...and that is what we did!
Mega proud!
That’s the overwhelming feeling we had when we became B Corp certified in the spring of 2025. This certification highlights our commitment to a responsible and future-proof exhibition stand construction industry, as well as being a good employer.
In this blog, you’ll learn more about what B Corp stands for and how Expovorm achieved its B Corp certification. We’re also proud to share our scores across the five different impact areas: environment, workers, customers, community, and governance.
Becoming B Corp certified is just the beginning. We are determined to continue improving in the future, not just to maintain our certification, but because we truly believe it's important: for our employees, for society, and for the planet!
What is a B Corporation®?
B Corps have a proven positive impact on people, society, and the environment. In addition to economic performance, social and environmental impact must be embedded in a company’s DNA and day-to-day operations.
The strength of B Corp lies in the collective, not the individual. Together, B Corp organizations can help transform the economic system into a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative global economy.
For a more detailed explanation of what B Corp entails, please visit our B Corp webpage.
Expovorm’s B Corp Journey
Our focus on social and sustainable values began long before the start of the certification process.
The journey toward a more inclusive and sustainable Expovorm started decades before we began pursuing certification. Expovorm was founded in 1987 by Peter and Ineke Hilbrink. They were ahead of their time—developing modular stands made from reusable materials and creating job opportunities for people distanced from the labor market. In doing so, they laid the foundation for the green and inclusive identity that still defines Expovorm today.
Read below to discover the core values that founder Peter Hilbrink has upheld over the years.
Reusing is cheaper than buying new! Sustainability isn’t just good for the environment — it’s also good for our customers’ wallets… that’s just plain common sense!
Caring for people with a distance to the labor market is something we gladly do, inspired by our Twente spirit of Noaberschap (neighborly solidarity)!
Peter Hilbrink, founder of Expovorm
In 2016, the family business was passed on to the next generation: Pauline Hilbrink and Gerwin Altena. They, too, embody a strong sense of common sense and Noaberschap. Over the years, their desire to make a positive impact on society and the environment has only grown stronger. It was high time to officially anchor these ambitions.
The B Corp Certification is, for us, official recognition that our wonderful company is not only focused on profit, but also makes a positive impact on people, the environment, and society.
- Pauline Hilbrink, CEO Expovorm International
From A to B Corp to C, D …. Z?
The certification process took a lot of effort. B Lab Benelux thoroughly evaluated our current operations across the five impact areas. Through this audit, we received confirmation that we’re on the right track, but also that there’s still room for improvement. We translated their suggestions into concrete goals that we will focus on in the coming years.
The B Corp certification process gave us valuable insights, which we have implemented with full conviction. But this is just the beginning! We will continue to challenge ourselves to improve across all areas of impact. -Gerwin Altena, CEO of Expovorm-
Below are some concrete examples of the big and small goals we’ve set for ourselves.
Extremely proud!
Expovorm B Corp scores
In the exhibition stand construction industry, an industry traditionally characterized by high work pressure due to tight deadlines, extensive use of temporary materials, and significant movement of people and equipment each impact area brings its own challenges.
During the comprehensive B Corp audit, Expovorm was thoroughly evaluated across five impact areas:
1. Environment
2. Workers
3. Customers
4. Community
5. Governance
Environment
In the exhibition stand construction sector, materials are often used temporarily. The throwaway mentality, combined with the frequent movement of people and equipment, makes this industry far from environmentally friendly.
At Expovorm, we exclusively build stands using the modular and reusable Octanorm system. We collaborate with international partners within the OSPI network. We focus on sustainable construction and avoid moving people or equipment unless absolutely necessary.
Although we already achieve a 200% environmental score compared to the average in the stand construction industry, this is just the beginning. Our goal is to create a fully circular stand construction sector!
Workers
The health and engagement of our colleagues is always central. Employees with a distance to the labor market are equally valuable. We believe in having fruit on the table, sharing lunches together, and organizing fun team outings.
We place great importance on good employment practices. Our low staff turnover and the fact that many interns continue working with us after completing their studies are things we are proud of.
We score well above average in the workers category but we continue to develop. Satisfied employees and healthy teams deserve our ongoing focus!
Customers
At Expovorm, we believe it’s important to build strong customer relationships by delivering within budget and on schedule. We are deeply committed to our clients’ success, always thinking along and providing support wherever we can.
Many customers have been happily working with us since day one, over 35 years now!
We are proud that our customer values have now been recognized with a great B Corp score!
Community
Besides being involved with and caring for our employees, we also strive to make a positive contribution to the community wherever we can. The Twente spirit of Noaberschap is not a choice for us but a natural part of the “East of the country” way of life. Within this belief, pursuing social cohesion and participation is very important.
Driven by the conviction that together we can make the world a little better and fairer, we create positive impact and support several fantastic charitable organizations.
Governance
Sustainable use of people and materials has always been central to our operations. Despite this, obtaining the B Corp certification and going through the certification process was quite a challenge.
Partly because we had already intuitively embedded the goals of the previously mentioned impact areas in our business operations, we scored highest in this category.
Succes & Full-Service
If there is a way to stand out, we’ll find it
We translate all your wishes and ideas into beautiful and successful stands. That is our strength. Curious of what we can do for you?
Expovorm
Expovorm ontwerp en creëert maatwerk (huur)stands waar ook ter wereld. Van idee en ontwerp tot uitvoering en evaluatie en alles daar tussen. Onze design afdeling is gespecialiseerd in hergebruik en recycling. Beter voor het milieu en vaak ook kostenbesparend. Een duurzamere wereld hoeft volgens ons geen duurdere wereld te zijn. Samen met onze klanten hergebruiken wij alle onderdelen van onze stands en als hergebruik in de standbouw niet meer mogelijk is dan zoeken wij naar een andere oplossing. Weggooien is zonde en vaak is er nog veel mogelijk.