The AEFI-ASAL Protocol: a greener design also in the fittings

Nowadays, the problems related to climate change and the awareness that the planet’s resources are not infinite, show us sustainability no longer as an option, but as an obligatory path to follow.

The installations, often temporary and used for events such as fairs, exhibitions and concerts, have a significant impact on the environment due to the production of waste and energy consumption. To reduce the negative impact on the environment, it is therefore important to adopt sustainable practices during their design and construction.

The AEFI-ASAL Protocol of FederlegnoArredo is one of the latest news on this topic.

What is the AEFI-ASAL Protocol?

The FederlegnoArredo AEFI-ASAL Protocol “Set-up guidelines and additions to the district technical regulations” is a document that establishes the guidelines for safety and health protection in the use of furnishing products. This protocol was developed by the Technical Commission of Aefi (Association of Italian exhibitions and trade fairs) with Asal, the trade association in the set-up sector belonging to Federlegno-arredo.

Who are these guidelines intended for and what issues do they address?

The AEFI-ASAL Protocol is intended for manufacturers, distributors, installers and end users of furniture products and focuses on the risks associated with the use of furniture products, such as furniture stability, component safety, labeling and the reporting of dangers and compliance with safety requirements during the design, production, transport and assembly phases.

The principles to be based on are those of the “design for disassembly”, i.e. initial design methods that allow for easier final disassembly. In particular, the aim should be the ease of separating the different materials and recycling or disposing of them in the correct way at a later stage.

What is the objective of the AEFI-ASAL Protocol? 

The goal is to abandon the concept of linear economy and adopt a circular approach so that waste is minimized and resources are reused efficiently. This includes the obligation on the part of the exhibitors/fitters to correctly manage or send to disposal recovery plants the waste produced during the activity.

But that’s not all… the aim is also to make the temporary installations increasingly complete and complex architectures, which make the most of the Made in Italy on display.

In conclusion, displays can have a significant impact on the environment, but through sustainable practices and increased awareness, we can reduce this impact and contribute to a more sustainable future for all. The AEFI-ASAL Protocol of FederlegnoArredo represents, in fact, an important step forward for the safety and protection of health in the use of products in all stages of construction of the exhibition spaces.

Manaly has always been close to sustainability issues and is committed every day to respecting the resources our planet offers us: the PEFC and Legno Veneto certifications are just a few demonstrations of our concern. Manaly sees innovation, safety and sustainability in the protocol, and is enthusiastic about this new working method, coordinated and shared between the exhibition centers and fitters, which accelerates the ecological transition.