Executing a Sustainable Exhibition Stand with ExhiBox

To deliver on this brief, we choose to introduce our innovative ExhiBox solution. ExhiBox is a collapsible exhibition stand that fits neatly into a portable carry-on case and can be easily transported in a medium-sized van. What sets ExhiBox apart is that it is 100% recyclable. ExhiBox is crafted using Xanita Board, a sustainable, lightweight fibreboard with a repulpable core, which also happens to be an Antalis product. Xanita Board is stronger than traditional fibreboards and its durability ensures the structural integrity of exhibition stands. Instead of using adhesives, we use magnets ensuring that each wall can be reskinned with new graphics to help create eye-catching visuals adaptable to any scenario. And once the box has eventually come to the end of its life, it can be easily recycled.   We adapted our ExhiBox concept to fit the U-shaped exhibition space that was chosen by Antalis, so they could recreate a shop counter experience.

The iconic Antalis pink was to be a focal point of this stand, but it was our Head of Design, Becca Kelly who curated the featured design. She began by experimenting with the back wall of the stand, focusing on designing the structural layout and refining how we could effectively display the client’s products. To promote the 100% recycled notebooks, she opted for a predominant kraft aesthetic. However, our designer chose to infuse some vibrant spring colours and spotlight Antalis' pink branding using a white under-print direct to the kraft. Since the stand was dedicated to showcasing the Rhino brand which supports Save the Rhino Intl, it was essential to design something that gave a subtle nod to these animals. Therefore, our designer illustrated a topographic map of the species habitat in Asia on the back wall.
Additionally, we intertwined the conservation message with the broader stationery theme by giving the topographic illustrations a playful hand-drawn appearance. This reinforces the connection between stationery and Antalis/Rhino's commitment to environmental preservation.
Who says kraft can't be colourful!

It was then up to our cardboard engineer to give the structural concept the green light, so he could begin engineering the CADs. They had the task of converting the design into a 3D 6x3m stand made entirely from cardboard. Our in-house cardboard and structural engineer used CAD software to conceptualise the shape of the sustainable exhibition stand, understanding how each of the cardboard components would slot together, alongside implementing the design and determining how that would be showcased on the stand. Due to our in-house knowledge and structural engineering, our expertise in cardboard engineering is second to none. This enables us to deliver on sustainable stands, time and time again. Once the build was established, our project manager oversaw the logistics and installation to ensure the stand was prepared for the exhibition launch. We supported with the organisation surrounding the event health and safety documentation, alongside the stand installation and de-rigging after the event ended, to give our clients a seamless experience.

Each element of this project was created entirely bespoke, and for us, the clients, and all attendees who visited the conference, this project demonstrated what is possible with cardboard. It was a real case study of how companies can switch out less sustainable products like MDF and still create structures and stands that are impactful. We really smashed the brief on this one. The team who was representing Antalis on the day exclaimed that it was the best stand at the show, including another attendee Steve Lister who is a Global Retail Sustainability Strategist which was very rewarding.