From Recycling to Reuse
Tara Trueb
In order to properly highlight art, it is necessary to provide a high-quality presentation area. Unlimited at Art Basel in Basel, in particular, showcases impressive works of art that require not only large spaces but also planning skills.
From a disposable material to a resource
At Unlimited, large-format gypsum boards are used, mounted onto a wall structure. To smooth the joints between the panels, the seams are traditionally filled and sanded. However, this method prevents the panels from being reused after dismantling. In collaboration with a specialized waste management company in Zweibrücken, Germany, the gypsum is recycled. Thanks to advanced processes, high-purity recycled gypsum of certified quality is extracted from the waste and supplied to the gypsum and cement industries.
Neue Methoden zur Ressourcenschonung
To enhance resource efficiency, the exterior walls facing the corridors are sealed with a special tape. This allows a large portion of the panels to be reused in subsequent years. Last year, a pilot project was launched: an additional 640 linear meters of walls within the exhibition, which did not display artworks, were sealed with this tape, eliminating the need for joint filling. This approach significantly reduced damage during dismantling and increased the share of reusable panels by 20%. The remaining panels continue to be recycled, ensuring a comprehensive recycling and reuse strategy.
Less Waste, Greater Efficiency
This approach has led to a significant reduction in waste. In 2024, the volume of gypsum boards sent for recycling decreased from 129 tons in 2023 to 88 tons. Thanks to the reuse strategy and the pilot project, a total of 390 panels have been secured for future use.
Measurable Success in Reuse
Compared to the previous year, Art Basel increased the volume of reused gypsum boards by 41 tons.
For the Unlimited sector in 2025, 390 gypsum boards have already been stored for reuse, including 190 from 2023 and 200 from 2024.
