The team behind ReGen – Australia’s Circular Resource Expo, is taking steps across its events to minimise environment impact.
Large events can generate significant waste and consume large amounts of energy – something not consistent with an event that is aimed at propelling Australia’s resource recovery and circularity.
Which is why the team behind ReGen – Australia’s Circular Resource Expo, is walking the talk.
“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do,” says Ali Lawes, ReGen Event Director. “We recognise that as an industry, we have a responsibility to reduce our environmental impact and drive meaningful change.
“That’s why we are taking action through a range of initiatives that promote resource efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible business practices.”
ReGen is the reimagination of the Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE) which has been a premier business trade event for the waste, recycling and resource recovery sectors for 15 years.
The rebrand reflects the expo’s expanded scope and emphasis on the circular economy.
This year’s expo, at ICC Sydney from July 23-24, will encompass all aspects of the circular economy, including circular product design, reuse, repurposing, remanufacturing, and repair ideas and solutions across a wide range of industries.
It will also welcome an array of innovative exhibitors, experts, and emerging professionals committed to reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency.
New for 2025, the Sustainable Exhibitor Awards will celebrate exhibitors who are leading the way in reducing their environmental footprint, from using recycled materials and energy-efficient lighting to minimising waste and adopting carbon-conscious practices.
Ali says the awards are a chance for exhibitors to lead by example and showcase sustainable practices to industry leaders, potential clients and the wider community.
“We aim to inspire and recognise those making a tangible impact,” she says.
The inaugural awards will include Most Sustainable Space, Most Sustainable Stand Package and Overall Outstanding Commitment to Circular Initiatives.
Winners will receive a trophy, crafted from recycled materials by Defy Design, at the industry networking drinks on day one of the expo.
Understanding that little steps can go a long way and every change can make a difference, ReGen is using lanyards made from recycled bottles and food packaging, and will recycle the lanyards at the completion of the event; registration badges are printed on recycled materials; and attendees are encouraged to bring reusable drinking bottles that can be refilled at water filling stations.
Separate waste bins will encourage visitors to use appropriate bins for waste disposal, where possible food has been sourced using local food producers and all food waste and coffee grounds will be composted.
ReGen’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the show floor through partnerships with industry leaders in sustainability.
The global convention and exhibition industry is among the largest producers of waste in terms of industry size, second only to the construction industry.
In recognition of this, ICC Sydney has developed a waste reduction program for all exhibitions and events it hosts, including a 75 per cent waste diversion from landfill and zero captured organic waste to landfill.
Since the strategy was introduced, 567 tonnes of exhibition waste material have been diverted from landfill.
“ICC Sydney has a range of new sustainability initiatives and is working with all Diversified events to ensure everything is reused, recycled, and repurposed,” Ali says.
“But most importantly they are partnering with ReGen 2025 to ensure the use of everything at the event has a life cycle.”
Other industry partners include Harry the Hirer, a sustainable contractor partner, providing hire solutions that prioritise reuse and circularity, the CN Agency will measure and reduce the expo’s environmental impact, while reusable cup partner Huskee Cups will help reduce single-use waste.
ReGen is also collaborating with environmental services Global GreenTag and GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia) to highlight exhibitors whose products meet high sustainability standards.
“From encouraging digital signage and reusable materials to composting food waste and investing in green energy, every decision we make is guided by our goal of creating a more sustainable future,” Ali says.
“By working together – exhibitors, visitors, and partners – we are not only shaping the future of events but also contributing to a broader movement towards a circular economy.
“At ReGen, sustainability isn’t an ambition, it’s a commitment in action.”
ReGen will be held at ICC Sydney 23-24 July.
For more information, visit:
www.regenexpo.com.au
