Testing Smarter, Building Greener : The sustainability ethos behind the scenes
October 30th 2025
With the goal of reimagining the future of modular and temporary staging systems for live events and more, Network Stages Ltd. is pleased to announce the start of a significant research and development initiative funded by an Innovative UK grant.
With growing pressure on the events industries to reduce carbon emissions, sustainability isn't a choice. It's an expectation.
When it comes to our R&D testing, it's important to review Material performance V Environmental impact. Our aim isn't just to design and build stages - it's to build smarter, cleaner systems for the future. We want to develop next-generation temporary staging and decking systems — designed for performance, safety and sustainability.
Temporary structures, can have particularly high waste generation at the dismantling stage if single use components are not designed for reuse. Whilst official data for the UK temporary structures sector is scarce, the wider events industry is estimated to generate over 100,000 tonnes of waste each year destined for landfill or incineration!
Our R&D is targeting a reduction of that wastage by designing for reuse, refurbishing components and minimising single-use items. Our lighter and more compact design will enable a 50% reduction in the number of staging transport trucks required and its lighter weight will reduce CO2 emissions per km by up to 85% compared to conventional systems.
As part of this commitment, we will use 100%-recycled LM25 aluminium in production, and all our component materials will be industrially recyclable, minimising the environmental impact of manufacture.
This work is not only supported by Innovate UK but is in collaboration with our technical partners, Cundall and Serious Stages. Together, we're developing a next generation modular system aligns with the UK's Net Zero 2050 goals.
Over the coming months, we'll be sharing more insights from our materials testing and design validation. We would love to connect with organisations who share our sustainability values and are exploring greener approaches to temporary builds.
Contact: loumarshall@networkstages.co.uk
Advancing Modular Staging Technology
September 30th 2025
With the goal of reimagining the future of modular and temporary staging systems for live events and more, Network Stages Ltd. is pleased to announce the start of a significant research and development initiative funded by an Innovative UK grant.
Network Stages has come up with achievable and cost effective solutions which we are applying to our new system.
It is well known that Scaffolding-based temporary staging is complex and time-consuming to assemble, and to bear loads greater than 7.5kN/m, it often requires expensive bespoke scaffolding plans.
Temporary staging using prebuilt decking modules are cheaper and quicker to assemble, but can hold lower loads (5-7kN/m.) than scaffolding staging, and the decking modules take up large amounts of space during storage and transportation.
So our aim is to create a fully modular temporary staging system that will resolve the issues with both staging systems, featuring proprietary connections to achieve a load-bearing capacity of 10kN/m.
Our system will significantly reduce assembly time by 40-60%, total weight by 75%, and the space required for transportation and setup by 33-50%, compared to current staging solutions.
In addition, we will develop several key components to address common technical challenges in the industry, which are often solved through on-site improvisation or costly custom scaffolding. These components include:
- A stair and ramp system that supports the same load as flat decking (target: 10kN/m.)
- A "connect-anywhere" modular handrail for more flexible stage configurations.
- Adaptors that allow our system to integrate with existing scaffolding solutions.
- A safety-rated rigging system to enable secure connection of equipment (e.g. Audio cabinets, screens, scenery) directly onto the frame of the stage.
To be able to achieve the 10kN/m. load-bearing capacity, we will design sliding knee braces to reduce lateral movement and distribute weight more effectively. These will also allow for under stage storage minimising obstructions during assembly and disassembly.
Our design will allow individual workers to carry and assemble components without assistance, making stage construction faster, safer, and more efficient, benefiting both staging companies and clients.
By ensuring that the stage, stairs, and ramps can all support 10kN/m, we also eliminate the need for additional reinforcement when using heavy machinery such as forklifts. This further reduces the time and cost of assembling stages, particularly in industries like film and television, beyond the 40-60% time savings our system already offers.
Our R&D project will run for a period of 18 months with quarterly reporting ensuring our project targets are met. To keep up to date on our developments as we progress, follow our monthly blog!
