With a strong increase in the number of exhibitors and all indications suggesting that the new furnishing season will be a good one, Heimtextil starts today in Frankfurt. The globally-leading trade fair for home and contract textiles will present the world’s largest range of textile products, trends and new products until January 15, 2016. Top players in the international industry will present their wares in the newly extended exhibition space comprising 20 different hall levels.
Among the 2,866 exhibitors are an increased number of European companies. Some firms that are returning after a year or several years’ break or coming to Heimtextil for the first time are also fuelling the growth in the number of exhibitors. ‘The high demand consolidates our position as the most important meeting place for the industry and proves that our positioning of Heimtextil is the right one’, says Detlef Braun, CEO of Messe Frankfurt. He also suggests that this reflects the current positive mood in the industry: ‘The increase in European exhibitors comprises mainly exhibitors from Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as Turkey. The number of exhibitors from Brazil and the USA has also grown.
It is not just the number of home textile exhibitors that has grown in 2016, but also the exhibition space. This is due in part to the expanded range of décor and upholstery materials on offer. The product segments “window” and “upholstery” have been expanded at Heimtextil 2016 on account of the huge demand. The brand companies returning to Heimtextil in 2016 include Enzo Degli, Luilor, TEXAO, Marzotto Lab, Ratti Spa and Pozzi Arturo from Italy, as well as Libeco-Lagae, Verbatex and Annabel Textiles from Belgium and Penelope from Turkey.
Another highlight of Heimtextil is the “digital print” area. Digital printing is one of the most important growth segments in the industry. This is also reflected in the newly expanded exhibition space at Heimtextil 2016. Global top companies such as Epson, Hewlett Packard and Kornit will present their digital printing innovations on a surface area of over 1000 square metres. The event has also strengthened its offer in the segment of mattresses, bedding and bed systems. Renowned new exhibitors and returning companies present new products related to sleeping. The product “bed” incorporates an expanded offer comprising the segments bed linen, bedding, covers, decorative pillows and mattresses.
In order to continue strengthening the “green” textile market and act as a point of orientation and trailblazer, Heimtextil offers sustainable companies a forum, puts resource-saving products in the spotlight and invites visitors to take part in an accompanying event programme. In the “Green Village”, the expert centre for sustainability, visitors have the opportunity to talk to certifiers and quality seal awarders and get professional advice. The sustainability expert Max Gilgenmann will take interested trade fair guests on a “Green Tour” around Heimtextil and to selected exhibitors, thereby giving them an insight into the current developments in the green segment.
In line with key theme “Well-Being 4.0”, visitors to the Heimtextil “Theme Park” will experience the latest developments in the world of textile design. Every year, the Trendtable panel made up of international players in the industry evaluates the most important general trends and supplies furnishers, designers, product developers and creative teams with valuable orientation as well as reliable trend statements. These are showcased in the “Theme Park”.
www.messefrankfurt.com
