Adventure Marine Ltd – Electric Outboard and HM Border Force also recognised for sustainable leadership in the marine industry
Celebrating outstanding environmental innovation and leadership, British Marine yesterday (Friday 19 September) announced the winner of the 2025 Exhibitor Environmental Award at the Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS).
Now in their seventh year, the awards honour exhibitors who go beyond the baseline requirements of the SIBS Environmental Charter, embedding sustainability into their operations, products, and show presence. This year also marked the introduction of the Carbon Offsetting Scheme, developed in partnership with Yacht Carbon Offset, enabling exhibitors to quantify and offset the carbon footprint associated with their attendance, including stand build, travel, and accommodation.
After careful assessment by a panel of industry experts, including Rachel Goult, Managing Director, Yacht Carbon Offset, Joe Penhaul Smith CTO and Founding Director, Sustainable Extricko, Ed Tuite, Technical Manager, British Marine, Robert Parton, President, British Marine and British Marine Events Director Jasmine Hill, the 2025 Environmental Award winners were revealed:
1st place – Marine Hygiene
2nd place – HM Border Force
3rd place – Adventure Marine Ltd – Electric Outboard
Marine Hygiene impressed the judges with a holistic approach to sustainability. The company reduced deliveries, prioritised public transport and car-sharing, implemented reusable stand setups, and provided live demonstrations of dissolvable sachet refills to eliminate single-use plastic waste. Staff acted as Sustainability Ambassadors, engaging visitors in discussions about the wider environmental impact of plastics and sustainable practices afloat and at home. Beyond the show, Marine Hygiene continues to measure and reduce its carbon footprint through scope 1, 2, and 3 reporting, low-impact shipping, product life-cycle analysis, and biodegradable packaging initiatives.
HM Border Force earned second place for its modular and reusable exhibition stand, low-impact logistics, supply chain sustainability, and initiatives including UK tree planting and beach clean programmes. While, Adventure Marine Ltd – Electric Outboard secured third place for reusable stand materials, electric transport solutions, and ongoing clean-up initiatives when testing products on the water.
Commenting on the awards Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine, said: “The Environmental Awards highlight the dedication, innovation, and leadership within our industry. Marine Hygiene, HM Border Force, andAdventure Marine Ltd – Electric Outboard, all demonstrate how sustainability can be embedded in every aspect of business and show participation. These initiatives, alongside our Carbon Offsetting Scheme and the principles of the Environmental Charter, show that the marine sector is committed to taking measurable, positive action to protect our oceans and waterways.”
Neville Snell, Director at Marine Hygiene said: “We are thrilled to receive this recognition at SIBS25. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, from the materials we use to the way we engage with visitors.
This award reinforces our commitment to reducing waste, taking accountability for our carbon footprint, and inspiring others in the marine industry to adopt more sustainable practices.”
As well as the awards themselves, 14 exhibitors were recognised for participating in the carbon offsetting scheme and were presented with a commemorative wooden plaque. These included:
The show’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the Awards. The Environmental Charter, launched seven years ago, continues to set mandatory standards for all exhibitors, including eliminating single-use plastics, reducing printed materials, appointing sustainability champions, and using eco-friendly materials for catering and giveaways. The new Carbon Offsetting Scheme now allows exhibitors to take accountability for their carbon emissions in a measurable way, funding verified carbon reduction projects.
For visitors, SIBS25 offers a host of eco-focused experiences, including sustainability talks and workshops, interactive displays on protecting oceans, and opportunities to see exhibitors’ innovative low-emission boating solutions in action. Together, these initiatives are helping to create a more sustainable show that highlights how businesses and individuals alike can take practical steps towards a more sustainable marine industry.
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