Sustainable event hire is on the rise, but transport emissions, greenwashing, and cost concerns still limit its true impact. From cleaner logistics and durable, repairable stock to transparent carbon reporting, we explore how the events industry can move beyond buzzwords and deliver genuine, measurable sustainability at every stage.
Everyone’s talking about going green these days. From food to fashion and everything in between, the pressure’s on to cut emissions and operate more sustainably. In the world of events, that means more companies are leaning into sustainable event hire. Sounds great, right?
Well, yes and no.
While there’s been a big push toward carbon-neutral event rentals and green equipment hire, the reality is that sustainable event hire still falls short when it comes to helping events truly hit their carbon reduction targets. And we’re not just talking a little short—there’s a serious gap between ambition and actual impact.
So, why is that? Why are eco-minded event planners and suppliers still struggling to walk the green walk? Let’s dive into it.
The intent is there—but the execution’s off
Let’s start with the good news: the events industry is absolutely trying. There’s a growing market for sustainable event hire, and more clients than ever are asking about environmentally friendly options. You’ve got venues talking about solar power, clients requesting carbon-neutral event rentals, and caterers slashing food waste.
But when it comes to the nuts and bolts—like your tables, chairs, lighting rigs, and staging—it’s a lot harder to stay green. Even companies offering eco-friendly hire often struggle to track or report their actual carbon footprint.
Why? Well, there are a few big reasons.
Transport is still a major emissions hog
One of the biggest challenges in sustainable event hire is transport. You might be using recycled materials, low-energy lighting, or second-hand furniture—but if it’s all being driven hundreds of miles across the country in diesel vans, the carbon savings pretty much go out the window.
Most furniture hire and equipment hire companies operate out of central depots. If your event’s in Leeds and your kit’s coming from London, that’s a lot of emissions just to get your chair hire delivered. Multiply that by hundreds of events each year, and it adds up fast.
Until logistics get cleaner—think electric delivery fleets, localised depots, and smarter routing—sustainable event hire will always be fighting an uphill battle.
Not all green equipment is truly green
We’ve all seen it—companies advertising “green” or “eco-friendly” equipment without much to back it up. Maybe the item’s reusable, or made from bamboo instead of plastic, but what about its full lifecycle?
If that “eco” lounge set is shipped from overseas, wrapped in plastic, and tossed after one season, it’s not really helping anyone’s emissions reduction events goal.
True green equipment hire requires more than a label—it means long-lasting, repairable, and responsibly sourced products. Unfortunately, that kind of transparency is still rare in the industry.
Clients want sustainable… but also cheap
Here’s where it gets tricky. Most clients do care about sustainability—but they also care about their budgets. And right now, sustainable event hire can be more expensive, especially if it involves better materials, cleaner transport, or labour-intensive sorting and storage processes.
So even when eco-options are available, clients often revert to cheaper alternatives. That means the greener hire stock sits unused, while the old carbon-heavy kit keeps getting booked.
It’s a classic case of eco-friendly hire challenges: good intentions versus tight purse strings.
The reporting gap: What gets measured gets managed
Another big issue is the lack of proper measurement and reporting. If you can’t track your emissions, you can’t manage them—simple as that.
Few hire companies (or even venues) offer clear carbon reporting on their services. Clients don’t always know what the environmental impact is of their table hire, or how their AV setup compares to a greener alternative. That means sustainability gets left out of post-event analysis—and the same carbon-heavy choices get repeated.
For sustainable event hire to truly move the needle, we need better data. Whether it’s CO₂ per item or full event lifecycle tracking, information is power.
Greenwashing is still a problem
Let’s call it out—there’s a lot of greenwashing in the event hire world. Companies use buzzwords like “eco,” “sustainable,” or “carbon-light” without much evidence to support them.
The problem is, when clients think they’re doing the right thing by choosing a “green” supplier, but the impact is negligible, it actually stalls progress. The industry ends up patting itself on the back instead of pushing for real change.
Carbon-neutral event rentals should mean offsetting all emissions, including production, delivery, and waste. If a company’s not offering that level of accountability, the term becomes pretty meaningless.
What’s working: Steps in the right direction
Now for the good news. Some companies (including us here at easyEventhire) are starting to make real strides toward sustainable event hire that actually works.
Here’s what’s making a difference:
- Local stockholding: Having depots closer to key cities means faster, greener deliveries.
- Reusable and repairable products: We make sure our chair hire and table hire stock is built to last—not just through one event season, but many.
- Efficient logistics: We’re improving our routing and vehicle tracking to reduce mileage and fuel use.
- Client education: We help clients make better choices by showing the environmental impact of their selections.
We’re not perfect—but we’re making changes that matter.
What needs to happen next?
To bridge the gap between ambition and action, here’s what the industry needs:
- Better infrastructure
Invest in electric or hybrid fleets, regional hubs, and systems that reduce transport emissions. - Clear carbon labelling
Every item in a furniture hire catalogue should come with a carbon footprint. Transparency is key. - Client buy-in
Encourage planners to include sustainability as a core goal—not just a “nice to have.” - Stronger regulations
Set minimum green standards for large events. Reward suppliers who meet them. - Smarter collaboration
Venues, planners, caterers, and hire companies need to work together—not in silos.
Some final thoughts: Progress over perfection
We’re not saying sustainable event hire is a lost cause—not at all. But it’s clear that we’ve still got work to do if we want to hit those carbon targets.
From cleaner transport and better tracking to smarter stock and client education, there’s no single solution. It’s a combination of small improvements, made across the board, that’ll get us there.
At easyEventhire, we’re committed to making events greener, not just in words but in action. Whether you’re booking chair hire, table hire, or full event hire packages, we’ll help you make choices that are stylish, practical, and sustainable—for real.
Because going green isn’t just good business—it’s the future. Let’s make it happen, one event at a time.
