Shaping Change Together for a Sustainable Future of the Trade Fair Industry
Sustainability starts with responsibility and grows through collaboration. Trade fairs have the power to connect ideas, spark innovation and shape progress together.
Trade fairs are often associated with high resource consumption, extensive travel and temporary infrastructures. This presents ecological and social challenges for the industry. At the same time, fairs provide a unique opportunity to rethink existing concepts, explore new ideas and develop sustainable solutions. We believe that meaningful change is possible when organizers, exhibitors and visitors take responsibility. It is not about perfection but about moving forward together.
Our strategic sustainability approach
Ilmac follows the sustainability strategy of the MCH Group, known as the DARE framework: Decarbonize, Accelerate, Rethink, Empower. This comprehensive model enables us to embed sustainability into all aspects of what we do. It guides us in making conscious decisions, reducing our environmental impact and creating lasting value for everyone involved.
Our Commitment in Action
Decarbonize
We take responsibility for our emissions and aim to achieve Net Zero by 2050. By 2030, we plan to reduce emissions by 50% in Scopes 1 & 2 and 20% in Scope 3. Through energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, and precise CO₂ tracking, we are steadily reducing our environmental footprint.
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Since 2023, Ilmac has been measuring its own carbon footprint in detail, including direct emissions (Scope 1), purchased energy (Scope 2), and indirect emissions across the value chain (Scope 3). Together with our partners and suppliers, we continuously improve our data. This enables us to identify meaningful actions and focus on the areas with the highest reduction potential.
Accelerate
We drive sustainable growth by taking responsibility for the environment, society, and the economy. With ethical business practices, transparent governance, and a focus on innovation, we create value and actively advance the transformation of our industry.
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Ilmac 2026 in Lausanne will place a clear emphasis on sustainability. Formats such as the Ilmac Conference will put the spotlight on pioneering technologies and sustainable solutions. Together with our partners and exhibitors, we want to make an active contribution and strengthen the dialogue on sustainable developments in the chemical and life sciences industries.
The program will be published on Ilmac 365 in spring 2026!
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At Ilmac, we are committed to supporting young companies and accelerating innovation in the chemical and life science sectors. The Startup Area offers startups an affordable 3 m² exhibition space, visibility on Ilmac 365, and a 3–5 minute speaker slot to present directly to industry professionals.
The package is aimed at companies under three years old with innovations in chemistry, biotechnology or process engineering.
Rethink
We are rethinking processes to make them more circular and resource-efficient. Our goal: Near Zero Waste by 2030 at all our own events. We prioritize reusable materials, optimized logistics, and collaborative solutions that reduce waste and close material loops.
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Ilmac is committed to sustainable event practices – and exclusively uses REWIND carpet. Made from 100% recyclable, latex-free material, it is produced without water and significantly reduces energy use and CO₂ emissions. After each event, the carpets are collected and fully recycled. They are turned into new raw materials for industries like automotive or furniture.
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The entire exhibition space at Ilmac is realized using sustainable exhibition systems from SYMA. The modular, reusable stand solutions reduce material consumption and enable long-term use across multiple events.
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In collaboration with our partners, Ilmac focuses on long-lasting solutions. Some of the signage is designed to be used for several years—it is modular, neutral in design, and produced to a high standard of quality.
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Ilmac 2026 embraces a digital-first philosophy to reduce paper waste. Instead of printed brochures, catalogs or business cards, we rely on the Ilmac app and digital tools to support efficient and sustainable networking. Visitors and exhibitors can access all event information, manage appointments, and use lead scanning directly via smartphone.
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At Ilmac 2026, staying hydrated goes hand in hand with sustainability. We will provide free water dispensers with fresh, filtered drinking water in the exhibition hall. We invite all participants to bring their own reusable bottles and refill them as needed – helping to reduce single-use plastic and support our commitment to a more sustainable event experience.
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Ilmac 2026 is easily accessible thanks to its central location in Lausanne. With direct public transport connections and international rail links, sustainable travel is easy.
As parking spaces are limited, Ilmac actively encourages visitors to use public transport. You can find more information here!Tip for anyone staying overnight in Lausanne: with the Lausanne Transport Card, you can use the entire regional public transport network free of charge during your stay.
Empower
We create platforms that promote exchange, inclusion, and diversity – for employees, partners, exhibitors, and visitors alike. Through training, fair working conditions, and inclusive event design, we empower people to contribute to sustainable development and make change visible.
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Seasonal and regional cuisine: Our catering partner, Paris Zurich, prioritizes seasonal and regional products to support local agriculture and reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
Diverse dining options: The event primarily offers vegetarian dishes, but also provides meat options rather than treating them as an alternative. This change supports a more sustainable and health-conscious dining experience.
Portion control and finger food: To minimize food waste, we are introducing smaller portions and finger food. This allows Ilmac visitors to enjoy a variety of dishes while ensuring that food preparation is better aligned with actual consumption.
Precise quantity planning: By integrating meal planning into the ticket sales process, participants can specify on which days they will be attending. This enables more accurate meal preparation and a reduction in waste, taking into account the no-show rate. In addition, in our ticket shop we ask both visitors and exhibitors whether they will be attending the networking apéro and on which days they plan to attend the networking lunch. To minimize food waste, we are introducing smaller portions and finger food at our networking apéro.
Reusable tableware: To move away from single-use plastic, we have decided to use reusable cutlery and tableware.
Ilmac 365 App
With the official Ilmac 365 app, you always have the community network with you on your phone or tablet.