MIDO: sustainability in progress
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and sustainability have become almost synonymous. If, up until a few years ago, sustainability was understood only as a commitment to the environment, like CSR, it now has three dimensions: economic, social and environmental.
MIDO, the leading global eyewear show, and its associated services company have begun a journey aimed at sustainability and corporate transparency.
The two-pronged approach has several parts. In-house, plastic water bottles have already been eliminated and meeting rooms are provided with special biodegradable green bottles that can be composted with wet waste.
All employees have also approved the MIDO Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct that will be explained to exhibitors, visitors, suppliers and partners. Two fundamental documents that confirm the company’s core values and make its work and goals even more transparent.
“Integrity, fairness, cooperation, professionalism and sustainability are the core values of our code of ethics. It is a document that formalizes the concern MIDO has consistently held for the wellbeing of its staff and the environment. A key step to actively engage everyone, transforming their habits and impacting their way of life,” states Mido President Giovanni Vitaloni.
The Code of Conduct, along with a simpler document – Sustainability, instructions for use – translates the principles expressed in the Code of Ethics into concrete terms and daily life.
At the same time, the MIDO exhibition has embarked on a sustainability plan that aims, over the next three years, to obtain ISO 20121 certification: a standard which defines event sustainability management practices to limit the event’s impact on the environment and the community while helping to strengthen relations with stakeholders.
A Stand up for green award for the most sustainable stand will also be presented at MIDO 2020. The requirements upon which the jury will base its selection include the stand’s general approach to sustainability, level of innovation, originality and effective communication of a positive message about the importance of sustainable choices for the future of humanity and the planet. The contest is open to all exhibitors at the 2020 edition. The winner will be announced at MIDO during the evening festivities to celebrate the exhibition’s 50th anniversary and will be featured in a major communications plan with a dedicated space on the website. The website’s new sustainability area is already active at https://www.mido.com/en/sustainability
“We have long been aware of the environmental and social impact a trade show like MIDO can have and we have always tried to limit it. Today, it is crucial to tangibly adopt policies focused on the environment and sustainability that involve not only us and our event but all the players in the industry with whom we interact,” concludes Vitaloni.