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WMC readies Living Green Pavilion

Staff -- Kids Today, 6/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

Eco-friendly home furnishings will be in the spotlight at the Las Vegas Market in July in a new Living Green Pavilion.

The World Market Center is establishing the display area in temporary space at the Sands Expo in cooperation with the Sustainable Furniture Council and Channel Logic, a sustainable products representation firm.

"One of the most important issues in the world today is protecting the environment, and so it's no surprise that the home furnishings industry is becoming more in tune with consumer demand for use of sustainable resources in products," said Tim Branscome, WMC's director of international business development.

Branscome said it is important to raise the profile of companies that are leading the movement in sustainability. He said the Sustainable Furniture Council has established criteria to identify suppliers as truly sustainable.

"We are happy that World Market Center has asked us to be part of this market that is becoming increasingly important," said Gerry Cooklin, president of SFC and CEO of manufacturer South Cone Inds.

"Our member companies will have a fairly large showing area, which will allow us to reinforce our message," he said. "Sustainability is a topic of fast-growing concern, and even though our industry has been lagging other industries in this awareness, it's never too late to catch up. We look forward to meeting many more new companies that will be ready to join us."

One feature of the Living Green exhibit will be the "greenhouse gallery," showcasing new design directions in sustainable home furnishings.

"We have discovered that furniture producers using sustainable materials are not only pioneers, but also design innovators," said Branscome. "The introduction and availability of various new sustainable materials appears to have stimulated a whole new community of designers who are now finding their way into the market."

Also slated for the July market is a panel discussion on Retail Sustainability, exploring how retailers have incorporated sustainable practices into their business plans.

The summer market will run July 30–Aug. 3. The Sands Expo temporary space, including the Living Green Pavilion, will be open July 31–Aug. 3.

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