FESPA launches foundation to promote sustainability and community support
12 March 2025 marked a significant milestone in the print industry as FESPA launched The FESPA Foundation, a new organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and engaging in community support and educational outreach programmes. The initiative, branded under the slogan ‘Print for Good’, is poised to encourage positive change within the speciality print and visual communications sector.
The primary objectives of The FESPA Foundation focus on several key areas. Notably, it aims to motivate exhibitors at FESPA events to create print applications that enhance educational environments for underprivileged communities while simultaneously working to minimise waste generated from exhibitions. By redirecting printed materials that would typically become waste, the Foundation's activities align with FESPA's commitment to the ISO 20121 Sustainable Event Management System, fostering a legacy of environmental responsibility.
The Foundation's first flagship project involves the transformation of Evane Intermediate School, located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This school, serving 90 children, received much-needed revitalisation under the guidance of Steve Thobela ka Mdlalose, an associate of The FESPA Foundation, with the support of the FESPA Africa team and various partners. Thobela, who has a notable background as a print business owner and former CEO of Printing SA, coordinated efforts to enhance the school’s infrastructure. The project included repainting classrooms, refurbishing old toilet facilities, and supplying educational posters and creative materials aimed at providing a more vibrant and conducive learning environment.
The inaugural initiative of The FESPA Foundation incorporates a significant engagement at the forthcoming FESPA Global Print Expo, scheduled to take place from 6-9 May 2025 at Messe Berlin in Germany. The Foundation plans to collect donated printed materials and resources during this high-profile event, which will then be directed towards community projects based in southern Africa. The drive anticipates active participation from exhibitors, who are encouraged to produce various printed items — including educational posters, maps, and school merchandise — tailored to meet specific educational needs identified by local programme partners.
The Foundation has already garnered support from various exhibitors eager to contribute to these worthy initiatives. In a collaborative effort, the collected items will be transported at no cost to South Africa by DSV, FESPA's global logistics partner. Within South Africa, distribution will be facilitated by the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, a well-established charitable organisation dedicated to community service.
Looking ahead, The FESPA Foundation has outlined plans to extend its efforts beyond Africa. Future initiatives will aim to replicate the successful model established in South Africa across other regions, including Mexico and Brazil, facilitating the diversion of printed materials to local communities in need. Furthermore, the Foundation is set to explore outreach initiatives in Asia, demonstrating a commitment to global engagement and support.
Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA and the founder of The FESPA Foundation, articulated the organisation’s mission, stating, “FESPA is a global support organisation, and our mission has always revolved around supporting communities, educating and knowledge-sharing, and promoting sustainability. Through The FESPA Foundation, we can bring these core values to life beyond our day-to-day work, encouraging practices that reduce waste and environmental impact while creating long-term value for communities. Those of us who live and breathe print believe wholeheartedly in its unique potential to engage, inform and inspire.”
The establishment of The FESPA Foundation stands as a testament to the print industry’s potential for positive societal impact through sustainable practices and community engagement, marking a pivotal moment for both FESPA and its affiliated partners.