2 September 2026

Businesses exhibiting at the 2026 Southampton International Boat Show (18–27 September 2026) are being invited to take part in a new voluntary initiative designed to help mitigate some of the environmental impact associated with their participation in the Show.

Delivered in partnership with Yacht Carbon Offset, the scheme enables exhibitors to contribute in multiples of £50 towards two carefully selected environmental and community projects.

For every £50 contributed, one carbon or plastic credit will be purchased and retired on the exhibitor’s behalf. Each participating exhibitor will also receive a personalised retirement certificate confirming their contribution.

How exhibitor contributions will be allocated

The first £50 contributed will support the Mikoko Pamoja and Vanga Blue mangrove projects in Kenya. Each additional £50 will then be allocated alternately between the Kenyan mangrove projects and the Coming Full Circle plastic recycling project in India.

Carbon credits will be associated with an allowance for emissions generated through exhibitor travel and accommodation, while plastic credits will be associated with an allowance for waste generated by exhibition stands and food.

Protecting mangroves in Kenya

Mikoko Pamoja and Vanga Blue are community-led “blue carbon” projects protecting and restoring important mangrove ecosystems.

Mangroves absorb and store carbon, protect coastlines and provide valuable habitats for wildlife. The projects also support local livelihoods and community development, delivering benefits that extend beyond the natural environment.

Representatives from Yacht Carbon Offset visited both projects earlier this year and witnessed first-hand the positive impact they are having on local communities.

Discover more about the Kenyan mangrove projects and read about Yacht Carbon Offset’s visit.

Turning plastic waste into opportunity in India

The Coming Full Circle project supports plastic collection and recycling in areas of India where effective waste-management systems are limited.

Recovered plastic is transported to a recycling facility, where it is tracked, sorted, washed, shredded and converted into pellets for use in new products. Every kilogram is tracked from collection through to processing and independently verified under Verra’s Plastic Waste Reduction Standard.

Alongside helping to prevent plastic from leaking into the environment, the project supports local waste collectors, creates employment and strengthens recycling infrastructure. It can also help provide fairer and more stable incomes, with a particular focus on opportunities for women and vulnerable groups.

 

Taking part is simple

The voluntary scheme provides Southampton International Boat Show exhibitors with a straightforward way to support meaningful environmental action and projects delivering wider community benefits.

Contributions can be made in multiples of £50, with Yacht Carbon Offset managing the purchase and retirement of the corresponding credits.

Exhibitors can find further information explaining how to contribute via the exhibitor manual.

Exhibiting at the Show? Make a contribution and help make a difference in 2026.