Diane Stone, chief operating officer of the event, comments: ‘We are delighted to have had such an outstanding first show. Having set out to provide a unique and all-encompassing business proposition for the footwear industry, the phenomenal feedback leads us to believe that we have achieved just that. The show has caused a great deal of excitement.’
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.
Inaugural Materials at WSA Expo & Conference focuses on innovation
Hosting over 100 exhibitors from more than ten different countries, the event showcased the most innovative material suppliers to the industry. Spanning the world of materials (including leathers, synthetics and textiles) as well as components, technology and sourcing solutions, industry leaders such as 3M, Dae Woo and Milliken were present, alongside leading Italian tanneries and groundbreaking new innovators from across the globe.