FESPA has strengthened its long-term sustainability commitment in 2026 by expanding its responsible business initiatives across global operations, exhibitions, and community programmes.
The organisation recently achieved ISO 20121:2024 certification for Sustainable Event Management, building on its earlier ISO 20121:2012 certification secured in 2025. Alongside this milestone, FESPA also reported measurable year-on-year reductions in CO₂e emissions between its 2024 and 2025 events.
Sustainability continues to play a central role within FESPA’s broader FESPA Future strategy, which focuses on connecting, inspiring, and supporting the global print community. Beyond exhibitions, the organisation is investing in sustainability-focused education, research, industry insights, youth engagement programmes, and community development projects.
Through the Sustainability Spotlight section on its website, FESPA provides practical guidance and resources to businesses within the speciality print industry. Previously released sustainability resources include guides on calculating carbon emissions, certification schemes, and sustainability terminology. In 2026, FESPA introduced a new guide titled “Understanding and Avoiding Greenwash”, designed to help print businesses ensure that sustainability communications remain transparent, accurate, and evidence-based.
Graeme Richardson-Locke Head of Associations &Technical Lead FESPA
Commenting on the initiative, Graeme Richardson-Locke, Head of Associations and Technical Lead at FESPA, said:
“We recognise the importance of helping businesses in our community to adapt as expectations and regulations around sustainability change. Our role is not only to reduce our own impact, but also to provide practical guidance for the wider speciality print industry and its related sectors.”
FESPA also continues to expand the activities of the FESPA Foundation, which operates under the theme “Print For Good”. Since its launch in March 2025, the foundation has supported underserved communities and educational institutions in South Africa and Brazil through printed educational materials, financial assistance, and infrastructure improvements.
In addition, FESPA supports the long-term development of the print and signage industry through youth engagement initiatives run in partnership with its global association network. These programmes aim to introduce younger generations to careers in print, visual communication, and signage.
Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA, stated:
“We are proud of the progress we have made, but we also recognise there is more to do. Our ambition is to continue leading by example while supporting members of our community as they navigate regulatory changes, and transition to more responsible print and production.”
FESPA noted that its sustainability strategy will continue to focus on measurable environmental improvements while helping industry stakeholders transition towards more sustainable and responsible production practices.
