INTERVIEWS
The IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show is a Supporter Member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). As a Supporter Member, its role is to promote the RJC’s services and tools to its specific audiences. As we celebrate 20 years of progress, we are reaching out to members from around the globe, spanning 74 countries, to share their unique perspectives, initiatives and commitment to responsible business practices. The RJC would not be where it is today without the collaboration and engagement of our members and stakeholders. We spoke with Şermin Cengiz, Founding Partner of the IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show, about sustainability, their relationship with the RJC and more.
While organising IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show, our vision extended beyond being merely a trade show. We aimed to create a platform that not only shapes the future of the industry but also helps it adapt to global trends, facilitates the transfer of knowledge and ideas, and serves as a driving force for the sector. To achieve this goal, we have taken significant steps from our first edition to the previous 55th edition of IJS. One of the most important milestones in this journey was becoming a supporting member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) in 2023. Sustainability is not just a necessity for manufacturing industries; it is the key element shaping the future of our planet and industry. Through IJS, which hosts over 1,500 brands and companies as well as more than 50,000 sector professionals from over 150 countries annually, we aim to spread this awareness to all stakeholders in the jewellery industry.
IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show is committed to running a sustainable, socially responsible event that has a limited impact on the environment. Based on that commitment, we implement a range of initiatives for our exhibitors and visitors to support sustainable development. One of our key actions is implementing the Better Stands programme, encouraging our exhibitors to move away from disposable stands while ensuring all core elements of exhibitor stands are reusable. We emphasise responsible resource usage, eco-friendly production processes and carbon neutrality while striving to raise awareness in these areas. These efforts demonstrate IJS’s commitment to adhering to RJC’s global standards and promoting sustainability and ethical production within the jewellery industry.
At the IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show, we undertake a range of initiatives to promote sustainability principles and raise awareness across the jewellery supply chain. One such initiative is the Better Stands programme. Through this, we encourage IJS exhibitors to move away from disposable stands in favour of designs constructed using reusable and sustainable materials. Since 2022, we have also contributed to lowering the exhibition’s carbon footprint by using renewable electricity at the venue. In addition, we encourage exhibitors to install energy-efficient LED lighting for their stands and recommend switching off unnecessary equipment at the end of each day to help minimise energy consumption. To reduce waste, we provide guidance on how to minimise waste in stand designs and ensure that any unavoidable waste is properly recycled. We promote the use of digital platforms in place of printed brochures and recommend recycled or sustainably certified paper for essential printed materials. Furthermore, we conduct both exhibitor and visitor surveys online via tablets to further reduce paper usage. We also encourage both visitors and exhibitors to opt for sustainable transport options, such as public transport, when travelling to the exhibition venue. In support of local sustainability efforts, we recommend working with local suppliers and prioritising accommodation at hotels that demonstrate sustainable practices.
In this regard, IJS is working to strengthen its existing initiatives while developing a range of new strategies. At the heart of our approach lies a commitment to promoting sustainable practices at our show and increasing awareness across the industry. As part of our environmentally conscious policies, we aim to expand the Better Stands initiative to include all our exhibitors, ensuring that every company participating in IJS adopts eco-friendly stand solutions. In addition, we will continue to organise a variety of events and training sessions to raise awareness of sustainability within the jewellery sector. At IJS we remain dedicated to broadening the adoption of the Responsible Jewellery Council’s (RJC) sustainability standards across the industry. We will continue to encourage our exhibitors to implement sustainable practices and will further strengthen our collaboration with the RJC to develop joint projects that place sustainability at the forefront of the global jewellery industry.
The IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show stands out in the industry for its strong commitment to social, environmental, and economic responsibility. By placing a focus on craftsmanship and design, we bring together traditional artistry with contemporary design concepts. This approach enables us to showcase a rich and diverse selection of jewellery to both local and international visitors. Our dedication to sustainability further distinguishes IJS. Beyond simply bringing the industry together, we take meaningful steps to promote sustainability, fulfilling our social responsibilities and contributing to a more sustainable world for future generations. In addition, IJS serves as a vital platform for professionals seeking to stay informed about the latest trends and technological developments in the industry. Our exhibitors and visitors have the opportunity to explore the newest innovations in jewellery production and gain valuable insights into sustainable practices.
Coming up: IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show, 01-04 October 2025 | Istanbul Expo Center
