Every year the UK produces millions of tonnes of single-use plastic waste, which takes hundreds of years to decompose.
At ExCeL, we take this issue very seriously and are committed to managing our venue in a way that minimises the amount of plastic waste that we generate.
We have a zero waste-to-landfill policy. Over half our waste is recycled whilst the rest is used to create renewable energy. Here are some of the key initiatives in place to help continually reduce waste:
Our legacy
Zero waste-to-landfill
We are working with organisers and exhibitors to migrate advertising and signage content to digital energy efficient LED screens and where there is still a need to print, specifying sustainable materials.
95% of banners are made from a PVC-free substrate that can be upcycled to create a variety of products, from traffic cones to roofing materials, or used as fuel at waste-to-energy plants.
For placements that require a rigid format, we only use 100% recyclable FSC-certified board.
UK’s largest commercial wormery
We are home to the UK’s largest commercial wormery, which recycles vegetable waste from our kitchens, generating fertiliser for green spaces around ExCeL.
Reduced plastic
A #NoPlastic campaign outlined our commitment to reducing single-use plastic waste. The campaign reduced the number of plastic bottles by more than 200,000 in 2019. Other initiatives to reduce the use of plastic include water fountains, the removal of plastic straws from point-of-sale and introducing discounts for visitors with reusable cups.
Donating surplus food and furniture
Surplus food and furniture, from events, is donated to CFE (Community Food Enterprise), who share these items with local community projects throughout the London Borough of Newham.
