Zero-Waste Events: Myth or Reality?

Inside the GERX Sustainability Series

Zero-waste events are often hailed as the gold standard in sustainable event planning—but are they actually feasible in real-world execution? At GERX LIMITED, we believe the answer is yes—with innovation, planning, and the right partners.

Case Study: Saving 1.2 Tonnes of Waste

In October 2024, GERX was tasked with executing a 500-guest corporate gala in East London. Our mission: deliver an exceptional event with a minimal environmental footprint. Leveraging our GreenOps Framework, we collaborated with venue managers, caterers, and production teams to eliminate plastic, digitise materials, and optimise food portions.

The result? Over 1.2 tonnes of waste was diverted from landfills. This included:

• 460kg of compostable food waste,

• 320kg of recyclable material,

• 450kg reduction from reusable décor and equipment.

We also eliminated printed brochures and name cards by integrating a QR-accessible digital portal for guest engagement.

Partner Spotlight: Green Graze

Central to the success of this initiative was our partnership with Green Graze, a sustainable catering brand that sources organic, local ingredients and offers plant-forward menus. Their zero-waste kitchen practice, combined with compostable packaging and post-event redistribution of surplus food, was instrumental in reducing food-related waste by 70%.

Green Graze’s in-house chefs worked with our event designers to create bespoke menus aligned with sustainability goals—proving that taste, presentation, and purpose can harmoniously coexist.

HMRC Incentives for Sustainable Practices

Beyond the feel-good factor, sustainability can also make business sense. Under current HMRC guidelines, UK businesses that adopt green technologies—including LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and waste reduction strategies—may qualify for Capital Allowances and tax deductions.

At GERX, we provide all our clients with a Sustainability Statement post-event, summarising waste savings, carbon offset efforts, and qualifying measures for potential tax relief. This not only supports corporate ESG reporting but encourages wider adoption of environmentally conscious event practices.

Conclusion

Zero-waste events are no longer aspirational—they are attainable. With the right framework, the right partners, and a commitment to doing better, sustainability becomes a measurable reality. GERX is proud to lead the way in building an events industry where elegance meets environmental responsibility.