High Point Market Shines Light on Sustainability this Fall

August 4, 2021  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

Open daily during Market, Sustainability Stories at Center Stage will introduce attendees to the latest innovations and opportunities in sustainable furnishings, materials, and design and introduce new ways to grow one’s business in this increasingly important market.

A variety of program elements will encourage active participation and engaged learning from visitors. Three featured designers – Laurence Carr, Nancy Fire, and Jennifer Levy – with expertise in sustainable design will curate room vignettes composed of sustainably-focused products from High Point Market exhibitors, telling 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,” comments Fire. “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 lookout 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,” shares Carr. “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 to Center Stage. Featuring designers such as Carr, Fire, and Levy, and associations like the Sustainable Furnishings Council, the lineup will overview 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,” shares Levy.

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.