The upcoming fall High Point Market (October 16-20) will shine a spotlight on sustainability through an immersive, inspirational activation called “Sustainability Stories.” The program will encompass the highly trafficked Center Stage area adjacent to the Transportation Terminal.
Open daily during Market, Sustainability Stories at Center Stage will showcase the latest innovations and opportunities in sustainable furnishings, materials, and design as well as introduce new ways to grow business in this increasingly important market.
A variety of program elements will encourage active participation and engaged learning from visitors. Three featured designers with expertise in sustainable design – Laurence Carr, Nancy Fire, and Jennifer Levy – will curate room vignettes composed of sustainably focused products from High Point Market exhibitors that tell the story of how an earth-friendly focus can easily be incorporated in beautiful and functional interior design projects.
“Focusing on sustainability at Fall Market is important because sustainability is not a trend; it’s a lifestyle,” Fire comments. “By educating others we can build more awareness in our industry on what products are sustainable, how they are sustainable, and where these products can be found at High Point Market.”
“At CAVdesign, we are always on the look-out for sustainable products to incorporate into our work, as well as checking into how the companies we work with support the communities they impact,” shares Levy. “Through this Sustainability Stories program, we are excited to have the chance to share how we can create beautiful, replenishing environments that also support social and environmental health.”
Product storyboards will be on display in a separate area from various High Point Market exhibitors and other industry partners with an eco-focus, sharing the variety of ways furniture manufacturers can prioritize sustainability.
“We are at an exciting inflection point in terms of sustainability within the industry,” Carr states. “I’m seeing more companies take an interest in sustainability and circularity, thanks in large part to consumer demand. I expect we will see this trend continue to grow in our industry — it’s wonderful to witness it unfold!”
In addition to the interactive displays, a daily programming schedule will welcome various topic experts and associations such as the Sustainable Furnishings Council to Center Stage. The line-up will present a diverse array of opportunities for the home furnishings industry and offer actionable advice for those looking to improve their eco-footprint.
Unifi’s REPREVE Mobile Tour will participate in the activation, sharing how their partnerships with furniture manufacturers are transforming recyclable bottles into fibers for home furnishings.
A recycling station will be on-hand to encourage Market attendees to actively participate in an important aspect of the program’s focus.
“Our future, both for our industry and our planet, depends on how we address sustainability. The Fall Market’s focus on sustainability will create an opportunity for us to share best practices and raise awareness about ways we can all be part of the solution,” Levy remarks.
The full Center Stage schedule will be available in early September. More details can be found on High Point Market’s website at https://www.highpointmarket.org/events/sustainability-stories.
Exhibitors interested in learning more about storyboard sponsorship opportunities can email Stephanie Jonas, stephanie@highpointmarket.org.
