SIAL Paris is committed to a more sustainable future! Discover how our concrete actions in terms of social responsibility are transforming the food industry. From respect for the environment to inclusion, we are mobilising exhibitors, visitors and partners to shape a more responsible show, together.

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:

Commitment #1
Organising SIAL Paris as part of a sustainable development approach
Commitment #2
Reducing the show's carbon impact
Commitment #3
Encouraging our exhibitors to support the sustainable transformation of the food industry
Commitment #4
Encouraging our visitors to experience SIAL Paris responsibly
Commitment #5
Setting up events to boost the economic performance of our communities

Organising SIAL Paris as part of a sustainable development approach

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Fittings, stands and materials

In 2024, all the carpet in the aisles was recycled, and 2,000 sqm were 50% reused 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 are partially reused 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 are 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

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Energy efficiency plan

SIAL Paris is strengthening its sustainability initiatives by implementing an energy-saving plan. The show's carbon impact is being measured so that improvements can be targeted more effectively. In addition, the show is using 100% renewable energy, reducing heating in certain temporary halls by 10%, and systematically switching off hall lighting outside opening hours. These measures have significantly reduced energy consumption.

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

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SIAL for Change

This competition rewards the best approaches and actions by exhibitors that contribute to a more sustainable future for the agri-food industry. The assessment criteria include product innovation, consideration of sectoral issues and the social impact of the actions implemented. By highlighting these aspects, SIAL Paris encourages companies to integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of their business, while offering greater visibility to exemplary initiatives.

SIAL Innovation

As part of the SIAL Innovation competition, SIAL Paris launched the second edition of the #ownthechange special prize. This prize aims to reward the most sustainable product of the year, 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 2024, in partnership with CNIEL (Centre National Interprofessionnel de l'Économie Laitière), SIAL Paris participated in developing 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

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Informing and empowering

Whether we are visitors or exhibitors, we are all players and we all have the power to make a difference through our actions. Visitors are invited to adopt various eco-actions, such as reducing waste and fighting food waste, by following simple but effective practices. We are encouraging the use of reusable water bottles, limiting paper printing and sorting waste on site. For exhibitors, the emphasis is on integrating CSR through the eco-design of stands. We encourage you to opt for sustainable materials, reusable structures and responsible energy solutions, to reduce the event's environmental impact.

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. 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 are able to attend discussions and presentations focusing on sustainability issues in the agri-food sector. And in 2024, SIAL Paris launched SIAL Summits. The CSR Summit, designed in conjunction with FoodParadoxa, provided the keys to meeting the challenge of how to make CSR truly desirable and effective. These premium conferences bring together renowned speakers and 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 highlights 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

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Creating a meeting place for jobs

As part of our drive to boost the agri-food sector and promote career opportunities, we launched SIAL Jobs in partnership with EIT Food and Agrorecrute. This initiative enables us to organize job dating sessions between companies in the sector and potential candidates. A valuable opportunity for companies to meet young talent, and for job seekers to discover promising opportunities within the industry.

Encouraging students to visit the show

SIAL Paris encourages student access to the show. Student badges are 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 enables students to actively participate in the show by leading thematic guided tours. These tours 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:

Illustration with the text 'ALL INVOLVED' on a yellow background with green leaves.

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
Discover the ALL INVOLVED program
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