Fespa has reported progress in its sustainability strategy, including achieving ISO 20121:2024 certification for Sustainable Event Management and reporting year-on-year CO2e reductions between its 2024 and 2025 events.
The organisation said the latest certification builds on its ISO 20121:2012 accreditation achieved in 2025 and forms part of its wider Fespa Future strategy, which focuses on supporting and connecting the global print community.
Alongside its exhibitions activity, Fespa said it continues to invest in sustainability-focused initiatives including educational resources, research, youth engagement programmes and community projects.
The organisation has also expanded the Sustainability Spotlight section of its website, which includes guidance on carbon calculation, sustainability certification schemes and terminology. A new guide introduced in 2026, titled ‘Understanding and Avoiding Greenwash’, aims to help print businesses ensure environmental claims are accurate and evidence based.
Fespa head of associations and technical lead Graeme Richardson-Locke 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 highlighted the work of the Fespa Foundation, which launched in March 2025 under the strapline ‘Print for Good’. According to the organisation, the foundation has supported schools in South Africa and Brazil through donated educational resources produced at Fespa exhibitions, alongside financial support and infrastructure improvements.
The organisation added that it continues to support youth engagement programmes through its network of associations, with the aim of encouraging young people to consider careers in print, signage and visual communication.
Fespa CEO Neil Felton said: “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.”
