move forward” instead of rushing to say, “Here’s where we’re going.” The language has tightened, too. Terms that once floated freely are increasingly tied to shared definitions and recognizable standards. Conversations felt clearer, less interpretive. There were fewer moments of polite nodding while everyone silently translated or made a mental note to Google that acronym later. It’s easier to move forward when people are actually talking about the same thing. Shocking, I know. There was also less fluff. Not none, but noticeably less. Big promises gave way to smaller, more specific explanations for what’s in place, what’s being tested and even what’s not yet solved. All were discussed pretty honestly and pragmatically. Attendees asked sharper questions and didn’t rush past the answers. It was practical over performative, with a drop in buzzwords used per minute. That same tone showed up in how the event itself operated. Sustainability efforts in Las Vegas weren’t framed as aspirational experiments or “nice-to-haves,” but rather treated as standard operating practice. The three water refill stations on the show floor recorded more than 6,700 water fills by the end of the show, representing thousands of single-use plastic bottles avoided The three water refill stations on the show floor recorded more than 6,700 water fills by the end of the show, representing thousands of single-use plastic bottles avoided without announcements, signage overload or moral pressure. Zero-Waste Event Behind the scenes at The PPAI Expo 2026, the sustainability results were even more telling. Based on the final commodity report, the event achieved a 90% waste diversion rate, meeting the threshold required to qualify as a ZeroWaste Event. Cardboard, wood, mixed paper, metals, food waste, carpet and pad material streams were separated, tracked and managed. YOUR Brand YOUR Scent YOUR Story rob@inluro.com inluro.com/pages/wholesale Increase Revenue Increase Brand Recognition Strengthen Loyalty PPAI • MARCH 2026 • 21 Responsibility | Voices
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