Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword you occasionally hear on the news.
It's a core value that people across the globe are embracing in order to address issues like waste, pollution, and climate change.
Brumark, a total flooring solutions specialist for the trade show industry and a long-time partner of The Trade Group, is taking bold steps to help companies adapt to this new era of sustainability.
We spoke with James Zacharias, Division President at Brumark, to get his insights and learn more about the company's mission.
Can you start by explaining who you are and providing an overview of your career to date?
After leaving the military in 1995, I began my civilian career in the automotive industry, selling used cars. I later joined Radius Display Products and spent nine years there before joining Brumark in 2006.
At the time, Brumark was a very small company. I started in sales and, over the past 19 years, worked my way up to Divisional President.
I genuinely love what I do. Every day presents a new challenge, a new connection, or a new destination—and that keeps me energized.
Although my role has evolved, the essence remains the same. I see myself as someone who shares knowledge and supports those around me.
My success stems from dedication, hard work, and perseverance—principles that were ingrained in me during my time in the military.
How does Brumark work with The Trade Group?
Brumark has been a trusted partner and strategic supplier to The Trade Group for many years.
As a flooring manufacturer, we provide a range of flooring solutions. Our dedicated team works closely with The Trade Group’s project managers and estimators to deliver tailored experiences for their clients.
Typically, clients aim to reuse carpet throughout the year. They handle in-house repairs, and when the carpet reaches the end of its lifespan, we recover it and convert it into alternative fuel.
It’s important to emphasize—we’re not just a vendor. We’re a true partner.
If you're looking for a basic vendor, that's not who we are. It's not in our DNA.
How have you seen the demand for sustainability evolve during your time at Brumark?
Let’s go back to 2008–2009, around the time of the recession.
Prior to that, “green” initiatives were gaining traction. Recycled content and materials—like those made from water bottles—were popular talking points.
But when the recession hit, budget constraints sidelined sustainability efforts.
Since then, the gap between landfilling and adopting responsible, sustainable practices has narrowed dramatically.
Sustainability is no longer a trend—it’s a wave that’s gaining momentum. The question is no longer if it will arrive, but when.
So, ask yourself—do you want to be scrambling when that wave hits? Or do you want to be prepared, ahead of the curve, with systems and knowledge already in place?
It’s not just the Fortune 500 companies that care about sustainability anymore—it’s everyone.
Clients and consumers want visible proof that you—and your partners—are acting responsibly.
How is Brumark embracing sustainable exhibiting?
Between October 2024 and May 2025, we diverted 1.2 million square feet of material from landfills. Some of that was converted into alternative fuel, some downcycled, and some recycled—depending on the material type.
In doing so, we’ve saved:
- 147,114 metric tons of CO₂ emissions
- 154,307 pounds of coal
- 1,047,473 square feet of landfill space
At Brumark, we’ve recognized this shift for a long time.
We regularly receive inquiries about eco-friendly carpets and recyclable materials.
We also read industry news, monitor global developments, and analyze sustainability-related RFPs (Request for Proposal).
Two years ago, we made a strategic decision to create a formal sustainability program tailored to Brumark’s operations.
Our research revealed that the trade show and events industry sends approximately 85.5 million pounds of carpet and flooring into landfills every year.
That’s a staggering number.
At Brumark and our parent company, Exploring, Inc., we’re committed to being more than just a provider. We want to be problem-solvers. We want to be disruptors.
We’re here to do right by the industry, our clients, and everyone choosing to pursue a more sustainable path.
What systems and processes do you have in place to ensure sustainability across the board?
We recycle all post-manufacturing materials—from yarn and primary backing to cardboard tubes, pallets, and even the plastic wrap used for yarn.
Beyond that, our sustainability program includes:
· Two client collection facilities across the U.S.
· Four recovery facilities that convert product into energy
· Two recycling centers for rebond padding
· Two additional facilities that convert sheet vinyl into reusable products like water hoses
What benefits can sustainable exhibiting have for exhibitors?
First and foremost, exhibitors contribute to a healthier planet, reducing the waste footprint of our industry.
We provide clients with certificates after every recycling or recovery project. These documents show their net CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent) reduction, landfill space saved, and coal offset from converting carpet to alternative fuel.
Seeing these numbers often makes a powerful impression.
One notable example involved a large equipment client. After completing a project, they asked us to dispose of their flooring. We instead chose to recover it through our program.
Even though it cost us slightly more, the positive impact was worth it.
When we provided their sustainability certificate, the client was thrilled. They turned it into a marketing campaign showcasing their environmental commitment, and the feedback was phenomenal.
That’s one of the biggest perks for sustainable exhibitors—they can use these results internally, externally, and even for certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The data becomes a real asset.
How can trade show exhibitors and exhibit houses be more sustainable?
There are many ways exhibitors can adopt sustainable practices.
Start with structural choices. For instance, you can use recyclable aluminum frames that can be reused show after show by simply updating graphics.
Even custom builds can be made sustainable by choosing recyclable materials with long lifespans.
Giveaways are another key focus area—attendees now ask whether promotional items are useful, reusable, or sustainable. Opting for eco-conscious merchandise like sustainably sourced mugs, shirts, or hats can make a big impact while reinforcing your brand.
You may also want to consider using solar arrays to reduce reliance on traditional power sources.
At Brumark, when recovering flooring from shows, we aim to collect five to ten batches per truck. This maximizes efficiency and significantly reduces emissions.
Even if exhibit houses require new carpet for every show, they can still be sustainable by leveraging our recovery program to convert those materials into energy.
How can exhibitors choose sustainable suppliers?
Several excellent resources can guide exhibitors in the right direction when selecting environmentally responsible partners.
Exhibitor Advocate offers RFQ and RFP templates with sustainability-focused questions.
EDPA (Experiential Designers and Producers Association) also provides a comprehensive eBook that walks users through sustainable exhibiting—from pre-planning and supplier selection to post-show wrap-up.
Beyond that, much of it comes down to common sense. Here are some final tips:
· Ask the right questions.
· Seek transparency in recycling and recovery efforts.
· Look for data that backs up sustainability claims.
Thank you to James for taking the time to provide these invaluable insights.
Want more content like this?
Check out our Blog page and our YouTube channel, where you’ll find heaps of tips for exhibitors, including first-hand advice from subject matter experts.
Need help planning your next trade show?
We’re ready to create memorable storytelling assets for your business.
Since 1986, we’ve helped businesses like yours bring their products and services to life through cutting-edge trade show exhibits.
Whatever type of exhibit you’re looking for and whatever goal you’re looking to achieve, our expert team is all ears.
Call us today at 800-343-2005 to get the ball rolling.
