(Finance) – The 2024 edition of Furniture expo shines the spotlight on products that are a clear example of environmental responsibility and regenerationbut who are also ambassadors of manufacturing artisanal which has always been essential in the sector, not only with regards to Made in Italy, and which merges with an indispensable innovation technological.
Talking about sustainability today is obvious and at the same time indispensable, and to broaden the topic a vision is therefore necessary that embraces not only environmental issues, but also social aspects, equity and dignity of work. Many designers have long embraced these concepts and – fortunately – the new generations learn them at school together with the fundamental principles of the profession.
This trend in a positive direction is starting to be more and more widespread, and it is very evident when walking along the enormous corridors of the Salone del Mobile, where designers dare more and more, trying to present their products not just as simple furnishing elements, but as ambassadors of experiences, sensations and values which, however – it must be admitted – are very often environmental but rarely social. After all, the objective of the 62nd Salone del Mobile in Milan is to produce lasting value for those who exhibit, create quality experiences and generate synesthesia and cultural short circuits for everyone (also obviously in synergy with the Fuorisalone). Create an exhibition that is first of all experiential it is therefore essential to achieve this goal, and to do so up to 20 days of set-up were required for each stand.
What is clear to everyone when visiting the exhibition is that this fair is one of the most important in the world both in terms of size and people and brands involved, and the numbers speak for themselves: 1,950 exhibitors from 35 countries on a surface of 174,457 m2 they wait buyers and professionals coming from 180 countrieswhich added to all the other visitors will make up the impressive number of 300,000 visitors expected for this edition.
Important numbers to represent an industry of primary importance in the world economy since value of 552.7 billion euroswith an expectation of growth of 5% per yearin which Italy participates with a respectful total of 17 billion euros (of which approximately 11 billion come from exports).
If the core of the Salon is obviously the mobile, part of the exhibition alternates every two years on more vertical themes. The spaces that last year were dedicated to Euroluce are this year dedicated to EuroCucinawith 105 exhibitors, of which 30% foreign, on 23,807 m2, where the environment that is most involved in the digital transition and where technological innovation becomes the protagonist in everyday life within smart kitchen, interconnected environments where household appliances work in synergy to simplify users’ lives and reduce consumption. If in this case the exhibitors are more specialized, the impressive and futuristic displays represent an industry that only in household appliances segment it’s almost worth it 320 billion euros, of which almost 9 represented by Italian producers.
The 10th edition of the Shalo International Bathroom finally hosts 185 exhibitorsof which 27% foreign, on over 17,000 m2, and tells of new materials and aesthetic and design languages, nature, sustainability and a great desire for well-being.