Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a key issue in today's world. Faced with growing environmental and social challenges, it is essential for us to rethink our practices and integrate sustainable actions into our strategy.
Our commitment is not simply a trend or a legal obligation; it is a necessity to ensure the sustainability of our planet and our market.
As the world's leading food trade fair, SIAL Paris takes its responsibility to heart and is committed to promoting environmentally practices while strengthening its social impact.
SIAL Paris, a sustainable and eco-responsible trade show built around 5 commitments:
Organising SIAL Paris as part of a sustainable development approach
Fittings, stands and materials
This year, all the carpet in the aisles will be recycled, and a further 2,000 sqm will be 50% re-used in similar projects, promoting a circular economy. We are encouraging the use of reusable stands, with the aim that all stands will be designed for reuse. In addition, single-use materials from common areas will be partially re-used in similar initiatives.
Communication media and goodies
To limit waste, SIAL Paris is adopting a zero goodies policy, doing away with traditional exhibitor kits that include items such as smartphone chargers, bags and pens. Instead, we are favoring partnerships with local players committed to responsible modes of production, such as eco-design and upcycling. The show's paper catalogue has also been transformed into a digital version, and badge holders are now made from recycled cardboard, reducing our carbon footprint.Signs
Aware of the impact that these often-ephemeral visual elements can have, the show is committed to re-using a significant proportion of the signage it uses. Some of the signage in the communal areas and aisles of the show will be re-used in projects run by associations or companies with a mission, with a target of 30% re-use. This approach is part of a desire to extend the life of the materials used and to support initiatives that have a positive social impact.Reducing the show's carbon impact
Energy efficiency plan
Freight & transport
SIAL Paris is also focusing on raising visitors' awareness of the importance of adopting more environmentally friendly modes of transport. The aim is to reduce the carbon footprint associated with participants' journeys by encouraging them to favor bus, train or carpooling. The show now uses 100% renewable energy to power all its facilities, significantly reducing its environmental impact.Encouraging our exhibitors to support the sustainable transformation of the food industry
SIAL for Change
SIAL Innovation
As part of the SIAL Innovation competition, SIAL Paris is launching the second edition of the #ownthechange special prize. This prize aims to reward the most sustainable product of 2024, highlighting innovations that meet the environmental and social challenges of the agri-food sector. This recognition underlines the importance of integrating sustainable solutions right from the product design stage, providing a platform for innovations that will transform tomorrow's industry.
CNIEL trends book
In partnership with Cniel (Centre National Interprofessionnel de l'Économie Laitière), SIAL Paris is participating in the development of a trend book dedicated to sustainable actions in the global dairy industry. The report provides an in-depth analysis of best practices in terms of production, carbon emission reduction, resource management and responsible innovation. This partnership with CNIEL reflects SIAL Paris' commitment to supporting and promoting those who are actively contributing to a more sustainable future for the food industry through new trends in food consumption.
Partnership with “la Croix-Rouge"
Each year, surplus food generated at the show is collected in partnership with the French “la Croix-Rouge" and redistributed to people in need, thereby reducing waste while supporting a charitable cause. This initiative is an integral part of SIAL Paris' commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of the show while strengthening its social dimension. In 2022, 40 tons of donations were redistributed by “la Croix-Rouge".
Encouraging our visitors to experience SIAL Paris responsibly
Informing and empowering
Disabled people
To ensure that our show is accessible to all visitors, we have put in place specific measures for people with disabilities to offer them a pleasant and unrestricted experience. Personalised services will be available, including the loan of mechanical wheelchairs and a dedicated number to facilitate access from the car parks. We're making sure that every participant has all the facilities they need for a comfortable, barrier-free visit.
CSR conferences
CSR is at the heart of global concerns. This year, SIAL Paris is working with pioneering partners and experts to bring this key theme to the forefront of its program : Through the SIAL Talks conferences, visitors will be able to attend discussions and presentations focusing on sustainability issues in the agri-food sector. And for its first edition, SIAL Paris is launching SIAL Summits. The CSR Summit, designed in conjunction with FoodParadoxa, will provide the keys to meeting the challenge of how to make CSR truly desirable and effective. These premium conferences will bring together renowned speakers, pioneers on these issues, to share their expertise and inspire new approaches.
Journeys to discover CSR players
A dedicated itinerary to discover companies committed to responsible practices. This itinerary will highlight their initiatives in employability, inclusion and solidarity, while presenting their action plans and success stories in sustainability.
Setting up events to boost the economic performance of our communities
Creating a meeting place for jobs
Encouraging students to visit the show
SIAL Paris encourages student access to the show. Student badges will be offered at reduced rates to increase their accessibility to the show. This approach aims to enable companies to meet young, qualified and motivated talent, while offering students a unique chance to explore opportunities and food trends.Setting up partnerships with schools
To strengthen the links between academia and industry, we have established partnerships with renowned schools such as AgroParisTech. These collaborations will enable students to actively participate in the show by leading thematic guided tours. These tours will offer valuable insight into current agri-food innovations and practices in the agri-food sector.Rewarding student initiatives
Finally, we'd like to celebrate student talent and innovation by awarding the Ecotrophelia prize. This prize recognizes the most promising projects that have emerged from the creativity and ingenuity of French and European students. By supporting these initiatives, we encourage the emergence of innovative and sustainable solutions for the future of industry.
Program ALL INVOLVED: A global strategy for sustainable impact
At Comexposium, our mission is to “Create lasting, value-generating links to take our communities further.” We are convinced that to make our events more responsible, it is essential to act together, with our partners, exhibitors, visitors, associations, and territories.
The “ALL INVOLVED” commitment program is at the heart of this approach, integrating our own environmental and social issues while helping our communities navigate towards sustainable transformation.
Our “ALL INVOLVED” strategy is based on three key ambitions:
For our communities:
- Supporting the sustainable transformation challenges of each sector
- Supporting the economic and social performance of our partners
- Promoting responsible participation for all
- Designing new CSR courses and events
For our events:
- “4Rs”: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle
- Favoring responsible sourcing and service providers
- Measuring and reducing our carbon impact
- Offering accessible, socially responsible events
For our teams:
- Acting for inclusion, diversity and quality of life at work
- Developing our talents
- Making CSR everyone's business