Environmental awareness and responsibility are increasingly being demanded by consumers. Hardly any other concern has impacted the market so quickly. “Our goal is to systematically focus greater attention on sustainable products at our international textiles fairs, as we observe ongoing strong interest in the ecological segment”, announced Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt. “Green issues will be a recurring theme throughout the fair as a result.”

New lecture series: “Let’s talk about...”

One of the key topics featured in the new “Let’s talk about...” lecture area will be sustainability, and trade visitors can look forward to an interesting series of talks on the first day of Heimtextil. Independent NGOs, associations and companies will provide insight into what sustainable materials are available, what a transparent supply chain might look like and how new social awareness can influence consumer behavior. The lectures on the second day will also explore environmental issues: “Green Hospitality – the balance between environmental and economic interests”. How can sustainable concepts for furnishing hotel and restaurant interiors be achieved? Renowned speakers will give practical tips and suggestions for responsible contract business.

Green Directory and special show

As in 2011, the Green Directory will once again be published for Heimtextil 2012. The directory gives an overview of exhibitors and products with outstanding environmental quality or sustainable manufacture. These companies are also marked with a logo in the general Heimtextil catalogue. The stands of exhibitors listed in the Green Directory will display a special sign. A special show entitled “Green Exhibition – let it grow!” will also run in parallel in Hall 11.1 at the Portalhaus entrance, where the Stijlinstituut Amsterdam, a member of the Heimtextil Trend Table, will showcase ecological materials. The rapid growth of the green sector will be addressed and visualized for trade visitors and exhibitors alike. The designers have come up with a colorful presentation to highlight the creative power of sustainable and modern design.