The organising team will be drawing on the insight gained in Barcelona with a raft of initiatives including the implementation of the Better Stand Programme in partnership with iGB L!VE exhibitors and their contractors , the introduction of the first iGB L!VE Sustainable Stand Award, the use of fully recycled gangway and features carpet as well as the use of plastic-free badge wallets for all attendees.
Reflecting on the programme Portfolio Director Margaret Dunn said: “Our core aim is to promote social and environmental responsibility in the gaming community and we are committed to play a full part in that process.
“56% of segregated waste was recycled in January, up from the 47% recorded in 2025. Furthermore, 90% of the features built at ICE were fully reusable and we’re focussed on making this 100% at future editions. We also offered badges on seeded paper for the first time, and recycled the event carpet rather than sending it to landfill.”
To encourage sustainable practices in stand construction ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona introduced the Better Stands Programme, alongside a new Most Sustainable Stand Award which was won by the Stockholm-based ICE exhibitor Internet Vikings.
The Better Stands initiative provides a framework for assessing and certifying sustainability with bronze, silver, and gold levels based on meeting key criteria. Prior to having their stand judged onsite, participating exhibitors are required to submit a statement describing how their show presence demonstrated progressive practices such as the use of a sustainable stand design, their selected method of travel to Barcelona and their commitments to waste reduction such as replacing print with digital materials.
“The increased adoption of sustainable practices is evidenced by a total of 20 exhibitors achieving gold certification indicating the highest level of sustainability” noted Margaret Dunn. “I’m delighted to say this commitment ran through the ecosystem with contractors actively participating in the initiative.
“We made a good start at ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona and will be continuing that journey at July’s iGB L!VE in London.”
Registration for the 2026 edition of iGB L!VE, taking place 1–2 July, is available at igblive.com.
