As PPAI’s director of sustainability and responsibility, I left The PPAI Expo 2025 inspired and invigorated. It was evident at every corner of the event that sustainability is no longer just a buzzword in our industry – it’s becoming a core part of how we operate and innovate.

Here are five standout signs of progress I witnessed at what many consider to be the promotional products Super Bowl:

Sustainability Fully Integrated By Exhibitors

Exhibitors embraced sustainability in meaningful ways, from booth design and material selection to product displays that prioritized certifications and social good initiatives.

Several fully cardboard booths showcased thoughtfulness in their reuse potential and end-of-life planning, as well as reduced carbon impact through significantly lighter freight. Products with clear documentation of their environmental and social impact, including third-party validated certifications, stood front and center, signaling a collective push toward transparency and responsibility.

Record Engagement With Sustainability Education

The enthusiasm for sustainability-related education sessions was palpable. Our 7:30 a.m. workshop with Brianna Mazze of SRG drew an engaged crowd, proving that commitment to learning about sustainability transcends convenience (or even a good sleep in some cases).

The fully booked behind-the-scenes tour with Kristen Royal, MGM Resorts’ director of sustainable operations, further highlighted the partnership between PPAI and Mandalay Bay to create a waste-free event. Seeing attendees eager to learn about The PPAI Expo’s waste diversion efforts was a clear reminder of the appetite for action in our industry.

RELATED: By The Numbers: The PPAI Expo 2025 Was Officially A Waste-Free Event

Sustainability Takes Center Stage During The Pitch

Sustainability took the spotlight during The Pitch, where judges declared it a must-have consideration, and every contestant spoke to it in their product reviews. Rupt, the winner of this year’s competition, exemplified the industry’s evolution: The supplier prioritizes transparency with products featuring detailed carbon footprints, comprehensive material lists and packaging designed for a second life as an additional product. It was a defining moment that underscored how far we’ve come in making sustainability a non-negotiable criterion for success in promo.

A Holistic Approach To Sustainability

This year, sustainability at The PPAI Expo wasn’t just about the environmental impact – it encompassed the social and governance aspects as well. The Inclusive Meetup was absolutely packed, and DEI-focused sessions were well attended, showcasing a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of these principles. Our multilingual welcome and farewell sign surveys also saw enthusiastic participation, demonstrating an embrace of inclusivity and accessibility across our global audience.

Conversations That Pierced Through The Surface

This year, the conversations around sustainability at The PPAI Expo reached new depths, focusing not only on event-level initiatives, but also on fostering meaningful partnerships.

Attendees and exhibitors were eager to discuss PPAI’s efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the event, from using FSC-certified paper for show guides to employing biodegradable coffee cups and reusable dishes wherever possible.

The conversations around sustainability at The PPAI Expo reached new depths, focusing not only on event-level initiatives, but also on fostering meaningful partnerships.”

Elizabeth Wimbush

Director of Sustainability & Responsibility, PPAI

At the same time, the tone of discussions on the show floor shifted noticeably from “What’s new and exciting?” to “How can we best align as partners?” This dual focus on operational sustainability and collaborative alignment signals a maturing commitment across our industry to address sustainability holistically and work together toward shared goals.

These five signs of progress remind me why I’m so optimistic about the future of our industry. We’re not just talking about sustainability – we’re living it, modeling it and inspiring it. The journey is far from over, but this year’s Expo proved that we’re on the right path, and we’re moving forward together.

If you attended The PPAI Expo 2025 and have your own observations or ideas on how our industry is progressing in this area, I’d love to hear them. Together, we can continue driving meaningful change in our industry. 

Wimbush is the director of sustainability and responsibility at PPAI.