MINIWIZ partners with exhibitors for ESG solutions

Unlike in Europe and America, where it is common for exhibitors to use modular systems extensively for their exhibition spaces, it is the practice in Asia for exhibitors to commission custom designed plywood exhibition spaces that will differentiate themselves visually to project a strong brand image. Unfortunately, this generates significant wood waste during booth construction and dismantling.

Founded in 2005, MINIWIZ is a technology pioneer and thought-leader in addressing climate change. It is addressing the major need for a waste-based substitute for high performance durable building products. Mark Wee, its managing director SEA, shared how the company is helping business events partners to achieve their ESG goals whilst adapting to practices unique to the Asian market.

“We offer circular ESG upcycling solutions, products and services across the real estate value chain. With over 17 years of extensive green building execution experience, amounting to over 300,000 sqm and 24 million kg of carbon captured, we help our partners strategically achieve their ESG goals with tangible building products and scalable circular solutions on par with current market prices,” he said.

MINIWIZ has partnered with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Informa Markets to design and develop the world’s first zero-waste exhibition concept named BOOTH ZERO. The BOOTH ZERO system was presented this year at Food Hotel Asia in April, the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) in June, and will also be at the Singapore MICE Forum from 25-27 July 2023.

Describing its booth at the Singapore MICE Forum, Wee said: “At the event, we will be showing exhibitors how the Booth Zero system can be visually branded to reflect an exhibitor’s corporate brand and messaging. We will also be providing industry our leasing rates for the system as well as the different possible configuration possibilities to accommodate their requirements.”

Wall panels are usually made of high density HDF board and PVC, but for BOOTH ZERO, they are composed of 70% waste carpet and 30% low-melt polyester fibre, reducing CO2 by 44%.

Meanwhile, 100% of virgin aluminium structures are replaced by material that are 60% recycled aluminium and 40% virgin aluminium, reducing CO2 by 53%.

Carpets which are usually made of PET material are now made of 70% waste carpet and 30% low-melt polyester fibre, reducing CO2 by 58%.

This proof-of-concept booth can be dismantled, packed, and reused for future events. The booths are created in a process that involves shredding plastic waste, heating it until it is soft, and forging it into the desired shape. The panels and carpet can be produced in different colours and are treated to be fire retardant and anti-bacterial.

Besides lowering carbon foot and offering a price competitive to a traditional booth, it can provide a wide variety of design configurations to allow exhibitors to brand themselves distinctively, and sustainably in the face of climate change.

“By presenting this proof-of-concept to the industry that a fully sustainable and cost effective exhibition product system is possible, we believe that the BOOTH ZERO system will be a game changer for the industry where waste management is concerned, and enable Singapore to achieve her goal of being the Asia Pacific's leading sustainable MICE destination by 2030,” said Wee.