The new Ecostyle trade fair, the first information and order platform for verified sustainable consumer goods in European retail, took place between 24-26th August.
76 exhibitors presented green lifestyle and design products in parallel with the Tendence consumer goods fair in Frankfurt. Almost half the exhibiting companies – 46% – were from abroad.
Organiser Messe Frankfurt reports that over 5000 trade visitors attended the three-day event, which was supplemented by an extensive seminar programme, as well as two exhibitions – the Ecodesign Award, and identify.
"Our achievement at this first event has been to awaken the interest of the retail industry in the innovative concept offered by Ecostyle. Nearly 80 exhibitors from 15 countries presented products, which prove that sustainability, functionality and design can be combined successfully and that this segment has enormous potential at all levels – from niche sectors to the mass market," says Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt.
Many exhibitors also declared themselves satisfied with the new concept. Sven Ulrich, head of marketing, Europe, for manufacturer of bamboo tableware 8 Pandas, says: "Concentrating the theme of sustainable products with their own unique design aspirations into one trade fair was definitely the right approach. Our product incorporates sustainability and design as equal partners, so participating at Ecostyle 2013 was a logical decision. We were impressed by the exceptional quality of the visitors and the large international presence. Ecostyle exceeded our expectations and we will exhibit at the event again next year."
As Ecostyle concluded, Irene Vermeulen, MD of trend guide Craftscurator, revealed what she believes consumers will expect the retail sector to offer in terms of sustainability in future: "In 2014, retailers can expect consumers to be much more aware of sustainability," she said. "People will make buying decisions more consciously, taking more time to find out if the quality and the aesthetics of a product are good. Consumers will also expect more transparant information and stories about the origin and makers of products. Retailers and brands that offer outstanding products and no-nonsense information will be able to build a meaningful relationship with consumers."
The next Ecostyle will take place in parallel to Tendence from 30th August to 1st September 2014, in Frankfurt.
