Nov 9, 2012

NYIGF “SustainAbility” Project Showcases Eco-Friendly Resources

The newest eco-friendly gift, home and lifestyle products and opportunities will be showcased at the winter 2013 edition of the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) through the Fair’s SustainAbility: design for a better world® program. Since 2007, this industry-leading “green” initiative has combined a juried product display, awards for distinctive product design and an educational session addressing sustainable and socially-responsible business practices.

The SustainAbility display, curated by Ilene Shaw of Shaw + Co! Productions, will feature some 100 products from 75 NYIGF exhibitors approved for participation, January 26-29, 2013, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Products and companies were selected from hundreds of applicants, based upon established criteria, including the use of eco-friendly products and production processes, as well as socially responsible, philanthropic or fair-trade oriented business practices. A full SustainAbility participant list, including detailed product descriptions, will be available online, after December 1, at www.nyigf.com.

In addition to eco-friendly and socially-responsible products, the display also will showcase sustainable materials and production processes from a selection of exhibitors in Artisan Resource™, a new GLM-managed tradeshow matching artisanal craft producers and production resources with U.S.-based volume importers, direct import retailers and wholesalers, which runs concurrently with NYIGF, January 27-29, 2013, at the Passenger Ship Terminal’s Pier 92.

“NYIGF’s SustainAbility display is a global representation of innovative, multi-category resources,” said Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF director and GLM vice president. “From an amazing array of media, these products have been created for use both indoors and out, in every room of the house.”

Among the wide variety of products selected for the winter 2013 SustainAbility exhibit are: driftwood wall hooks by Areaware crafted from wood salvaged from New York State beaches; the “Archival Perfect Settings” placemat pads by Cake Vintage Table & Home with 50 tear-off sheets made of 100% recycled kraft paper and soy based inks; the Eco Teether by Greenpoint Brands made from biodegradable, plant-based resin; “Dawn Redwood Tree-to-Be” growing kit made of recycled materials by Potting Shed Creations, Ltd.; and macramé bowls by Shiraleah which are handmade in India of jute and recycled metal wire.

Once again, retailers will be invited to cast Eco Choice Awards ballots online in advance of market week. From December 1 through January 4, retailers can visit www.giftshopmag.com/votegreen and vote for their favorite products in three categories: “Most Innovative,” “Most Sensitive Use of Materials” and “Most Sellable.” Winners of the awards, which are sponsored by NYIGF and GREENRetailer, will be announced at the winter NYIGF and profiled in the Spring 2013 issue of GIFTSHOP magazine.

A related educational program, titled “Locally Made – A Catalyst for Innovation in Sustainability,” will be presented on Monday, January 28, from 12 Noon to 1:30pm. A panel of “buy local” experts will discuss how they have created a network of resources and tools to improve their physical and social environments. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 onsite. Advance registration is available online at www.nyigf.com/programs.

NYIGF is the nation’s premier gift, home and lifestyle marketplace, with 2,800 exhibiting companies featuring an extraordinary breadth and depth of design-driven home fashion products and complementary giftware. The winter market takes place Saturday January 26, through Wednesday, January 30, 2013, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94. Some 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 80 countries worldwide are expected. Information and registration is available online at www.nyigf.com.