Products Of Change leads sustainability sessions and offers re-sale store
The Brand Licensing Europe trade show has unveiled a host of new purpose-led content and initiatives to further enhance the visitor experience, support and promote under-represented communities, invest in the next generation of licensing talent and reduce carbon emissions.
Leading the charge in the education content at the show, which runs over September 24-26 at London’s ExCeL, is Products Of Change, the sustainability membership organisation that boasts several from the greetings world among its members.
POC founder and CEO Helena Mansell-Stopher will be speaking on how the licensing industry is adapting to new demands for a sustainable pathway, while Character.com’s session is on the future of adaptive clothing in licensing, both on Wednesday, September 25.
The following day sees talks on unlocking a career in licensing, followed by the Good Shopping Guide’s look at what makes a sustainable and ethical brand in 2024.
Among the sustainability initiatives, POC is hosting a re-sale store to raise money for licensing and greetings industries’ charity The Light Fund and encourage attendees to buy pre-loved product and reduce waste. Brands can contact nicola@productsofchange.com to donate.
The BLE event team is aiming for all feature areas to be rated gold as part of the Informa Better stands initiative with this year’s lanyards being made of rPet recycled plastic so they can be taken home or returned to be reused.
Attendees will notice there is more digital signage to cut down on printing, refillable water stations can be found in the ExCeL boulevard; sustainable food and beverage packaging will be used in the ExCel cafés and bars; and the Rewind carpet range used at BLE 2024 is a zero-to-landfill alternative, taking 55% fewer carbon emissions to make and is manufactured completely latex-free. Rewind is also recycled into a high-grade mono-recyclate, which allows for easier recycling.
“It’s critical that BLE supports everyone who is involved in, impacted by or could benefit from being connected with the licensing industry,” commented BLE event director Ella Haynes, “whether that’s shining a light on the amazing consumer products being developed for and by minority communities including the Black community and those with accessibility needs, giving underprivileged students access to an exciting and rewarding career pathway, or doing everything we can to improve our sustainability credentials and provide valuable guidance and advice for BLE attendees targeting with cutting emissions.”
A number of non-profit brands and charities will be exhibiting in the Brands & Lifestyle zone including first-time exhibitor London Zoo which is theming seating areas which highlight animal welfare, the importance of conservation and London Zoo’s sustainability programme.
Also new for 2024 are Ashmolean Museum, The British Museum, The Royal Pavilion At Brighton and The National Gallery, while returning exhibitors include Royal Horticultural Society, RSPB, V&A, Natural History Museum, English Heritage, Van Gogh Museum and Imperial War Museums.
BLE will also be supporting communities, with Black Lives Matter Licensing returning to exhibit, while local students have been invited to enjoy work experience at the show and, following last year’s success, youngsters are being invited to attend day three to find out more about the licensing industry as a potential career and meet some of the key players at the show.
And pronoun badges will be available at registration for everyone who would like to wear them, while the BLE Wellness Lounge (stand A272) will include space to unwind and receive a massage with money donated to local charities.
Brand Licensing Europe takes place over Tuesday to Thursday, September 24-26, 2024, at ExCeL London and visitor registration is now open.
