interzum kicks off this morning in Cologne, Germany (5-8 May) with a mass of new products designed for the future of the furniture and interiors industry. This year's event boasts more than 1500 exhibitors with all the key protagonists using Interzum as the platform to launch their latest generation of fittings and components to an expected 55,000 visitors over the next few days.
The show this year is divided up into three clear zones: Materials & Nature, Function & Components and Textile & Machinery. Each of the segments has its own Piazza which represents the framework for that area. For Materials & Nature, there is a comprehensive overview of all that's new and trend-setting in the area of materials. Whereas over in the Textile & Machinery spaces, a full textile production line for the automotive sector is being demonstrated alongside and upholstery and bedding workshop with experts speaking on current topics. This year, the theme for the Function & Components sector is the innovation of interiors, in the form of 3D printing alongside presentations from industry experts.
Overall though, the key trends being identified during Interzum this year are: a continuation of the merging of the different living spaces, customisation and the comfort factor. In addition, quality and price, the smart home, LED and technical optimisation are taking centre stage.
Naturally enough, many exhibitors have been somewhat reticent regarding their specific introductions and innovations ahead of the show opening. But details have emerged some of the myriad new options available this year: Grass is unveiling a new drawer system, Hafele will present a new sliding door fitting and the new generation of Loox lighting, Gross + Froelich has a new castor, Anometal has a novel aluminium surfacing option, Gera has new lighting... This list goes on.
Please check back for updates during the the new few days - live from Interzum.
