Gift Fair ups eco-focus with SustainAbility

-- Home Textiles Today, 11/7/2008 12:30:00 PM

White Plains, N.Y. – The third edition of “SustainAbility: design for a better world” is slated for the New York International Gift Fair, Jan. 25-29 at the Javits Center and Piers.

An exhibit of products that embody green design principles will be a centerpiece of the program, which also offers seminars and other information formats. The SustainAbility exhibit will also encompass companies whose business practices are socially responsible, philanthropic or fair-trade oriented. 

“NYIGF’s continued commitment to sustainable products and processes – through both display and education – mirrors the growth and importance of this issue to our industry and to society at large,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF svp and director.

“Notable trends this cycle include an increase in international and Fair Trade products, as well as items produced in underdeveloped communities,” said SustainAbility exhibit curator Ilene Shaw of Shaw + Co! Productions. “The exhibit also will feature more recycled papers and stationery companies, more 100% organic fabrics and soft goods and lots of reusable totes in a variety of styles.”

The complete program is available at www.nyigf.com/programs. Seminars cost $20 in advance, $25 at the door.