In brief
A sustainably designed exhibition stand generally costs as much to acquire as a conventional one. The difference comes from the second use onwards: modular systems are stored and reused instead of being disposed of. Typical ranges in the DACH region in 2026: €4,000–12,000 for 9–20 m², €12,000–35,000 for 20–50 m², €35,000–80,000 for 50–100 m².
Sustainability has long since ceased to be a niche topic in the exhibition stand industry. More and more exhibitors are actively asking about recyclable materials, modular systems and lower-CO₂ concepts – and immediately asking the key question: how much more does it cost?
The honest answer: in the first year, often nothing. Sometimes even less.
Why sustainable stand building can be more economical
Conventional stand building thinks in terms of single-use solutions. A stand is built, used, dismantled and disposed of – and the money is gone. Sustainable exhibition stand construction thinks in cycles: modular systems are stored, set up again at the next trade fair, adapted and used again.
If you exhibit at trade fairs three times a year, a sustainable stand system pays for itself after the second event. The savings come not from cheaper materials, but from reuse.
Typical cost ranges in 2026
As a guide for sustainably designed exhibition stands in the DACH region:
Small exhibition stand (9–20 m²)
€4,000–12,000 for a modular, sustainable system. Conventional single-use construction falls within a similar range, but without the potential for reuse.
Medium-sized stand (20–50 m²)
€12,000–35,000. This is where sustainable stand building plays to its strengths: aluminium frames, reusable fabric coverings and modular furniture noticeably reduce follow-on costs.
Large stand (50–100 m²)
€35,000–80,000. At this size, a well-thought-out reuse concept pays off the most: frames, furniture and technology are retained across several fairs, and essentially only graphics and logistics are recalculated.
What sustainable materials mean in practice
At EXFAIR, sustainable stand building specifically means:
Timber from certified suppliers
We source wood-based materials from suppliers certified for sustainable forestry. This involves no extra cost compared with conventional timber; we provide the relevant certificates on a project-by-project basis.
Aluminium systems
Lightweight, stable, reusable many times over and recyclable. The standard material in system stand construction.
Fabric coverings
Prints on recycled polyester, replaceable without renewing the frame. A graphics update costs €300–800 instead of a new build.
LED lighting
LED spotlights use less electricity than conventional halogen lighting. How large the saving is in each case depends on the lamps used and the basis of comparison – we state the figure on a project-by-project basis.
What does sustainability itself actually cost?
The honest answer: the largest cost block is not the material but the logistics. Transport, storage and set-up/dismantling account for 35–45% of the total costs of a typical 30 m² stand – regardless of whether it is built sustainably or not.
Building sustainably gives you one decisive lever: logistics costs fall with reuse, because less material has to be moved.
Make use of funding opportunities
Individual federal states and the federal government support trade fair participation as part of export promotion programmes. If you exhibit at trade fairs abroad, check the current funding conditions with AUMA (Ausstellungs- und Messe-Ausschuss der Deutschen Wirtschaft, the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry) and the relevant state agency.
Conclusion: sustainability pays off
Sustainable stand building is neither a luxury nor a purely ethical decision. If you plan modularly, use reusable systems and book early, you will pay less in the long run than with conventional single-use construction – and you will have a stand whose sustainability you can communicate. Request a no-obligation consultation →
