Sanitation360 in Stockholm: How do we make events sustainable?

On March 9th, we took part in an inspiring full-day event in Stockholm focused on sustainability in events, organized by Greentime. With around 80 participants from across the industry, the day was filled with insights, meaningful conversations, and concrete examples of how we can create more sustainable events together.

We also heard from Strawberry, who shared their journey toward becoming certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel (Svanenmärkt). One unexpected challenge was their signature lobby fragrance, which initially did not meet the certification requirements. Rather than turning back, they worked closely with their supplier to adjust the ingredients in the scent. The result is a more sustainable, health- and safety-friendly fragrance now used by all the supplier’s customers, including Strawberry. Plus, they received the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.

From Fairtrade, we learned more about how they support coffee growers around the world. One inspiring example highlighted a farmer who used the Fairtrade premium to develop a natural, biological pesticide made from cacao pods to deter coffee-eating insects—demonstrating how sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand.

It was also wonderful to meet ReGifted, who offer gift cards redeemable in their circular marketplace, and Dvala, who are revolutionizing the way we handle workwear and merchandise by providing second-hand clothing with minimal branding, making it easier to repurpose.

Finally, a presentation that left a lasting impression was one from Patrik Tengwall from Stockholms Stad, who spoke about the initiative “Fler på läktaren” (“More people in the stands”). This project, developed in collaboration with the Swedish Ice Hockey Association (Ishockeyförbundet) and Parasport Stockholm-Uppland, aimed to make the Ice Hockey World Championships in Stockholm 2025 more accessible for people with different disabilities. As a result, they not only succeeded in attracting a broader audience but have also developed a guidebook to help future events follow their lead—contributing to a more inclusive and accessible sports world for all.

Our Market Developer Nicola Parfitt also attended as an exhibitor, as well as to present our work on recycling urine into fertilizer – both through our Kissamajas (mobile urine-diverting toilets) and permanent installations in buildings. We are very grateful for the warm welcome we received and are excited that it has led to several follow-up meetings with organizations and cities interested in renting Kissamajas for upcoming events.

We even brought a Kissamaja on-site for people to take a look at – and this was only possible thanks to our new partner Hyrtoaletten who joined us on site, represented by founder Pia and CEO Fredrik. Together, we are strengthening our offering of sustainable sanitation solutions for events and beyond.

A clear message from the day was that change is driven by people – by organizers who test new solutions, companies that dare to lead, and passionate individuals who keep pushing forward. If every event organiser decided to implement all the solutions presented by companies at this conference, they would immediately be organising some of the most sustainable events in history.

We’re leaving the day with fresh inspiration and energy, and we look forward to continuing to develop solutions that make sustainability possible – for real.

A big thank you to all organizers, speakers, and participants for an inspiring day! Especially to Simon Strandvik for bringing us all together!