From Exhibition Stand to Everyday Companion – How Upcycling Turns Used Banners into Unique Bags

“Let’s navigate our way towards a circular economy together!” – this was the motto of our presence at IFAT 2026 in Munich.

Together with our partners, we demonstrated the many different ways towards a functioning circular economy. One small example emerged after the exhibition itself: working together with COMEBAGS, we transformed the canvas materials from our exhibition stand into around 35 new bags.

This means the story of our exhibition presence did not end when the stand was dismantled: the materials have been given a new purpose.

Turning Exhibition Communication into Something New

Exhibition banners and large-format advertising materials often serve their original purpose for just a few days. COMEBAGS takes a different approach: used banners, flags, exhibition stands and other advertising materials are transformed into new, high-quality products.

The canvas materials from our IFAT exhibition stand were also given a second life in this way. The printed materials featuring our graphics were turned into individually designed bags that are now being used by the RIGK team in their everyday working lives – much to everyone’s delight.

In this way, a communication tool designed for a limited period becomes a product with a significantly longer lifespan. It is a tangible example of how sustainability can be taken a step further in our everyday activities.

Where Upcycling Meets Inclusion

What makes the project particularly special is that COMEBAGS combines the continued use of materials with another important aspect: inclusive employment and regional value creation.

The used advertising materials are transformed into new products in Germany. This means that a material that has fulfilled its original purpose does not simply become something new – it also creates social value.

Individual design is another integral part of the concept: the original graphics remain visible on the bags. As a result, our former exhibition presence has become a product with a story of its own.

“For us, it is particularly rewarding when a material that already has its own story is given a new purpose. In the case of the RIGK banners, several aspects come together: making continued use of the material, individual design and the opportunity to involve people with disabilities in the production process.” – Christian Tschürtz, project contact at Lebenshilfe Bruchsal for COMEBAGS

Shaping the Circular Economy Together

The project illustrates on a small scale what our exhibition motto stands for: “Let’s navigate our way towards a circular economy together!”

A functioning circular economy cannot be created by individual players alone. It requires companies, partners and organisations to bring their expertise together and develop new solutions collaboratively.

For us, this also means taking a critical look at how we use our own materials: What happens after they have served their purpose? Can they be used for longer? And what additional value can be created along the way?

“For us, the circular economy does not begin only when materials are collected or recycled. It is also reflected in the way we handle our own resources. Together with partners such as COMEBAGS, we can turn used materials into something new while bringing environmental and social considerations together.” – Markus Dambeck, Managing Director, RIGK

Our collaboration with COMEBAGS is a tangible example of this approach. Around 35 bags have been created from the banners used at our IFAT exhibition stand – turning a one-off exhibition presence into something that will continue to accompany us in our everyday lives for a long time to come.

The way we act today shapes the world of tomorrow.

Further information:
Mirco Gattinger
Marketing and Social Media Manager, RIGK GmbH
+49 172 1369 774
gattinger(at)rigk.de