The cutting-edge trend area was a particular hit. Designers, product developers and specifiers were treated to an environment which stimulated creativity, provided solutions and encouraged attendees to visit the showcased exhibitors at their booths.
One of the key trends evident at the show was ‘green’ processes and business. Environmentally friendly products on display included Lactae Hevea soles from Reltex, made from liquid Hevea milk, Reltex, unique and sustainable jute fibre products and Omnipel Technologies’ new fabric made from recycled plastic bottles and bamboo. Alongside many more green companies, also on display were hand-crafted components made from natural raw product by Astarte and exquisite heels and soles from Martac, using unusual raw products such as bamboo.
An abundance of technological innovation was on display at the show, including a revolutionary 3D footwear scanner from Global Footwear Solutions and the unique possibilities in Silicone use demonstrated by Dow Corning. Milliken & Co chose the Materials Expo as a launch platform for its new polymeric colourant for synthetic leather - ViviTint - a dye which offers an environmentally friendly colour with glass-like transparency.
The educational workshop programme was also well received. Reflecting the ethos of the show, there were two seminars focusing on innovation. Different in approach, the ARS Sutoria School presented a seminar about innovations that could be found at the show, while Spencer White outlined how to make innovation commercially successful. Also presented was an insight into Chinese business culture, with the final workshop taking place looking into the hot topic of ‘green’ business.
