PLANETech World Conference, taking place September 21 in Tel Aviv, is the first global trade conference utilizing structures built with landfill waste to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
Typical trade events utilize wooden structures, multicomponent plastics, printed fabric banners, all of which cause a significant environmental footprint and are difficult or impossible to recycle.
In partnership with two Israeli companies — UBQ Materials and thermoplastic sheets manufacturer Palram — elements of PLANETech World’s infrastructure will be composed of Palboard multilayered PVC panels made with UBQ’s thermoplastic from unsorted household waste.
“In-person conferences better enable climate-tech innovators to collaborate with global stakeholders, but the climate impact of these events directly conflicts with the changes they are working to bring about,” said Uriel Klar, director of PLANETech, a joint venture of the Israel Institute for Innovation and Consensus Business Group.
“By incorporating UBQ into our structures, we are creating a platform for climate-tech companies to showcase their work, share knowledge, forge new partnerships and promote implementation, all while staying true to the goal of lower emissions and a healthier planet,” Klar said.
The Palram building panels prevent up to 12 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent for every ton of UBQ used. After the conference, the material will be recycled by Palram into new panels.
“Manufacturers around the world recognize that sustainability is now the rule rather than the exception, so being first to market with a circular solution is imperative,” said Shai Michael, CEO at Palram.
“PLANETech World is the inaugural use case, but we see incredible potential for PVC sheets made with UBQ in point of sale, signage, and other promotional items that are generally single use.”
Tato Bigio, cofounder and co-CEO of UBQ Materials, said that every product can be reimagined to have big environmental impact with simple material replacements.
“By replacing oil-based plastics with UBQ in conference infrastructures, we are demonstrating that events, as well as the larger building and construction industry, can serve as engines of a circular economy.”
PLANETech World 2022 is being held in partnership with the Israel Innovation Authority. More than 1,500 participants from Israel and the world were expected to participate, as well as 100 climate-tech startups and ventures presenting their technology.