CHICAGO — For the first time, the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) utilized 100% recyclable carpet across its entire campus.
The event, which is produced by AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology, took place Sept. 14-19, 2026, with carpeting provided by GES and Emerald Carpets.
Trade Show Executive (TSE) looked at this sustainability achievement and what it means for the future of event carpeting.
A Sustainability Victory — Without Compromise
Will Estes, Sustainability Manager at Emerald Carpets, explained that general contractors have historically reused aisle carpet. However, booth carpet, which is either supplied by general contractors or exhibitor appointed contractors, has been reused at a smaller rate.
“Carpet left behind at show site has given carpet a black eye when it comes to sustainability,” Estes said. “Traditionally, carpets have been difficult to recycle due to multiple raw materials used in the manufacturing process. Recycling is a business, although traditional carpets or their components can be recycled, the cost most times makes it prohibitive for recyclers.”
In 2024, Emerald Carpets worked with GES to reuse more than 1,000,000 square feet (sf) of carpet from IMTS. Of the other 900,000 sf supplied, a portion was repurposed and a portion was landfilled.
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Now, Emerald Carpets’ ExpoMax™ backing technology is changing the game, and the organization offers two 100% recyclable solutions: Genesis and Infinity.
For the 2026 IMTS, GES and Emerald Carpets will reuse more than 1,000,000 square feet of carpet and recycle the remaining 900,000 square feet of carpet, including show site waste.
“We have been working on our ExpoMax™ technology for many years and are now able to supply carpet for the show with 100% recyclable carpet options,” Patrick Putzer, President at Emerald Carpets, said. “GES presented the new products produced with ExpoMax™ technology and AMT jumped at the chance to convert the show over to the new product offering.”
One of the biggest challenges was making sure sustainability didn’t become a compromise: The carpet still had to look right, install properly and perform in a demanding event environment. IMTS was expected to attract more than 86,000 registrants and more than 1,800 exhibitors, across more than one million square feet.
“With Genesis and Infinity, we’ve redesigned the carpet around single-polymer, 100% recyclable constructions, which allows the material to be recovered after its useful life and recycled back into feedstock rather than automatically becoming waste,” Putzer added. “For the organizer, it’s about making sustainability easier. They can reduce waste and support their sustainability goals simply through the flooring specification, without changing the attendee experience.
“This is the future of carpet in trade shows. Show organizers who source carpet through our general contractor partners will have the option to source products utilizing ExpoMax™ technology.”
Several other events are already using these products in their booth and aisle areas.
“Remember, reuse is the most sustainable practice available,” Estes said. “The next frontier is to develop products that get more re-uses than current reusable carpets. Early indications are that this new technology is on the right path towards extending the life of the carpet.”
TSE will publish a full recap of IMTS 2026 soon. To get it delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to our free e-newsletter on LinkedIn or through your email.
