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100 years VDFI VDFI e.V.
31.05.2016

VDFI E.V. LOOKS BACK ON 100 YEARS OF ITS ASSOCIATION HISTORY

  • From Wilhelm II to the traceable Supply Chain of ethical sourced Down and Feathers
To celebrate its 100th anniversary the Association of the German Down & Feather Industry has invited to the origin of its genesis to Berlin. From Schleswig-Holstein to Bavaria the largest German bed-feather and bedding companies sent their management to the Spree. Friendly associations congratulated as well as representatives of certification and auditing companies, universities, exhibition companies, media and animal welfare organizations. Politicians praised in particular the socio-political and standardization legal merits of the VDFI.
 
The parliamentary state secretary of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Peter Bleser, MDP, gave in his speech the importance of sociopolitical consumer and animal protection broad space.
  • From Wilhelm II to the traceable Supply Chain of ethical sourced Down and Feathers
To celebrate its 100th anniversary the Association of the German Down & Feather Industry has invited to the origin of its genesis to Berlin. From Schleswig-Holstein to Bavaria the largest German bed-feather and bedding companies sent their management to the Spree. Friendly associations congratulated as well as representatives of certification and auditing companies, universities, exhibition companies, media and animal welfare organizations. Politicians praised in particular the socio-political and standardization legal merits of the VDFI.
 
The parliamentary state secretary of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Peter Bleser, MDP, gave in his speech the importance of sociopolitical consumer and animal protection broad space. After focusing on environmental protection in the 80s and the issues of food safety in the 90's in recent times the focus has shifted to livestock farming. There would just be a beginning of a development whose aim is to become leading in animal welfare in Europe. So the sector could use the change in values of the society for a differentiation from competitors and profile themselves over the unique proposition traceability.
The chairman of the parliamentary committee for Food and Agriculture, Alois Gerig, MP, congratulated the association for 100 years bed-feather industry in good as well as in difficult times. He praised the dialogue orientation of the association with politics, associations and animal welfare organizations and underlined the readiness to continue the talks: "Only when politics and people talk, one can achieve positives together."
 
The chairman of the association, Friedrich-Wilhelm Verse, took in his lecture the audience on to an exciting journey through the time: The cradle of today’s VDFI stood 1915 in Berlin. In a cold, grim war winter full of heavy snowstorms, when heating materials were in short supply and a warming blanket could decide about life and death, Emperor Wilhelm II. committed himself personally in providing the population with down comforters during the war years through establishing a common organization of bedding manufacturers. Because during the wartime travel options were restricted and dangerous, two regional organizations were established in December 1915 – one in northern Germany and one in the south. In the privation postwar years both decided 1921 to merge to the Union of Bed-Feather Manufacturers. Until 1945 the development of uniform guidelines for descriptions of the goods at the bedding retailers took a large room – the RAL regulations became valid. With the development of the Nazi dictatorship a state allocation system on the issuing of import licenses for feathers and downs was constructed.
 
Weekly representatives of the bedding industry met with a representative of the surveillance office in Berlin to test the conformity with the import samples. Negotiations followed to enforce quotas and foreign exchange allocations and the distribution of import quotas for the German bedding manufacturers. At the beginning of World War II the association of the bedding manufacturers was renamed "War Community of Bed-feather Factories”. After World War II, in 1946, parallel with the British, the French and American occupation zone, three new regional organizations were established.
 
Verse drew the bow of the association history to the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949 and thus to the new working group of the German bedding industry, which was formed from the merger of the three regional associations. In the 50s the association activities shifted to fields of quality testing and promotional activities, inter alia mainly to position the proven products with natural filling materials feathers and downs against the new synthetic bedding materials. In particular, the emerging discussion about allergies, which began with house dust allergy, required scientific research and an information policy until it was assignable that down comforters and pillows are free of mites. The number of employees in the sector increased significantly - especially since the companies started to offer ready-made comforters and pillows to the trade. And the association became a new scope as an employers' organization.
 
In 1990, the working group got a new name: for the first time under the today’s familiar name VDFI - Association of the German Down and Feather Industry. In the same year it got to feel the consequences of the European integration. The European commission demanded that the EU member states should adapt and combine the labeling of the filling material downs and feathers with the European textile labelling directive. All necessary labeling regulations, product standards, test standards and definitions had to be renewed in and with all European countries. At this target the VDFI was intensively involved. And 10 years later in 2000 the EN 12934 replaced the RAL.
 
Parallel with the subjects of standardization animal protection took an ever greater room in the field of the association activities. 1995 VDFI initiated the first European agreement regulating the breeding of ducks and geese in agricultural livestock. After four years of intensive work with animal welfare organizations, scientists, and institutions the agreement was adopted and gradually taken into the national legislations. The next step for the member companies was the voluntary agreement to make the origin of the raw material traceable and to get it audited. Further steps are in preparation, so Verse, in order to get an evidence of ethical behavior at the sourcing of downs and feathers. The goal is a fully global traceable supply chain with ethically sourced downs and feathers.
 
Already before the event the VDFI took different actions to lead attention to the anniversary: These included an innovation competition - advertised for students of different disciplines to get the use of downs and feathers artistic, functional and thru marketing highlighted. Innovative ideas and approaches in using a natural, ecologically valuable commodity were awarded at Heimtextil 2016.
Next was an illustrated children's book about Oscar and the adventures with his down comforter: from the knight’s cloak over the flying carpet to the wigwam. The production costs were covered by all VDFI member companies, in addition 1 Euro per book went as a donation to the foundation Herzenswuensche e.V., a nationwide operating non-profit association, which realizes since 1992 seriously ill children and young people long held wishes. 70 volunteers and three full-time employees try with parents, doctors, therapists and the affected children to establish a close contact to find out what wish could give a child new courage and strength. A following spontaneous collection for the foundation Herzenswuensche yielded again around € 2,300, so that an amount of more than € 17,300 in total as "Motivation Help" became available.
 
The end of the evening the guests enjoyed at the Berlin Waterworks.
 
Heimtextil in Frankfurt am Main Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH
16.01.2016

INCREASE IN EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS BOOSTS HEIMTEXTIL

  • A higher than ever percentage of international exhibitors at 89 per cent
  • Celebrity guests attracted large crowds in the halls

Heimtextil in Frankfurt am Main, the leading international trade fair for home and contract textiles, will finish today with a clear increase in the number of exhibitors and visitors. Over 69,000 trade visitors (2015: 67,861) and 2,866 exhibitors (2015: 2,723) from across the world travelled to Frankfurt from 12-15 January to start the economically promising 2016 business and trade fair year together. Detlef Braun, CEO of Messe Frankfurt, was visibly satisified with the outcome: ‘The world world of textile interior design came to Frankfurt and the increase in exhibitors and visitors alike speaks for itself. The positive economic indicators also boosted discussions between suppliers and purchasers.

  • A higher than ever percentage of international exhibitors at 89 per cent
  • Celebrity guests attracted large crowds in the halls

Heimtextil in Frankfurt am Main, the leading international trade fair for home and contract textiles, will finish today with a clear increase in the number of exhibitors and visitors. Over 69,000 trade visitors (2015: 67,861) and 2,866 exhibitors (2015: 2,723) from across the world travelled to Frankfurt from 12-15 January to start the economically promising 2016 business and trade fair year together. Detlef Braun, CEO of Messe Frankfurt, was visibly satisified with the outcome: ‘The world world of textile interior design came to Frankfurt and the increase in exhibitors and visitors alike speaks for itself. The positive economic indicators also boosted discussions between suppliers and purchasers. Heimtextil has thus impressively consolidated its position as the top global meeting place for the industry’.

This statement was confirmed by Cristobal Montero Álvarez, purchaser at Europe’s biggest department store chain El Corte Inglés: ‘For us, Heimtextil has been the most important trade fair when it comes to the purchase of home and house textiles for a number of years. No other trade fair offers such an international range of exhibitors. The quality and price of suppliers at Heimtextil appeals to us. This year, we were particularly impressed by the new technical solutions in the sun protection segment’.

More international exhibitors than ever before

Heimtextil in Frankfurt is by far the most international event of its kind. ‘From northern Europe to South Africa, from America to Asia: visitors to Heimtextil come from across the world and all of them want to see the latest trends in the textile market’, summarises Paola Ribera of the décor and furniture supplier Texathenea from Spain. As was the case last year, 68 per cent of trade visitors came from abroad. There was an increased number of visitors from Italy, Spain, Sweden, Russia, Japan and South Korea in particular at Heimtextil 2016.

However, it is not just the visitors, but also the exhibitors that form a microcosm of a global industry. 89 per cent of exhibitors (2015: 88 per cent) come from abroad. This year’s Heimtextil saw a growth in exhibitors from Europe, in particular Turkey, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as global exhibitors from many countries including Brazil and the USA.

Growing product segments

In terms of products, Heimtextil was able to considerably expand its portfolio in various segments. For the fast-growing segment of décor and upholstery materials, hall 4.0 was even equipped with a new,  additional hall level, where primarily high-quality exhibitors from Italy showcased their wares. Textile digital printing with all the market leaders such as Epson, Hewlett Packard, Kornit, Mimaki and Zimmer was also considerably expanded in comparison to last year. The product group “bed” with bed linen, bedding, covers, decorative pillows and mattresses was also added to. The increase in mattress manufacturers in particular, such as Rössle & Wanner and f.a.n. Frankenstolz, who were both exhibiting at Heimtextil again after several years’ absence, was warmly received by trade visitors.

Jessica Schwarz, Nena, Guido Maria Kretschmer, Barbara Becker

The glamour factor was once again a major element in 2016. Actress and hotel owner Jessica Schwarz was an honorary guest at the opening press conference on Tuesday, informing the public that she intends to expand her hotel in the Odenwald town of Michelstadt. On Thursday she took the opportunity to go on a purchasing tour through the halls for this very purpose.

Also present on Tuesday was musician and artist Nena, who presented her new wallpaper collection at the Marburger Tapetenfabrik stand and rocked the house in the evening in front of an audience of invited guests.

Ullrich Eitel, CEO of Marburger Tapetenfabrik, was inspired: ‘The collection by Nena was the main focus of our trade fair presence. And Nena herself was of course the absolute highlight. Heimtextil offered the perfect platform for this. We could experience Nena because the affinity to wallpaper was there. We’ve put Nena’s signature on the wallpaper. The Nena collection was very well received by our customers and we had the perfect start to 2016. The fringe event with Nena, i.e. the presentation at our stand, the interview and, last but not least, the concert in the evening, provided the perfect way to round off our presence. Nena garnered the full support of and inspired enthusiasm in our guests’.

On Wednesday, it was star designer Guido Maria Kretschmer’s turn to be honoured in the Frankfurt trade fair halls. At the P+S International stand, he presented his wallpaper collection “Fashion for Walls” and was pleased about being there: ‘For me, Heimtextil is an excellent trade fair because it’s all about interiors and materials. It’s great to see the world coming together here and people bringing new looks and how everything is organised’.

The celebrity guests’ visits were completed on Thursday by regular trade fair visitor Barbara Becker at Kleine Wolke.

Heimtextil goes City

For the twelfth time, the promotion “Heimtextil goes City” will bring trends from Heimtextil to the city centre. On Saturday 16 January at 10 a.m., the needs of all those who want to see the latest trends and products in interior design before they officially go on sale will be met. In cooperation with the Decorator’s and Upholsterer’s Guild, a total of 19 specialist shops, galleries and public institutions will present new materials, on-trend colours and designs to end consumers.

The next Heimtextil, international trade fair for home and contract textiles, will take place from 10-13 January 2017 in Frankfurt am Main.

Heimtextil 2016 © Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH
05.01.2016

HEIMTEXTIL 2016: SPECIALIST PROGRAMME FOR THE HOTEL TRADE, DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE

The significant growth in exhibitor numbers is a clear indication that Heimtextil remains the most important platform in its sector in 2016 and that the themes are very much in line with the sector's current preoccupations. From 12 to 15 January 2016, Heimtextil will assemble more than 2,700 exhibitors at the world's largest trade fair for home and contract textiles. The range of products covers the world's largest international selection of contract textiles for the hotel trade, architectural use and interior design. More than 350 of the Heimtextil exhibitors, who come from all over the world, will be presenting their portfolios under the 'Contract Creations' seal.

The significant growth in exhibitor numbers is a clear indication that Heimtextil remains the most important platform in its sector in 2016 and that the themes are very much in line with the sector's current preoccupations. From 12 to 15 January 2016, Heimtextil will assemble more than 2,700 exhibitors at the world's largest trade fair for home and contract textiles. The range of products covers the world's largest international selection of contract textiles for the hotel trade, architectural use and interior design. More than 350 of the Heimtextil exhibitors, who come from all over the world, will be presenting their portfolios under the 'Contract Creations' seal.

The range of contract products and services not only covers a multitude of materials and suppliers of all qualities and all pricing levels; visitors can also expect an exciting mix of new stimuli as well as experienced partners to help with their ideas and projects. Guided tours of the fair and a lecture programme specially dedicated to hoteliers and architects will provide valuable input. Moreover, in its uniquely inspiring showcase for trends, the 'Theme Park' in Hall 6.0, Heimtextil offers an excellent overview of current and future trends, something that is unique in interior design anywhere in the world. The 'Theme Park' also risks a glance into the future of 'Hospitality' and showcases some stimulating and visionary ideas.

As a first port of call and a meeting place for architects and hoteliers, the 'Salon Interior. Architecture. Hospitality' in Foyer 4.0 provides an inviting venue. It not only offers a comfortable atmosphere in which to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the trade fair. It is also the meeting point for trend scouts, as well as for the guided tours for architects and hoteliers and it is where attendees of the lecture programme can find out about the subjects to be covered, the speakers and where they can sign up for the lectures.

The enormous range of products at Heimtextil is subdivided into clearly identifiable sections. 'Contract' logos on the stands indicate that the exhibitor carries a range of contract textiles and/or solutions for furnishing hotels, restaurants and other commercial or public spaces. The Contract Guide offers lots of help in finding your way around and contains an overview of all the suppliers of contract textiles exhibiting at Heimtextil. This index is directed at architects, hoteliers, planners and interior designers. The Contract Guide will be available for people to take away at various points throughout the Exhibition Centre and is a service that Messe Frankfurt offers free of charge to both exhibitors and visitors.

Furthermore Heimtextil presents the results of a recent study about the importance of textiles for the high-quality hotel sector in form of a Management Report which will be published at the beginning of the fair. The Management Report will be available on the Heimtextil website.

Lecture programme: Interior.Architecture.Hospitality

In collaboration with the architecture magazine AIT and the IHA Hotel Association, Heimtextil offers a varied programme of lectures for architects, interior architects, designers and hoteliers. All lectures will take place in the Europa Room in the Foyer of Hall 4.0 on 13 and 14 January 2016.

The trade journal AIT offers an exciting programme of lectures and panel discussions, each lasting approximately half an hour and involving internationally renowned architecture firms. On the afternoon of 13 January, all sessions will come under the banner of “compact.good.exclusive – the new luxury in residential construction”. On Thursday 14 January, from 1:00 p.m. onwards, the theme will be: 'Travel yesterday and today – Hotel architecture as a retreat in a foreign environment'.

On the morning of 14 January 2016, the German Hotel Association (IHA) will report on trends and developments as they relate to sustainability in the hotel industry. Specialist speakers such as Martina Baumgärtner (ALEGRIA), Christoph Haub (REMONDIS), Frank Martin (Cofely Deutschland) and Florian Zeitler (Electrolux Professional) will give details of sustainable hygiene solutions and technologies in the hotel trade. They will deal, in their lectures, with the following subjects amongst others: “Outsource or do the cleaning yourself?” and “What challenges does a modern environmental management system bring?” Individual topics range from housekeeping to economical energy provision. The event will be rounded off in the morning by the distinguished tourism expert Olaf Schlieper from the German Tourist Office. He will give a concentrated overview of the challenges of sustainable travel.

Architects and designers select Heimtextil products

Some 30 architects and interior architects will be looking for a new generation of innovative products from the sections on contract textiles, textile room dividers and sunshade systems, wall coverings, wallpapers and furniture that are on display at Heimtextil. The results of AIT's trendscouting activities will be available in the 'Salon Interior. Architecture. Hospitality' in Foyer 4.0. For those with a particular interest in innovation, the trend scouts will be offering a guided tour of the award-winning exhibitors.

In addition, the architecture journals AIT and xia will, in cooperation with Heimtextil, once again be organising the 'Innovation Award Architecture and Textile Contract'. This award underscores the importance of architectural quality in textile products and interior-design solutions. The competition is aimed at architects, interior architects and designers, as well as industrial companies and companies that process textile products, contract textiles and interior-design solutions.

The Award Ceremony for 'Architecture and Textile Contract' competition and the 'AIT Trend Scouting Display' will be held in the Europa Room, Hall 4.0, on 13 January 2016 at 5:00 p.m. The exhibition to accompany the innovation awards can be seen on the AIT stand throughout the trade fair. The nominated products from the AIT's trend scouting exercise will be displayed in Foyers 5.1 / 6.1 and will also be identified on the exhibitors' stands.

Finest Interior Award 2015

Heimtextil is a partner in this year's 'Finest Interior Awards' and, with them, seeks to honour the creative work of interior architects, interior designers, interior decorators and furnishings consultants. The 'Finest Interior Awards' were presented in November 2015 as part of a formal evening event in the Dutch Embassy in Berlin, and were given for particularly individual and professional contract furnishing projects. The Netherlands are the official partner country for this year's 'Finest Interior Awards'. The winning exhibits are there to be discovered at Heimtextil 2016 in a special display in Hall 11.0.

Guided tours for architects and hoteliers

In cooperation with the trade journals AIT and Hotel Design/AHGZ, Heimtextil will be offering guided tours tailored to the needs and interests of architects and hoteliers. The meeting point for all tours is the 'Salon Interior.Architecture.Hospitality' in Foyer 4.0.

From 11:00 a.m. onwards on both Wednesday 13 January and Friday 15 January, the trade journal AIT will present the product innovations for contract furnishings on offer from well-known manufacturers, which they, in conjunction with leading international interior architects, have identified. On the Wednesday, the tour will be led by Ushi Tamborriello (ushitamborriello Innenarchitektur_Szenenbild). On the Friday it is the turn of Sabine Krumrey (bki brandherm + krumrey) to take those with a special interest in this area through the halls. Each tour lasts approximately two hours. On 14 January 2016, also at 11:00 a.m.,
the AIT trend scouts will offer a tour which takes in the 15 products selected by architects and interior designers.

In conjunction with the trade magazine HotelDesign/AHGZ, Heimtextil will be inviting decisionmakers in the hotel industry to a conducted tour of the trade fair. In the company of Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk from Hamburg architects JOI Design and Ms. Denise Boxler, Head of Design at Pentahotels, participants will get an overview of furnishing trends in the hotel and contract industries. The tours start at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on 14 January 2016.

Further informationen about Contract Creations on Heimtextil: www.heimtextil.de/contract