METSTRADE, the world’s largest exhibition and networking event for B2B leisure marine equipment suppliers and buyers, is further building on its consistent efforts to promote best practice in sustainability across the sector. In addition to other initiatives, this year’s show will introduce a ‘Superyacht Sustainability Route’ in collaboration with the Water Revolution Foundation. Focused on the superyacht industry, this new initiative will indicate exhibitors on the METSTRADE 2022 show floor who have passed the Foundation’s rigorous Life Cycle Assessment with a verified entry in its Database of Sustainable Solutions.
Water Revolution Foundation is a public benefit organisation, based in the Netherlands. It grew out of a small group of superyacht industry leaders who shared a belief that the industry must change course to better look after the planet and guarantee its future. The Foundation was launched on stage at The Superyacht Forum in 2018, held next door to METSTRADE in RAI Amsterdam.
One of the Foundation’s key activities is the creation of a Database of Sustainable Solutions, to be launched later this year. Anyone seeking a listing in this online database submits to a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which is conducted by the Foundation’s independent and specialised group of research institutes. If the submission is confirmed to be more sustainable than the business as usual, being better throughout its entire life cycle, then it is being promoted as such among key decision makers. Verified solutions can enjoy a growing list of benefits, including well-deserved spotlight when exhibiting at METSTRADE.
The Superyacht Sustainability Route
The Superyacht Sustainability Route is anticipated to be of significant assistance to the purchasers who attend METSTRADE 2022. Buyers are highly dependent on reliable third-party confirmation of environmental credentials to achieve the increasingly ambitious environmental objectives of their companies and the boats and superyachts that they build, refit and care for.
Niels Klarenbeek, METSTRADE Show Director, states: “The launch of this year’s Superyacht Sustainability Route is in addition to other initiatives that METSTRADE is facilitating to promote sustainability across the sector. As the Water Revolution Foundation’s Database of Sustainable Solutions builds on the availability of independent third-party verification, we aim to bring more transparency to the innovative environmental impact reduction activities of the superyacht sector and its supply chain.”
Robert van Tol, executive director of Water Revolution Foundation, adds: “What a way to celebrate our fourth anniversary at METSTRADE! The new Superyacht Sustainability Route will benefit both visiting decision makers and exhibiting suppliers. Third-party verification of environmental credentials is crucial for the yachting sector to accelerate its sustainability progress. We’re very pleased that the world’s largest gathering of B2B leisure marine equipment professionals embraces this approach and provide extra spotlight to those that deserve it.”
About Water Revolution Foundation
Water Revolution Foundation is a non-profit public benefit organisation, originated from within the yachting sector to drive sustainability through collaboration and innovation. The Foundation advocates and facilitates a transformative approach for the industry to reduce its ecological footprint and preserve the precious oceans for a sustainable future.
The Foundation has several programmes to improve education, yacht and solution assessment and communications. It collaboratively connects the industry knowledge of leading players in the superyacht sector with scientists who are qualified to drive sustainability objectives.
The Foundation’s Database of Sustainable Solutions supports the following three Sustainable Development Goals from the United Nations:
- SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
- SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
- SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
About METSTRADE
METSTRADE is the world’s largest trade exhibition for equipment, materials and systems for the international leisure marine industry. RAI Convention Centre organises it in cooperation with ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations). The event’s target audience includes yacht builders, naval architects, refit yards, distributors, dealers, wholesalers, captains, marina owners and marine equipment manufacturers worldwide. METSTRADE 2022 will run from 15-17 November 2022 at RAI Convention Centre.
METSTRADE’s long-standing efforts to promote the importance of sustainable approaches in the industry include investment in forums, presentations and blogs by subject matter experts, the creation of innovation showcases within METSTRADE and a determination to keep the environment at the forefront of its frequently accessed communication channels.
