Interzum back in town

Leading international trade fair Interzum, which showcases the latest trends and innovations from global suppliers to the furniture industry, has a new slogan for its edition in 2023.

“Shaping the change” will be the banner at the Cologne exhibition halls this year when Interzum comes to town on May 9-12.

What this means in practice is that the event will place even greater emphasis on key issues of the future, such as sustainability, climate protection and resource efficiency, in order to drive forward the conversation about these matters.

With “neo-ecology” as the overarching central theme, the fair is establishing a new focus and drawing attention to its future oriented innovative strength.

The last Interzum was a digital event in 2021, but you have to go back before the pandemic for the last live experience in 2019 when 74,000 visitors attended, 55,000 of whom were from abroad. Some 1,805 exhibitors from 60 countries were showcasing their products and innovations at the 2019 event.

Interzum organiser Koelnmesse said changes in our living and working environments have arguably rarely been felt as keenly as they are today.

“The coronavirus pandemic and its consequences, climate change and rising energy prices are presenting us with enormous challenges,” it said.

“Megatrends such as increasing digitalisation and individualisation and, in particular, the growing need for greater sustainability are also influencing the way we live and work.

“But what will tomorrow’s living spaces look like? How will furniture and interiors need to be designed in the future?”

At present, Koelnmesse expects approximately 1,400 companies from around 60 countries to present their new products, technical innovations and material solutions.

Wood-based panels manufacturers exhibiting include Kastamonu, Losan Benelux, Egger, Fantoni, Sonae Arauco, Homanit, AGT, Yildiz Entegre and Starwood.

Interzum invites participants and visitors to find new answers to current and future design questions.

The full range of products on display include boards, semi-finished products, finishing products and surface treatment, machines and tools, fittings, floorings, wall coverings, digital printing and fabrics.

By placing an even greater emphasis on sustainable practices and discussing the issues, Interzum will continue to drive the conversation forward so that new solutions can be developed together.

It will do so by a hybrid approach, combining the benefits of an in-person trade fair with those of a digital event.

Function & Components is dedicated to fittings, locks and built-in furniture parts as well as lighting and lighting systems.

Materials & Nature revolves around pioneering materials and manufacturing techniques, while Textile & Machinery showcases the most important innovations in mattress production and upholstery materials such as fabrics and leather and explores how they fit into the concept of a circular economy.

The “Shaping the change” philosophy and theme of “neo-ecology” will also be taken up in 2023’s wide-ranging event programme.

Themed special events – the Interzum Trend Forums – will highlight the creativity and flexibility of the furniture supplier industry in responding to the challenges of our time.

The latest furniture and interior design sector topics will be presented to an international trade audience with reference to key trends. With the Product Stage and the Trend Stage, Interzum offers additional opportunities for exhibitor and product presentations as well as a platform for addressing market-specific and design related issues of the future.

Before the Cologne event, the Interzum edition in China will take place in March - Interzum Guangzhou – billed as Asia’s leading Furniture Production Fair, on March 28-31.