Advancing Circularity in Temporary Exhibit Builds
Eva Mai
In 2025, our sustainability commitment continued through the expanded use of Thunder structural materials, our sustainable proprietary structural system, in exhibit builds. This building solution, composed of recycled aluminum, guides how we design, build, and repurpose temporary exhibit structures, minimizing the use of newly manufactured materials and maximizing efficiency.
Engineered for a Circular Economy
Aluminum’s high recyclability and corrosion resistance make it an ideal circular resource; it can be reused repeatedly without significant loss of strength or durability. When it reaches the end of its life, Thunder can be fully recycled, reflecting our commitment to responsible resource management. Reusing rather than discarding helps our teams achieve substantial reductions in material waste and lifecycle emissions, as recycled aluminum requires about 95% less energy to produce than primary aluminum. Its modular, bolted design allows for effortless disassembly, relocation, and reinstallation—key factors in extending the usable life of every component.
2025 Impact
In 2025, Thunder was reused across 50,760 feet (15,471 meters) of temporary exhibition structures—equaling 9.61 miles (15.47 kilometers) of material kept in use rather than entering the waste stream. This measurable impact underscores our commitment to a circular economy and to delivering superior value to clients through adaptability, resource efficiency, and design flexibility.
Investing in the Future
Our sustainability efforts extend beyond exhibit construction into local classrooms. MC-2 donated materials valued at $15,000–$20,000 USD (11,955–15,940 CHF) to trade and high schools, empowering students with practice materials like wood sheets, acrylic, HPL laminates, and graphic substrates. These donations promote education, workforce development, and local economic growth.
