MaterialDistrict Utrecht 2023 shows great interest in sustainable materials

From inspiring exhibits to thought-provoking lectures

Despite the snow and striking regional transport, more than 4,400 architects, interior architects and other material specifiers came to MaterialDistrict Utrecht, the leading materials innovation event held from Wednesday, March 8 to Friday, March 10. The fair showcased a wide range of sustainable materials and products, including recycled plastics, biodegradable materials and products made from natural raw materials. 

"The fact that the fair was well attended, despite the difficult conditions, indicates that there is a lot of interest in sustainability and that people are willing to get involved," said Jeroen van Oostveen, director of MaterialDistrict, the event's organizer.

The emphasis on sustainability is important because it makes us aware of the impact of our material use on the environment and the planet. By choosing sustainable materials and products, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more circular economy. 

"We are delighted to hear that visitors were enthusiastic about the fair and the various sustainable materials and products that were presented," said Van Oostveen. "We are proud of the exhibitors and their efforts to develop and promote future-proof solutions. We value sustainability and we strive to play a leading role in the transition to a circular economy."

More than 4,400 R&D and design professionals from all sectors of spatial design (interior, architecture, garden & landscape, leisure, furniture & interior design and exhibition, stage & decor) were immersed in all that is new and sustainable in their sector through the materials of the 125 exhibitors and the 250 material samples in the materials exhibition. In addition, 50 materials experts, architects and designers inspired visitors with their vision of the future of materials during the lectures.

Exhibitors

The 125 exhibitors all presented their sustainable and circular innovations, from large companies to young talent invited by MaterialDistrict and co-curator Leonne Cuppen (Yksi Connect). Innovations in almost all types of materials were presented, such as sheet material made from seaweed by Seawood, Interface's carpet backing with a negative carbon footprint, tiles made from circular concrete by Studio Wae, sheet material made from old textiles by Planq, a 'stained glass' lamp made with bioplastic by Young Talent Vers La Vie, interior textiles made from recycled plastic by Vescom, and many more. 

"I was positively surprised by the conviviality and the outstanding exhibits!" responded one of the visitors. "I was also extra pleased with the selection of sustainable designers and exhibitors."

Not only were visitors enthusiastic about the materials, the exhibiting material manufacturers were pleased with the quality of the visitors. "I was very pleased with the visitor to the fair. This was exactly our target group," Kimberly, contact person for exhibitor Printerior, let us know. "It doesn't surprise me by now, but the quality of the visitors remains high every year," said Olaf of OVPolymers.

Exposition

In the curated materials exhibition, MaterialDistrict presented the main trends in materials development in the field of sustainability. As many as 250 materials were on display. Examples included a vegan and plastic-free leather alternative made from elephant ear, a tropical plant with large leaves, tiles made from seaweed, and insulation and acoustic material made from mycelium, the root system of mushrooms. One visitor reported, "I got a lot of content from the fair because I now have much more material knowledge. The offerings surprised me." 

Lectures

At the lectures, held in two theaters with two simultaneous programs, more than 50 speakers from the fields of architecture, (material) design and more shared their knowledge with the audience in themes such as Tomorrow's Timber, Inspired by Nature and Innovation in Architecture. Many of their innovations were also on display at the booths on the exhibition floor. The lecture program was moderated by Leonne Cuppen, David Heldt (Connecting the Dots), Samira Boon (Studio Samira Boon), and Christine Jetten (Studio Christine Jetten), among others.

The Dutch interior architects association bni organized the session "Circular design, working together without waste" on Wednesday afternoon with five presentations, which ended with an open discussion with the audience.

"I hadn't been to lectures before. This was a nice new discovery of the fair," said one of the visitors. The lecture program was streamed live and watched by people from all over the world. By popular demand, the lectures can be watched back at a later date.

Many positive reactions

Thus, both visitors and exhibitors were enthusiastic about the materials event. A visit to MaterialDistrict Utrecht is considered important to very important by 75% of the visitors, and 87% would recommend a visit to the event to a colleague or friend from the industry. 

"The Werkspoor Cathedral is an inspiring place in itself, let alone all the new types of materials," one visitor informed. "The creative industrial environment lives up to its name in combination with the content of the program," said another. "It is a very inspiring annual 'outing'; the useful is combined with the pleasant!"

MaterialDistrict Utrecht 2023 was a great success, according to the positive feedback from both exhibitors and visitors. Next year, MaterialDistrict Utrecht will continue to be the matchmaker between materials manufacturers and R&D and design professionals. The dates for next year are also already known: from March 6 to 8, 2024, everyone can attend the next edition again!