Expo West sustainability program reduces plastic use, overall waste

Natural Products Expo West could easily generate nearly unfathomable amounts of garbage, wasted food and greenhouse gases without its sustainability plans, sponsors and partners, as well as the cooperation of exhibitors, buyers, speakers and other attendees.

Through the New Hope Network Sustainability Program, New Hope Network strives to better identify, understand and proactively address environmental impacts, social sustainability and sustainable development at Expo West. Keep reading to see this year's accomplishments.

Steps toward eliminating single-use plastics

New Hope Network's partnership with R.cup saved 2,627 single-use cups and prevented 164 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. That's the equivalent of 191 miles driven by the average gasoline-powered vehicle, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Because sponsor Liquid Death's provided canned water at the host hotels, attendees saved 19,492 plastic bottles of water from being used and discarded.

Thanks to sponsor Vital Proteins, New Hope Network provided 2,000 reusable water bottles and numerous refill stations throughout the convention center, reducing the use of hundreds of plastic bottles.

Sustainable materials and procurement

Switching to digital kiosks from traditional print signage, approximately 13,475 square inches—or 93.6 square feet—of flexible plastic wasn't printed or used. At the Marriott, seven digital signs were used to replace 15 meter boards, saving 47,880 square inches—or 332.5 square feet—of cardboard.

Thanks to Expo West's partner ChicoBag and sponsor Robinson Pharma, 25,000 attendees received show bags made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

No food or shelf wasted

Leftover materials such as food and booth supplies were donated to local nonprofits, including Habitat for Humanity and Second Harvest Food Bank. After Expo West 2023, New Hope Network donated 181,142 pounds of food and beverages and five 18-foot truckloads of furniture and materials.

Learn more about Natural Products Expo East's Sustainability Program.