MMPI Launches “Green” Initiative at High Point Market

March 1, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on March 2007 Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. has partnered with the Sustainable Furniture Council to launch GREENStyle, the first eco-friendly market initiative in the home furnishings industry, at the upcoming High Point market. The move creates several opportunities for marketgoers to learn about current offerings of sustainable home furnishing products and to learn more about the importance of adopting sustainable practices in their businesses.

The GREENStyle Pavilion on the first (top) floor of the Suites at Market Square, will create a forum for education and product display, providing a centralized location for companies to showcase their eco-friendly products to buyers interested in purchasing sustainable products for their clients or their stores. Another goal is to prove that high style and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

“As we spoke to more and more retailers and manufacturers, it became clear that sustainability in the home furnishings industry is no longer a passion of just a handful of people,” said Karen Olson, vice president of marketing for MMPI in High Point. “The need for sustainable products is being driven by consumers and this demand is increasing every day. We felt it was important to offer a forum to educate buyers and manufacturers on this significant and growing trend.”

Companies already confirmed to participate in the pavilion include Urban Woods, Rathbone Imports, Organo Natural Furnishings, From The Mountain, SouthCone PaT’s Line and Rainforest Alliance. The Sustainable Furniture Council, an industry association seeking to establish eco-friendly standards for sourcing and operations in the furniture industry, will have an information booth in the pavilion where visitors can learn more about the organization’s mission and how to get involved.

“We were very pleased when MMPI approached us about partnering with them on their GREENStyle initiative at the High Point Market,” said SFC President Gerry Cooklin. “MMPI has the facilities and means for bringing people together, and we are looking forward to contributing our knowledge and expertise on the subject of sustainability to their program offerings.”

The furniture industry must play a leadership role in sustaining its raw materials, since it adds more value to the wood resource than any other category, noted SFC Treasurer Susan Inglis, SFC treasurer.

“The High Point Market is a great opportunity for us to reach a critical mass of industry professionals to continue educating them on the importance of preserving our natural resources,” Inglis said.

Dennis Rose of Eclectic Home in Portland, Ore., said he and other retailers are excited about the first program to guide buyers in sourcing eco-friendly products in the home furnishings industry.

“I think it is great that Merchandise Mart Properties and the High Point Market are on the forefront of introducing this new category and bringing to light the importance of sustainability in the home furnishings industry,” Rose said. “And, organizing vendors in one area certainly makes it easier for buyers.”

The GREENStyle Map, produced by MMPI, Home Furnishings Business and the SFC, will highlight companies participating in the GREENStyle Pavilion, Sustainable Furniture Council members, and manufacturers currently using BiOH polyols. The map, designed to be a guide for buyers looking for eco-friendly products while at High Point Market, will be available in the GREENStyle Pavilion on the first floor of the Suites at Market Square. The map is sponsored by Cargill, producer of BiOH brand polyols, the first commercially successful bio-based polyols to be used in flexible foams.

MMPI and the SFC also will host the GREENStyle Party, with sponsorship from Furniture/Today, March 29, 6-8 p.m. in Market Square’s Century Courtyard. All are invited to join in this evening honoring the importance of sustainability in home furnishings. The party will feature celebrity guest Danny Seo, best-selling author, columnist, radio talk-show host, and eco-friendly lifestyle advocate; live entertainment, and complimentary food and drinks.