From March 6 to 8, MaterialDistrict Utrecht once again took place in the industrial Werkspoor cathedral. This year's event placed additional emphasis on biobased, circular and regenerative materials and their importance in combating climate change and solving the looming resource shortage.
Against the backdrop of brilliant spring weather, this year's event made a significant step forward in promoting sustainability within the architecture and interior design industry, according to organizers. Over 5,651 professionals found their way to Utrecht, up 28% from 2023. Here they discovered the innovations of over 150 exhibitors (25 more than last year). This increase was due in part to the fact that the MaterialDistrict Innovation Fund, supports start-ups and young designers in presenting their products.
Exhibitors showed a wide range of sustainable and circular innovations. From salmon leather and 3D-printed recycled plastic to green roofing made of expanded cork and circular office furniture without traditional glues or screws. "What sets MaterialDistrict Utrecht apart is its ability to inspire," says Edwin van der Goes, founder of carpet supplier Donkersloot. "Here you find much more inspiration than at other trade fairs."
For Donkersloot, sustainability has always been a priority. At MaterialDistrict Utrecht, the company presented their carpets and rugs, made of luxurious and sustainable yarns such as natural linen, wool from New Zealand and eucalyptus yarn (Tencel™).
One of the highlights of the event, according to organizers, was the palpable enthusiasm of both exhibitors and visitors. Bas Zonneveld, representative of Ntgrate by LEOXX, praised the event for its atmosphere and diverse audience. "There's a nice atmosphere here and it's an interesting mix of people. We have a fascinating story to tell in terms of sustainability, and that resonates well here."
At MaterialDistrict Utrecht, there was also a lot of focus on reusing waste materials. For example, Eversom presented a collection of furniture and carpets made from recycled fire hoses. Aectual showed for the first time a biobased roomdivider made from 3D-printed wood waste, biopolymer and cellulose that stores CO₂. Interface's "Past forward" collection, in honor of the company's 50th anniversary, combined retro designs with contemporary aesthetics, while Nora by Interface showcased the 100% recyclable Noracare flooring products.
This year Pantoni, in collaboration with Rezign, presented the new sustainable Nature & Textile collection. The new decors are made from textile waste, such as old jeans, army clothing and suits. But also from biodegradable sources, such as flax and jute bags. From as little as 500 kg of clothing, the company can develop its own product line for its customers.
Sustainability was the guiding theme of this year's materials exhibition, with a large number of sustainable and circular material samples ranging from biobased materials to products made from upcycled raw materials. And, from textiles made from seaweed to acoustic felt made from corn. In addition to the exhibitor presentations and materials exhibits, lectures were also given by 60 speakers from various fields.
Next year, MaterialDistrict Utrecht is scheduled from March 12 to 14, 2025, again at Werkspoor Cathedral Utrecht.