SIBS continues sustainability pledge

British Marine and The Green Blue will continue to driving forward their sustainability goals at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS).

“This is our third year of a five-year sustainability pledge, and if we all make just one small change, together we’ll make one big difference. The ocean is our playground, and we need to take care of it and protect it now and for future generations to enjoy,” says British Marine’s CEO Lesley Robinson.

Environmental best practice guidance and signage will be visible throughout the show, providing advice and resources in a bid to encourage everyone on the water to engage in a more sustainable lifestyle.

All exhibitors are required to follow the show’s sustainability pledge which includes new environmental requirements to follow on their stand and at their events. Single use plastic bottles and plastic straws have been replaced with recyclable or reusable glasses, plates and cutlery on all stands, along with only sustainable and recyclable promotional materials being given away.

SIBS will also be a ‘bring your own bottle’ event again this year. There will not be any single use plastic products for sale.

Image above of joint winners of the Exhibitor Environmental Award 2019.

The SIBS Exhibitor Environmental Award will be running again at this year, following its successful launch in 2019 when it was won jointly by RS Sailing and Spirit Yachts. The award is given to the exhibitor whose stand and operations at the show contribute the most towards sustainability.

The award is open to all exhibitors and this year The Green Blue’s patron, Mike Golding, will present the award to the winner on Press & Preview Day, Friday 10 September.