Stage : Sales chez Konligo (France / Luxembourg)
Tu recherches un stage qui a un impact positif sur l’environnement ? Tu aimerais travailler dans le cadre stimulant d’une start-up, au sein d’une petite équipe ultra dynamique ? Tu cherches une fonction qui a un impact visible et immédiat sur le développement de l’entreprise ?
Alors cette offre est sans doute faite pour toi !
Contexte du travail
Konligo (start-up Bruxelloise de l’année) a pour vocation d’encourager l’industrie événementielle à la transition vers un développement durable.
Pour ce faire, Konligo crée des structures innovantes et raffinées, réutilisables et rapides à installer, fabriquées en Belgique avec de l’aluminium recyclé.
Une alternative aux stands événementiels traditionnels qui permet de limiter massivement les déchets, tout en privilégiant le qualitatif, éthique, durable et local.
Ces structures présentent plusieurs avantages, notamment :
- le temps de montage est réduit de plusieurs jours à quelques minutes seulement, en fonction de la taille de la structure ;
- les structures qualitatives ont une longue durée de vie, encourageant l’usage multiple et la réutilisation ;
- la conception unique et sans précédent des structures peut être personnalisée facilement grâce à une structure fixe mais des éléments visuels variés et des décorations différentes. Découvre-le dans la vidéo ci-dessous.
Nous formons un petit groupe de personnes passionnées qui partagent les mêmes valeurs fondamentales qui sont des valeurs humaines et de communication transparente.
Aujourd’hui, nous sommes impatients d’accueillir une personne enthousiaste voulant renforcer notre équipe et nous aider à devenir leader en structures durables de stand pop-up.
En arriver là implique notamment d’augmenter sensiblement nos ventes et locations, et donc notre approche commerciale. Nous souhaitons donc engager une personne qui ose relever ce défi !
Afin de trouver le bon match entre le/la stagiaire et Konligo, nous proposons un stage de fin d’année ou un stage d’été volontaire. Ce·tte stagiaire pourrait-iel être toi ?
Description de la fonction
Bien que la pandémie de Covid19 ait ralenti notre croissance, nous développons désormais nos ventes en Belgique et en dehors. Nous sommes en discussion avec des partenaires en France, aux Pays-Bas, en Allemagne et même en Corée du Sud pour internationaliser notre technologie et nos produits le plus efficacement possible.
C'est pourquoi nous recherchons un·e brillant·e étudiant·e spécialiste des sales, capable de nous aider à améliorer ces aspects cruciaux pour le projet !
Le contenu du stage comprend :
- Analyse du marché et amélioration de la stratégie mise en place
- Mettre à profit tes connaissances/ ton expertise en ventes afin de développer de nouvelles pistes et idées à exploiter, être force de propositions et d’énergie créative pour améliorer notre approche sales.
- Réfléchir en équipe aux marchés les plus intéressants pour Konligo et mettre en place les stratégies nécessaires pour intégrer ces marchés
- Cold calling
- Mailing
- Événements de networking
- Rencontres sur le terrain avec de potentiels clients
- Réflexion et création de partenariats
Le fil conducteur de tout ce que tu réaliseras est le suivant : détermination et excellence.
Il ne s’agit pas simplement d'exécuter des tâches mais bien de réfléchir, créer, essayer, se planter et recommencer jusqu’à trouver ce qui fonctionne, ensemble !
Ce que nous recherchons
Il est toujours plus agréable de voir les collègues sourire quand on vient au travail !
Nous recherchons donc quelqu’un d’optimiste et d’enthousiaste mais également :
- Tu as une bonne connaissance du marché français (et éventuellement luxembourgeois).
- Tu as déjà une certaine expérience ou au moins une affinité avec le domaine de la vente.
- Tu as un certain fighting spirit qui te permettra de surmonter la difficulté des sales.
- Tu n’as pas peur de passer des coups de téléphone pour obtenir des informations.
- Les gens trouvent que tu as toujours des idées créatives et que tu aimes sortir des sentiers battus.
- Dans ta vie quotidienne, tu aimes aider les gens qui t’entourent.
- Tu as une bonne connaissance du français. Communiquer en anglais n'est pas un problème pour toi.
- Tu es fascinée par notre vision et notre mission et es prêt·e à travailler dans une start-up à l'atmosphère familiale.
- Tes amis trouvent que tu es sociable, curieux/se, indépendante et proactif/ve. Tu es la personne qui prend des initiatives pour organiser les choses.
- Tu aimes travailler en équipe et tu oses dire ce que tu penses.
- Tu aimes les défis, c'est pourquoi tu ne choisis pas un emploi traditionnel et préfères travailler pour une start-up avec tous ses avantages et inconvénients.
- Le statut n'est pas si important pour toi, mais l'impact que tu as avec notre produit l'est. Tu intègres une structure sans hiérarchie classique où tout le monde est égal et se respecte.
- Tu réalises que la durabilité est importante et qu'il s'agit de plus en plus de l'impact positif que l'on peut obtenir, et moins de l'argent.
Ce que nous offrons
- Un stage de minimum 2 mois non-rémunéré avec possibilité d’embauche si cela se déroule bien.
- Une expérience professionnelle inédite dans une petite équipe à Bruxelles, dans une ambiance décontractée
- Une entreprise qui exprime réellement ses valeurs et qui se focalise sur l’épanouissement professionnel mais aussi personnel des membres de son équipe
- Un projet ambitieux avec de nombreuses opportunités
- Un horaire de travail flexible, conformément à l’esprit start-up 😊
Lieu de travail : Chaussée de Mons 95, 1070 Anderlecht
Comment postuler?
Si tu veux faire partie de notre équipe et changer le monde de l’événementiel avec nous, remplis ce formulaire
Nous serions heureux de te rencontrer et - qui sait - de t’accueillir dans notre équipe !
Si tu as des questions, tu peux nous joindre à : arnaud@konligo.com, 0473181604
Pour plus d’informations sur notre entreprise, consulte notre site web : www.konligo.com et suis-nous sur les réseaux sociaux.
A bientôt !
Internship : Marketing & Communication
Are you looking for an internship that has a positive impact on the environment? Would you like to work in the stimulating environment of a start-up, in a small, very dynamic team? Are you looking for a position that has a visible and immediate impact on the development of the company?
Then this is the internship for you!
Work environment
Konligo is a start-up that aims to encourage the event industry to make the transition to sustainable development.
To do so, Konligo creates innovative and refined structures, reusable and quick to install, made in Belgium with recycled aluminium.
An alternative to traditional event stands that allows for a massive reduction in waste, while focusing on quality, ethics, sustainability and locality.
These structures have many advantages, including :
- Assembly time is reduced from several days to just a few minutes, depending on the size of the structure.
- Qualitative structures have a long lifespan, encouraging multiple use and reuse.
- The unique and unprecedented design of the structures can be easily customised with a fixed structure but various visual elements and decorations. Discover it in the video below.
We are a small group of passionate people who share the same core values of humanity and transparent communication.
Today we are looking forward to welcoming an enthusiastic person who wants to strengthen our team and help us become the leader in sustainable pop-up structures.
In order to achieve this, we need to raise awareness of our brand and we see that there is still a lot of progress to be made. So we want to find an intern that will dare to take up this challenge!
Would that be you?
Job description
Although the Covid19 pandemic has slowed our growth, we are now expanding our sales in Belgium and beyond.
However, we still face a major difficulty: our marketing is a dead end. We are fortunate that the product is very visual, but we could have much more impact. Our strategy needs to be improved and, most importantly, we currently have no one who can focus full-time on this crucial part.
That's why we are looking for a bright student with a background in communication and marketing!
The content of the internship includes :
- Analysis of the market and improvement of the strategy in place
- Creating original and impactful content to promote our products
- Use of creative software (video editing, visual creation, real ...)
- Management and updating of our website
- Reflection and creation of partnerships
- Creation of marketing projects in the field
- Community management and data analysis (managing our social media channels, posting updates, developing campaigns and writing press releases)
- Using your knowledge/expertise to develop new leads to pursue, to be a source of ideas and creative energy to improve our marketing approach.
The common thread in everything you do is : humour and excellence.
It's not just about doing things, it's about thinking, creating, trying, failing and trying again until we find what works, together!
What we're looking for
It's always nice to see colleagues smiling when you come to work!
We are therefore looking for someone who is optimistic and enthusiastic, but also :
- You are finishing your studies and are looking for a final internship before starting work.
- Your friends think you are proactive. You are the person who takes the initiative to organise things.
- You have a great sense of humour and you dare to use it in your work. You can write funny texts, photoshop fun pictures and come up with comical scenarios.
- People find that you always have creative ideas and that you like to think outside the box.
- You enjoy helping people in your daily life.
- You enjoy working with computer software and have a good knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator. Knowledge of video editing software such as Adobe Première and the ability to do 3D renderings are a plus.
- You have a fluid writing style and know how to do storytelling.
- You have a good knowledge of English. Being able to communicate in French or Dutch is a strong advantage.
- You are fascinated by our vision and mission and are ready to work in a start-up with a family atmosphere.
- You like to work in a team and you dare to speak your mind.
- You like challenges, that's why you don't choose a traditional job and prefer to work for a start-up with all its advantages and disadvantages.
- The status is not so important to you, but the impact you have with our product is. You join a structure without a traditional hierarchy where everyone is equal and respects each other.
- You consider Sustainability as an essential condition in order to improve the world of tomorrow, and you realise that it is more important to have a positive impact than to make money.
You don't fit all these boxes? Don't worry, if you are motivated and eager to learn, you are the right person!
What we offer
- An unpaid internship of at least 2 months with the possibility of employment if it goes well.
- A unique professional experience in a small team in Brussels, in a relaxed atmosphere
- A company that truly expresses its values and focuses on the professional and personal development of its team members
- An ambitious project with many opportunities
- Flexible working hours, in line with the start-up spirit 😊
Lieu de travail : Chaussée de Mons 95, 1070 Anderlecht
How to apply?
If you want to be part of our team and change the world of events with us, fill in this form
Start date of the internship in February or March
We would be happy to meet you and - who knows - welcome you to our team!
If you have any questions, please contact us at: arnaud@konligo.com , 0473181604
For more information about our company, please visit our website: www.konligo.com and follow us on social networks.
See you soon!
Sales & Business Development (NL)
We zijn op zoek naar een collega voor Sales & Business Development in Nederlandstalig België en Nederland
TLDR: Konligo is op zoek naar een enthousiaste verkoper voor Nederlandstalig België en Nederland.
Ben je op zoek naar een job met een positieve ecologische impact, in een klein, dynamisch team? Zou je graag in een stimulerende startup werken, waar jouw input een directe invloed heeft op de groei van een bedrijf? Lees dan verder!
Over Konligo
Konligo (Brusselse start-up van het jaar) is een startup die ernaar streeft om de evenementenindustrie te verduurzamen. Om dit te bereiken bouwt Konligo innovatieve, herbruikbare en snel-te-installeren pop-up structuren van hoge kwaliteit: van gerecycleerd aluminium en in België geassembleerd.
Deze structuren bieden meerdere voordelen, namelijk
- De installatietijd vermindert van enkele dagen tot slechts een aantal minuten, afhankelijk van het formaat van de structuur.
- De structuren zijn van hoge kwaliteit met een lange levensduur, waardoor veelvoudig gebruik in variërende omstandigheden wordt gestimuleerd.
- Het design van de structuur is uniek en ongeëvenaard en kan eenvoudig aangepast en op maat gemaakt worden met een vaste structuur en aangepaste visuals en decoraties. Bekijk het zelf in onderstaande video.
We zijn een kleine groep gepassioneerde mensen die dezelfde normen deelt gebaseerd op humanistische kernwaarden en transparante communicatie.
Momenteel zijn we op zoek naar een enthousiaste persoon die graag ons team zou willen versterken om van Konligo de leider in duurzame stand- en pop-up structuren te maken.
We hebben gemerkt dat er nog veel vooruitgang te boeken valt op het vlak van marketing, en zouden daarom graag iemand aannemen die deze uitdaging aandurft! Zou jij die persoon kunnen zijn?
Jobinhoud
Onze Nederlandstalige verkoper en business developer Tijs zal binnenkort vertrekken naar het buitenland en ook al blijft hij deeltijds actief voor Konligo, we zoeken iemand die hier vanuit België zijn voltijdse job overneemt. De grootste focus is om Nederlandstalige leads te zoeken en deals en partnerschappen af te sluiten.
De taakinhoud bestaat o.a. uit:
- Online en offline prospectie en het bellen van nieuwe of bestaande leads
- Uitvoeren van professionele sales meetings
- Interactie met klanten: opvolging van bestellingen, antwoorden op vragen, etc.
- Met de klanten op een creatieve manier duurzame oplossingen bedenken met ons systeem.
- Deelname aan netwerkevents
- Op de hoogte blijven van sectorgerelateerd nieuws en het proactief benaderen van mensen werkzaam in de evenementenindustrie
- Het bijhouden van ons Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform
We zoeken naar
Het is altijd fijner wanneer je naar kantoor komt en je ziet je collega’s met een lach op hun gezicht!
We zoeken dus iemand die optimistisch en enthousiast is, en ook beschikt over de volgende ervaring/competenties:
- Je hebt altijd wel voeling gehad voor verkoop. Niet op een opdringerige maar menselijke manier, waarbij je zelf erg overtuigd bent van je product en de klant wilt helpen met een oplossing. Sommige durven wel eens te zeggen dat je je eigen schoonmoeder zou kunnen verkopen 😊.
- Je weet dat de klant centraal staat, en dat je alles zal doen om hem/haar te helpen met de uitdagingen die hij/zij heeft.
- Je belt liever dan dat je een whatsapp/sms/mailtje stuurt. Je weet immers dat het veel sneller en efficiënter is om eventjes je telefoon te nemen, en dat het ook helpt om nieuwe klanten zo te overtuigen.
- Je hebt een zeer goede kennis van het Nederlands. Communiceren in het Engels is voor jou ook geen probleem.
- Je bent geboeid door onze visie en missie en bent bereid om te werken in een startup die een familiale sfeer heeft.
- Je vrienden vinden dat je sociaal, nieuwsgierig, zelfstandig en proactief Je bent dan ook de persoon die initiatieven neemt om zaken te organiseren.
- Je werkt graag in een team, en durft je eigen mening te geven.
- Je houdt van uitdagingen, daarom kies je ook niet voor een klassieke job en kom je liever werken voor een startup met al zijn voor- en nadelen.
- Je bent flexibel. Je kan als het moet lange dagen werken om je doel te bereiken (is zeker geen gewoonte bij ons).
- Je durft ook wel eens meehelpen in het atelier met manueel werk als het nodig is.
- Status is voor jou niet zo belangrijk, wel de impact die we met ons product hebben. Je integreert een structuur zonder klassieke hiërarchie waar iedereen gelijk is en elkaar respecteert.
- Je beseft dat duurzaamheid belangrijk is, en dat het meer en meer draait rond de positieve impact die men kan bereiken, en minder om geld.
We bieden
- Een contract van onbeperkte duur
- Een professionele ervaring in een klein, sympathiek team in Brussel
- Een bedrijf dat zich actief inzet voor zijn kernwaarden en zich focust op zowel de professionele als de persoonlijke groei van zijn medewerkers
- Een ambitieus project met veel mogelijkheden
- Een flexibel werkrooster, gebaseerd op onze startup mindset :-)
Locatie kantoor : Bergensesteenweg 95, 1070 Anderlecht
Hoe te solliciteren
Als jij ons team wilt vervoegen en samen met ons de evenementenindustrie wilt veranderen, vul dan het volgende formulier in.
Hopelijk kunnen we elkaar dan binnenkort ontmoeten en aanwerven voor ons team.
Mocht je nog vragen hebben, dan kun je hier terecht: aushim@konligo.com (0479952516)
Voor meer info over ons bedrijf bekijk de website : www.konligo.com en volg onze sociale media.
Marketing & Communication
We are looking for a Marketing & Communication officer
TLDR: Konligo is seeking a marketing specialist to create and implement a marketing strategy and manage various marketing efforts, including social media and email marketing.
What is Konligo
Are you tired of the same old boring events that leave a huge carbon footprint? Konligo is here to save the day!
Our start-up is on a mission to revolutionize the event industry and make it more sustainable. How do we do it? By creating innovative, reusable pop-up structures made of recycled aluminium and fully assembled in Belgium. These structures have some pretty amazing benefits. Not only can they be set up in a matter of minutes (depending on the size), but they also have a long lifespan, making them perfect for multi-use events. And the best part? They're totally customizable, so you can give your events a unique and unforgettable look.
Don't just take our word for it - check out this video and see for yourself
Are you passionate about sustainability and ready to join a dedicated team on a mission to revolutionize the event industry?
Konligo is seeking an enthusiastic team member to help us become the leader in sustainable stand and pop-up structures. If this sounds like the opportunity for you, don't wait - apply now!
What is the job about
2022, our first post-covid year, was proof that our start-up is becoming unmissable with a visit from the king, the award for Brussels start-up of the year, and a profitability threshold.
However, we are still facing a major challenge: our marketing is a dead end. We are fortunate that the product is very visual, but we could have much more impact. Our strategy needs to be improved and, above all, we currently do not have anyone who can focus full-time on this crucial part.
That is why we are looking for a brilliant marketing specialist who can take charge of our marketing strategy to spread a unified and strong story.
The job content includes:
- creating a marketing strategy
- creating the visuals needed to promote our products
- creating scripts for videos of our products and services
- analyzing the "customer journey" and seeing how we can improve it
- managing and creating content for social media
- building and maintaining relationships with key partners
- organizing events to showcase our products
- creating and implementing email marketing campaigns
- providing customer service through social media and email
- creating and maintaining a content calendar
What we look for
It's always nicer to see colleagues smile when you come to work!
We are therefore looking for someone who is optimistic and enthusiastic, but also :
- You have a great sense of humor and dare to use it in your work. You can write funny texts, photoshop fun pictures and imagine comical scenarios.
- People find that you always have creative ideas and like to think outside the box.
- You may be able to work in a small office environment, or you may be able to work in a large office environment, or you may be able to work in a small office environment.
- You enjoy working with computer software and have a good knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator. Knowledge of video editing software such as Adobe Premiere and the ability to do 3D rendering are a plus.
- You have a fluid writing style and are familiar with storytelling.
- You have a good knowledge of French and/or Dutch. You are able to communicate in English.
- You are fascinated by our vision and mission and are ready to work in a start-up with a family atmosphere.
- Your friends find you sociable, curious, independent and proactive. You are the person who takes the initiative to organize things.
- You like to work in a team and you dare to speak your mind.
- You like challenges, that's why you don't choose a traditional job and prefer to work for a start-up with all its advantages and disadvantages.
- You are flexible. If necessary, you can work long hours to achieve your goals (this is certainly not a habit with us).
- The status is not so important for you, but the impact you have with our product is. You join a structure without a classical hierarchy where everyone is equal and respects each other.
- Sustainability is for you an essential condition to improve the world of tomorrow, and you realize that it is more important to have a positive impact than to make money
What we offer
- A permanent contract
- A professional experience in a small, friendly team in Brussels
- A stimulating environment (start-up and event industry) and a rewarding position with immediate impact in the company development
- A company that actively lives through its core values and focuses on the professional but also personal growth of its team members
- An ambitious project with lots of opportunities
- Flexible working schedule (working from home when possible, flexible hours, etc.), according to a start-up mindset 😊
Office & workshop location : Bergensesteenweg 95, 1070 Anderlecht
How to apply (asap!)
Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of a passionate and dedicated team working towards sustainability. If you have the skills and experience we're looking for, fill out the form and take the first step towards joining us at Konligo.
Contact person : aushim@konligo.com (0479952516)
For more info about our company, have a look at our website : www.konligo.com and follow us on social media.
Structural Engineer with programming skills
We are looking for a Structural Engineer with programming skills
TLDR: Konligo is seeking a highly skilled and motivated engineer with a passion for sustainability to join our R&D team as a Structural Engineer and help develop new scissor shapes and optimize and automate our engineering software and scripts. Apply here.
What is Konligo
Are you tired of the same old boring events that leave a huge carbon footprint? Konligo is here to save the day!
Our start-up is on a mission to revolutionize the event industry and make it more sustainable. How do we do it? By creating innovative, reusable pop-up structures made of recycled aluminium and fully assembled in Belgium. These structures have some pretty amazing benefits. Not only can they be set up in a matter of minutes (depending on the size), but they also have a long lifespan, making them perfect for multi-use events. And the best part? They're totally customizable, so you can give your events a unique and unforgettable look.
Don't just take our word for it - check out this video and see for yourself
Are you passionate about sustainability and ready to join a dedicated team on a mission to revolutionize the event industry?
Konligo is seeking an enthusiastic team member to help us become the leader in sustainable stand and pop-up structures. If this sounds like the opportunity for you, don't wait - apply now!
What is the job about
Konligo is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join our R&D team as a Structural Engineer.
In this role, you will be responsible for developing new scissor shapes and optimizing and automating our engineering software and scripts. The goal is to provide tailor-made, sustainable shapes for our clients in a more sustainable, efficient and cost-effective manner.
As a Structural Engineer at Konligo, you will be working closely with a small team consisting of a Product Engineer, one to two R&D interns, and two part-time engineering professors (co-founders of Konligo). You will have the opportunity to make a real impact as we transition to a project-based business model focused on providing a full experience with our sustainable products. If you are passionate about sustainability and have the skills and experience to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.
Your main tasks will be
- Designing, Calculating and Analysing new shapes and materials
- Design of new feasible scissor shapes by using Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper
- Structural Analysis of new designed shapes or different materials using SCIA Engineering
- Structural Size & Shape Optimisation using MATLAB and Python
- Building of wooden models to test the feasibility of the designs
- Close collaboration with our Product Engineer for the prototyping.
- Preparing the future “R-evolution” back-end software of Konligo
- Understanding and improving the different design scripts we have.
- Linking the different scripts we have between Grasshopper, Rhino & SCIA to automate the design process of new scissor structures.
- Adding a new part about 3D components and technical drawings for production.
- Helping the sales & marketing team with beautiful renders
- Creating efficient and fast renders for customers with their own visuals.
- Creating visuals to show the endless creativity of Konligo products.
- Searching for sustainable alternative for our cover materials
- We are currently mainly using PVC and PES banners and membranes, but we want to have a more sustainable approach where only circular can be used. You will take the lead to look for test these alternatives.
- Supporting the team with your expertise and willingness to help changing the event sector
- You’re brain, hands and energy will be needed for all kind of other stuff like for the production of our products, the installations for customers, brainstorming about new business idea’s, etc.
What we look for
It is always better to come to the office and see your colleagues smiling!
So we look for someone optimistic and enthusiastic but also with the following competences:
- You have an engineering background (architecture, civil or mechanical engineer), and/or work experience in that domain
- You know how Grasshopper works and did already some programming (visual programming, python, etc.)
- You are not afraid to switch between intellectual and manual work.
- You have a good English level
- You are fascinated by our vision and mission and are willing to work in a start-up with a family spirit.
- You like working in a team and you dare to speak your own mind.
- You are independent, proactive and confident.
- You like challenges, which is why you do not choose a traditional job and prefer to work for a start-up with all its advantages and disadvantages.
- You are flexible. If necessary, you can work long hours to achieve your goals (this is certainly not a habit with us).
- Status is not so important to you, but the impact we have with our product is. You therefore integrate a team where everyone is equal and respects each other. We don’t have a classical hierarchy ;)
- You realise that sustainability is important, and that it is more and more about the positive impact one can achieve, and less about money.
- If possible: you have experience with scissor structures.
What we offer
- A permanent contract
- A professional experience in a small, friendly team in Brussels
- A stimulating environment (start-up and event industry) and a rewarding position with immediate impact in the company development
- A company that actively lives through its core values and focuses on the professional but also personal growth of its team members
- An ambitious project with lots of opportunities
- Flexible working schedule (working from home when possible, flexible hours, etc.), according to a start-up mindset 😊
Office & workshop location : Bergensesteenweg 95, 1070 Anderlecht
How to apply (asap!)
Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of a passionate and dedicated team working towards sustainability. If you have the skills and experience we're looking for, fill out the form and take the first step towards joining us at Konligo.
Contact person : aushim@konligo.com (0479952516)
For more info about our company, have a look at our website : www.konligo.com and follow us on social media.
Why use recycled aluminium structures for your events?
Are you involved in the organisation of a festival, a congress or a sports event and do not know what type of structure to choose for your stands? Konligo, the event partner specialised in reusable and modular pop-up structures in Belgium, explains the advantages of recycled modular aluminium infrastructures.
Why choose recycled aluminium as a pop-up structure material?
In the events sector, it is not always easy to be eco-responsible at all levels. Finding materials that can be easily recycled is not so common, due to their manufacturing process or the costs involved. Nevertheless, it is becoming more and more consistent today to propose a sustainable project, an event that tries to minimise its ecological footprint. When it comes to structures for the creation of stands, DJ areas, arches or even branching areas, one sustainable and reusable material stands out in particular: recycled aluminium.
Aluminium is a 100% recyclable material. Compared to its raw state, its use considerably reduces the environmental impact of the product it is made of, as well as reducing carbon emissions by up to 95%. Aluminium is an abundant, recyclable, non-toxic resource that does not pollute the soil and, what's more, can be reused many times thanks to its strength and practicality. The latter is especially true if the product is made in an eco-friendly way, by using modularity as key principle. By modularity we mean the reuse of subcomponents to make an alternative end product (like lego).
Advantages of a recycled aluminium structure for your event stand
Most event infrastructures are physically and ecologically heavy and time-consuming to set up. A recycled aluminium structure can be used to create modular, customisable and easy-to-set up exhibition stands, stages or tents. Indeed, these structures, although temporary, are nevertheless reusable and have nothing to envy to metal scaffolding.
One of the main missions of the event industry today is to offer local and ecological solutions. Using modular structures made of recycled aluminium is one of the options to contribute to a more sustainable future, while combining modernity and efficiency. The recycled material is re-used in subcomponents who themselves are re-used in different modular end products (structures). However, making all the other materials that cover and decorate your structure (membranes, banners, etc.) sustainable is still very challenging.
Are you interested in recyclable structures for the organisation of your event fair in Belgium?
Contact Konligo, your partner for recycled aluminium and modular event structures (85% recycled) in Belgium, via the online contact form or by phone. Their team will be happy to answer your questions and assist you in your projects.
How sustainable is a manufacturing company like Konligo?
Sustainability is one of these new buzzwords next to AI, A/B Testing, Eco-Friendly, etc. But what does it mean to be sustainable? What is the difference between greenwashing? And how realistic is it to be sustainable knowing that manufacturing a new product is already a weight on our environment?
At Konligo, we have reached the tipping point between a start-up and a scale-up. It is an interesting step in the life of a young company because it generates interesting debates about the choices we are making.
Sustainability or economic choices?
On one side, we have our vision (a zero-waste event sector) with our humanistic core value. On the other side, we have the economic reality. Two conflicting objectives in a challenging equation full of tricky parameters.
We can opt for a fully sustainable business, without any CO2 emissions, however, in a manufacturing start-up you are very rapidly confronted with the reality:
- You produce something and therefore you use energy and raw/recycled/reused materials.
- There are raw materials and end products that are not available in Belgium/Europe so they have to be transported by truck/boat (for some companies even plane), generating a high CO2 emission.
- Belgian labor is very expensive. And robotic labor is not per se sustainable due to its production process and energy used.
On the other hand, we could go fully for an economic solution, knowing that if we do so, we are throwing away our sustainability principles, as labor and materials are far cheaper in countries like China (some of our competitors are flying branded tents from China by plane and it is still cheaper than our products produced entirely in Belgium…).
Our solution? Being transparent.
In the world of mathematics and optimizations, an equation with conflicting objectives does not have one optimal solution but a range of optimal solutions, each solution being equally valuable: so which is the right answer in our case?
At Konligo we have decided to go for a mix of sustainable and economic solutions. We can still improve the carbon footprint of our products but we cannot hamper our existence. It is not a fixed solution but a variable solution that is re-investigated very frequently to make sure we stay true to our vision and core values. As well as durable in time with a feasible and self-supporting business model. Because in the end, if the business model is not viable and a company closes its door after 3 years, even if it had very sustainable products, the impact of the company would be next to nothing.
What are our actual situation and our next steps?
We know we are not there yet, but we are doing everything in our current power to deliver a sustainable product:
- The design of our product is future-proof as it can be adapted in time because it is modular and replaceable (every piece of our product can be replaced, making it analog to the fair phone).
- All the pieces can be re-used across almost all of our structures because we didn’t conceive a product, we conceived a kit adaptable to create different shapes.
- We manufacture everything in Belgium, mainly in our workshop at Circularium (Anderlecht). Almost no other supplier of temporary structures does this anymore.
- Our main suppliers are Belgian companies and the recycled aluminum comes from Belgium.
The designs of our tents, stands, DJ booths and pop-up structures are part of the circular approach.
We are aware we still need to improve:
- Our joints are CNC machined, which requires quite a lot of energy and creates waste during the production (which can be recycled but then again asks for energy).
- Painting is used to protect the aluminum beams, this provides them a longer lifespan in the event sector, however, it is still painted.
- None of the membrane suppliers can yet propose recyclable options. To counteract, we try to re-use old membranes for covering sleeves, protection tarps, etc…
- The raw material of our membrane suppliers comes from outside Europe, mostly China. However, they are manufactured (and printed) in Belgium, something that not a lot of tent and party tent suppliers still do.
So why is it not greenwashing?
Because we don’t pretend to have the best ecological product on earth. But we do our best to make it the most sustainable possible knowing the circumstances and the economic reality. And this motivation does not come because of the trend around sustainability, but because this is a value embedded in our core values and lies at the origin of Konligo. Furthermore, to make sure we are aware of the new ecological alternatives that could replace some of our components, we are actively participating in different groups around circular and sustainable economy (we are board members of Circlemade and Hospitality for example) so that we can test the innovation in our sector as soon as possible.
How sustainable is a manufacturing company?
It is not a black and white answer. In the end, for us, it is about direct and indirect positive impact.
Directly because we can prove that our clients have reduced their carbon footprint by choosing our structure instead of another one, making the CO2 net balance positive. And indirectly by inspiring other entrepreneurs, our suppliers, and our team to be more sustainable and to have a positive impact. We do this by our actions, our philosophy, our vision, and mostly by mobilizing people around our project. And that multiplicator effect has much more consequences than we can imagine.
We are Konligo. Not Kolingo, nor Konlingo... right?
Konlingo or Kolingo?
We are almost suffering from an identity crisis: Is our company called Konlingo, or is it Kolingo? We always said Konligo, but could it be that we have been saying and writing it wrong all these years? Where did it all go wrong?
It's Konligo!
To assure ourselves of the truth once and for all, we took a look at the Belgian State Gazette. Turns out that it really is the BV KONLIGO that was founded on April 25, 2018, for the construction of metal structures and the rental and sale of tents. But why do we still regularly receive letters and invoices addressed to Konlingo or Kolingo? We also sometimes discover this mistake in cover letters (not yet a reason for us not to hire you, but it certainly also doesn't increase your chances). And even in the last Trends, it was written wrong! That means it's been written down wrong thousands of times. So, it's not really surprising that we end up having an identity crisis then, is it?
But how come people get it wrong that often? Kolingo and Konlingo are both non-existent words, so autocorrect can't be to blame. Yet, even people who know that it is Konligo still sometimes pronounce it wrong.
The (possible) Explanation
We think it is because people, consciously or unconsciously, are more familiar with the word Lingo. In English, Lingo refers to a foreign or incomprehensible language (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lingo). The origin of this in turn is Latin, in which the word lingua means 'language'. For many Dutch people, the word will also be linked to the ever-popular television show Lingo in which people have to guess words and grab balls. And also, the word Bingo resembles it as well. But 'ligo' as (part of) a word, or letter combination does not or hardly exist in French or Dutch. Yet, that really is our name: KON-LI-GO.
The origin of this name lies in the Esperanto word kunligo. Kun means 'with', or 'together'. For example, in kunlaborar, for 'working together'. Ligo in itself means 'linking'. Put together, this forms kunligo, which translates to 'connection' or 'coherence'. We chose this because at Konligo we are always looking for what connects people. But also, because our structures only exist thanks to the (scissor) connection between the different elements.
The spaces that arise under our structures; The events for which they are used as a stage or tent. All of this invites people to come together, engage with each other and connect socially. And that explains exactly our name choice.
Konligo is thus not just a name, but a representation of our identity as a company and as a group of people. We, therefore, hope that from now on our name will not be misspelled, so that we never have to doubt our identity again.
Konligo
How to plan a social project
Do you ever have the feeling that you want to do something good, but you don’t know where to start? This article is about what you need to consider and how best to go about it.
Why should you help others?
Helping people is valuable for two reasons. Firstly, it is beneficial for the people you are helping, and secondly, it makes you feel better as well. Maybe even to that extend, once you start, you don’t stop and find more and more opportunities to help others. Feeling good about yourself should not be your primary goal, but it is certainly a pleasant side-effect, and you are entitled to enjoy this feeling.
Whom do you want to help?
This is obviously the first thing to consider. There are several possible areas in which you can decide to go, like the environment, humanitarian sector, or animal care.
You might want to help in as many different areas as possible, but like a lot of other activities you do, it is important to focus. When you try doing too much, you might not be able to make it possible and end up being disappointed, because your expectations were too high. Therefore, start small, and if you realize that you can achieve more during the process, well that’s great! But don’t put yourself under too much pressure, remember you are already trying to do something good, and you can be proud of it.
How can you help?
Think about the value that you can offer and how you can offer it. You may or may not have anything in mind yet, but you probably have certain expertise or a personal talent that you can use for the cause. Go in the field where you want to help and talk to organizations that already know what is needed. This part is really important.
For example, to help homeless people, you must find the right approach. You want them to feel valued and understood. Therefore, you must understand their way of thinking as well as their needs. Otherwise, they might get the feeling that you view them as less valuable than yourself even though you really did mean well. So, go online, do your research, find some organizations. There are already a lot of them who are fighting for a good cause and would appreciate your help. Also, by this, you can find out the best way to help. It is also a process of listening and collaboration.
With whom can you collaborate?
This step goes hand in hand with the one before: If you have found organizations that can help you on your journey, why not team up with them directly? Think about what they told you, see if it corresponds to your idea or your values, and see if you can support them.
But there is more to it. Depending on your budget and your goal, you might want to find sponsors. And there is not really one rule about it. Ask whoever seems fit for this cause. You may have to send out a lot of emails, make phone calls, or go to them directly. For big companies, it is usually easier to send an email to their main office, or some might even already have application forms to fill out online. With small stores, you might achieve more by making a phone call or approaching them on site. Also, there are different kinds of donations you can ask for, like discounts, products, financial aid, or services. Make sure you know exactly what you need before asking. To increase your chance of success, explain nicely who you are, what your project is, and your motivation behind it. Although you are doing it for a good cause, you are still asking them for help. And lastly: Don’t give up! It might take a while, but you will find people to support you.
The key to success: a good timeline
When you have the concept, you must set up a schedule with the big steps. Give yourself enough time to search for sponsors minimum of one month and make sure that you choose the right time of helping. For some causes, there might not be a wrong time, but again ask the experts in your field on this one.
Don’t get discouraged!
This might seem like a lot to consider, but it just needs to be well planned, so you don’t end up stressed, and disappointed. It might be some work, but it is worth it! For the others and you. So, don’t hesitate, even the smallest project can make a big difference. It might be a cheesy line, but when you rewind to a moment, where a small gesture from a person has made you smile, then you know that it is true indeed.
Project Solidarity and Circularity
On Wednesday, June 9th, our two interns, Sonja and Anousha, went to meet homeless people, offering them 20 meal baskets with hygiene products. You might have seen our posts on our social networks (if not, check them out below) and in this article, Sonja and Anousha want to explain the philosophy behind their social project.
Circularity
Just like the members of Konligo, we believe that circularity is one of the keys to building tomorrow's world. We find this so important that it was a criterion of choice in our search for an internship. Secondly, what is particularly important is circularity in our daily lives. This starts with our consumption of the so-called "necessities". Since the sanitary crisis, you are probably familiar with them, they include general food products, hygiene products, cleaning products, etc. Indeed, by avoiding food waste, by using a product that is the least processed, with a minimum of ingredients, a minimum of packaging and that comes close to home; you are already participating in a virtuous model for the planet.
Therefore, for our social project, it seemed logical to us to include this value. This has resulted in the use of food from the anti-waste food chain and the creation of hygiene products with little packaging and few ingredients, which themselves come from an organic and sustainable neighbourhood grocery shop, Natural Corner.
Solidarity with the homeless people
At the beginning of May, Konligo offered each of us the opportunity to create our own solidarity project. It seemed obvious to both of us to combine our ideas and strengths. Before defining the ins and outs, we needed a theme that would combine our values and desires! Unfortunately, it was obvious... Since we arrived in Brussels, we have been using public transport every day and we have come across many homeless people. Therefore, we decided to prepare a meal basket for them, along with hygiene products, and go and meet them.
Not knowing the world of homelessness, it seemed essential to us to get closer to experienced people. This is where the Rolling Douche association comes in, as they are our neighbours at Circularium. Rolling Douche offers a mobile hygiene service, in the original form of a motor home specially equipped with decent sanitary facilities. This association of workers and volunteers is present every week at three fixed locations in Brussels. When we met them, they told us about the products that are necessary and missing in their mission: razors, deodorants, feminine hygiene products. This information helped us to prepare our baskets.
The initiative
To make these baskets, we called for donations by contacting different entities: local shops, department stores such as Carrefour, companies that are active in the fight against food waste, and foundations such as Humble Smile – a group of dental and development professionals who promote oral health and healthy smiles for everyone. The call for donations took place in two phases. Firstly, we contacted them by email or via a form provided by the entity. In a second phase, we went to meet the shopkeepers.
In addition to the donations, we also wanted to make some hygiene products: soap and shampoo. To do this, we used the budget allocated by Konligo and organised a workshop at Circularium on Wednesday, June 2nd. We tried to maximise circularity, using empty jars as containers for the shampoo and paper muffin moulds as moulds/packaging for the soap. Moreover, the products consist only of three to four ingredients each. These ingredients came from the local organic and sustainable grocery shop, Natural Corner.
On the day, we were able to provide about 20 meals (sandwiches, mixed salads, cold dishes, pastries, orange juice...) along with 25 homemade shampoos, 30 homemade soaps, 20 razors and 33 toothbrushes/toothpaste kits. This one-off event was a moment of sharing on all levels. We had time to share, laugh and understand who these people are. This one afternoon experience shows that we can make people happy with small gestures and try to fight social inequalities at our level through sharing.
The next day, we also collected a final donation from Carrefour (three large boxes of sanitary towels and tampons, about twenty deodorants, ten conditioners, moisturizers, soaps...) which we gave to Rolling Douche.
A big thank you
- To Aline and Audrey from Carrefour Belgium, for helping us obtain the donation of sanitary towels and tampons, deodorants, conditioners, moisturizers, soaps...
- To the Swedish company, The Humble Co., for their donation of amenity kits consisting of bamboo toothbrushes and natural toothpaste.
- To a company fighting against food waste for their vouchers. Vouchers that enabled us to buy quality food from local traders.
- To Natural Corner for their commercial gesture on the products needed to make homemade organic shampoos and soaps.
- To the people who donated empty jars or participated in the workshop.
Did you know?
If you want to make your own shampoo, nothing could be simpler as only three ingredients are needed: 100mL of liquid Marseille soap, 100 mL of coconut milk and 20 drops of essential oils of your choice. Put all the ingredients in a container with a lid, close it well and shake to mix the ingredients. Before each use, remember to shake.
Storage: about 1 month.