Heimtextil 2015: sustainability for textiles in interior design

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Sustainability is one of the major topics among current trends in the furnishings and textile sector. And that is, of course, equally true for the world's largest trade fair for home and contract textiles. Heimtextil, from 14 to 17 January 2015, will be devoting itself to the whole issue of sustainability, with inspiring special displays, interesting events and targeted help in finding one's bearings in the subject.

'Green Directory' – suppliers of sustainable home and interior textiles
The 'Green Directory' contains an overview of all exhibitors at the show who espouse the cause of sustainable working practices. It is a service offered free of charge for visitors and exhibitors at Heimtextil and copies will be made available for people to take away at several locations throughout the Exhibition Centre. As well as the 'Green Directory', the 'eco symbols' on the stands of certificated exhibitors provide practical help for visitors in finding those products that have been manufactured to ecological and social standards, together with their manufacturers.

'Green Village': a centre of excellence for sustainability
At Heimtextil 2015, there will, for the first time, be a platform dedicated to the bodies who award seals of approval and quality marks, to certification organisations and interest groups relating to sustainability issues. Heimtextil has recognised, from an early stage, the importance of the constantly growing trend towards sustainable and socially responsible production of home textiles, furnishing fabrics and contract textiles. With the 'Green Village' in Galleria 1, it has taken things one step further and extended the existing range of displays on this theme by an extra rendezvous point, at which visitors can get even more information. They will also, moreover, get professional advice here on sustainability issues directly from experts in the field.

Sustainability in the 'Theme Park'
The 'Theme Park' is becoming the new, central, inspirational forum at the forthcoming Heimtextil. In Hall 4.0, right at the heart, so to speak, of the Exhibition Centre, this unique area offers space for a comprehensive display relating to the themes and issues that are becoming relevant to the sector of tomorrow. At the same time, the 'Theme Park' will focus attention on design-oriented, contemporary aspects. In this context, sustainability is, of course, an essential component. On the first three days of the trade fair, Irene Vermeulen, designer and trend expert from the Netherlands, will be giving guided tours of the 'Theme Park', focusing specifically on issues of sustainability. Within the framework of this tour, interested visitors can see how sustainability is linked with the whole issue of 'experience', exactly what the three 'eco-symbols' at Heimtextil stand for and, moreover, get to see some concrete examples of selected sustainable materials. The tours will take place on 14 to 16 January at 11:30 a.m. each day in the 'Theme Park', Hall 4.0. On 16 January at 1:00 p.m., Ms. Vermeulen will, moreover, give a lecture in the 'Theme Park' on the subject of trends in sustainable home textiles. The guided tour and the lectures will be in English.

"Young Creations Award: Upcycling"
Also established in the sustainability section is the 'Young Creations Award: Upcycling' aimed at the new blood in the sector. In 2015, it will be offered for the first time Europe-wide. The award honours the best works of up and coming international designers. It shines the spotlight on issues relating to textiles, sustainability and design. At the same time, there will be greater emphasis than ever before on the textile properties of the projects: at least 30 per cent of the materials used must be textile-based. In contrast to recycling, upcycling has, as its goal, the creation of higher value products from waste materials. With this competition, Heimtextil is seeking to support the young designers of tomorrow and, at the same time, reflects an innovative current in the field of interiors, which showcases the, as yet, untapped potential of sustainable materials' supply and production. A selection of the most creative interior design products will be on display in Hall 4.2.

'Sustainability Friday' has a colourful programme of lectures
The 16 January, the Friday of the show, is to be 'Sustainability Friday' in 'Lecture Square' in Galleria 1. All the items on the programme for the day revolve around sustainability. Under the chairmanship of freelance sustainability expert and author, Simon Ferrigno, the lectures and discussion groups offered by high-calibre representatives of the sector will foster consideration of sustainability, social standards and corporate social responsibility.

'Green Tour' – guided tour of the trade fair to sustainable exhibitors
On Thursday, 15 January at 3:00 p.m., Heimtextil visitors will have the opportunity to take part in a 'Green Tour' around the show. Max Gilgenmann, consultant for sustainability in the textile and fashion industry, will guide participants to selected suppliers of sustainably produced textiles.
In doing so, he will offer insights into the latest trends and market developments in this segment. The 'Green Tour' begins in the 'Community Area' of the 'Theme Park' in Hall 4.0.

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