Stand Up For Green winner: Marchon Eyewear.
This year, the second edition of the Stand Up For Green award - MIDO's competition that rewards companies whose exhibition booths present at the 2023 edition were able to stand out thanks to the recovery of materials, reusable modules, and structures with zero environmental impact to create unique environments full of personality - was won by Marchon. Eyewear.
Barbara Salimbeni, VP Global Trade Marketing, Marchon Eyewear, tells us how it went.
How is Marchon's sustainability plan structured?
Marchon has a proud history of commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives. EYES ON TOMORROW™ is our long-term, global program dedicated to guide us in ensuring that our eyewear and processes have a lessened impact on the planet. The program is built on three pillars: Eyewear, Supply Chain and People.
How did the idea of creating your booth come about?
Beginning with just a concept phase, it was important for us to design, assemble and showcase our booth to align with our sustainability efforts. By using more sustainable and recyclable materials and processes, Marchon is proud to introduce this booth and the importance of CSR in the eyewear space.
Would you describe your new booth space for us?
The key sustainability features of the booth include the structure modularity that allows for reduced storage space, the reusability of parts and the recyclability of materials used. The booth flooring and internal skeleton is made with an FSC® certified wood fiber panels infused with organic dyes and protected by water-based paint. It does not require energy-consuming tools to be assembled or painting and coating during the set-up phase, thus further reducing the use of substances inherently harmful to the environment. This material is reusable until the end of its natural life when its disposal becomes part of the chain of recyclable materials. Marchon's booth furniture is eco-compatible both in its production cycle and composition including the eyewear displays; the floor-to-ceiling mirrors were made in recycled glass and water-based, lead-free paint, and the tops of tables, bar, and reception desk were made of a strong, durable biocompatible material. The lighting system consists of energy-efficient LEDs, with a long lifespan and no heat/UV emissions, the Welcome Area and office ceiling material was in OEKO-TEX, certified according to Standard 100, which has a long lifespan and is treated with halogen-free flame retardants. The back wall of the booth featured a panel with 100% Made in Italy natural stabilized moss.
What was appreciated by the jury about your booth?
The booth was very well received, from exhibitors to eyewear industry professionals and the jury. The jury was impressed with the very thorough design, the attention to detail and the natural, organic look and feel of the booth. The jury also appreciated our dedicated EYES ON TOMORROW™ corner which displayed our sustainability strategy including Marchon frame styles that represent four of our materials— Plant-Based Resin, Acetate Renew, Upcycled Plastic, and Responsible Acetate.