Letter from the creators
The Future Focus portfolio reflects an industry navigating a perfect storm of consumer awareness and collective conscience. Most of us have navigated the tangle of arguments surrounding climate change and its global impact, arriving at a new recognition of the many issues that need to be addressed. We see the waste, the pollution, the poverty and inequity, and beneath it all the behaviors contributing to these threatening realities. But for all of this, we’ve moved beyond the blame game of how we got here toward a determined focus on the future.
This unifying objective of sustainability is merging with new standards for innovation and transparency, creating a renaissance for today’s consumer. Together they have given rise to technological, industrial and material advances at a volume and velocity beyond human experience. In other words, while manufacturers, retailers and material suppliers balance equations of profitability, stable growth and risk mitigation, consumers can reap the benefits of this new competitive sustainability.
Today’s home and housewares marketplace offers a breadth of products with new functions and efficiencies delivering more of the time, space and experiences we crave while creating opportunities for more conscious consumption we can feel good about.
Tom Mirabile Principal, Springboard Futures Consumer and Lifestyle Trend Strategist, HomePage News
Dawn Evans Creative Director, InSight Trend Index and Director of Marketing,
International Housewares Association (IHA)
58% of consumers say that environmental responsibility is “very or extremely important” to their decision to purchase from a retailer or brand.
THAT’S A 30% INCREASE COMPARED TO LAST YEAR!
The Culture of Disposability is Over
65% of consumers surveyed in 2024 made: Reputation for Durability & Reliability the #1 reason they trust companies and brands. (That’s an 8% increase over 2023!)
In fact... when it comes to defining “quality,” more than half name “durability”
Source: Springboard Futures 2024
MINDING WHAT MATTERS
There are countless variations on themes of sustainable and responsible practices ranging from sourcing through production and of course marketing. Comparison and assessment of the products we reviewed for this portfolio seemed unavoidably biased from our supply-side outlook. Our solution was to evaluate products from the perspective which ultimately matters most—the consumer’s.
Why? Because product choice is seldom made solely on factors relating to sustainability, we expanded our scope to include design, functionality, quality, and user benefits.
The Four Pillars of Sustainable & Responsible Practices
Defining these practices continues to be a moving target. However, as we analyzed current consumer and industry landscapes, four pillars emerged as fundamental to understanding the importance of sustainable behaviors in the modern marketplace.
While few products can claim all four pillars, we’ve used the following icon system to indicate the primary focus and attributes of each product.
Environmentally Friendly Materials
Products which utilize organic materials and renewable resources, designed to minimize environmental impact by reducing pollution and conserving resources.
Renewable Materials
Upcycled & Recycled Design & Production
Products created using rescued waste materials that are no longer usable in their initial form or materials originally intended for recycling. Repurposing materials to minimize resource use and environmental impact.
2
Upcycled Post-consumer & Commercial Waste
Renewable Materials
Recyclable Materials
1
Recycled Materials
Recyclable Materials
Resource Aware Design & Production
Designed to maximize waste reduction and minimize use of resources such as energy, water and raw materials.
Expands focus on full life cycle awareness, from raw material extraction through usage to disposal or recycling.
Resource Aware
Manufacture
Renewable Materials
Recycled Materials
Recyclable Materials
Social & Environmental Stewardship
Products created under socially responsible and fair-trade conditions and/ or promoting social and cultural development in producer countries.
Companies demonstrating holistic environmental stewardship and the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. These may include audited cause marketing and public awareness programs.
4
Environmental Stewardship
Social Responsibility
LIND DNA
Placemats & coasters made of OEKO-TEX recycled leather
ISLAND BAMBOO
Salt & pepper mills made with bio-degradable & sustainable Pakka wood
ALFI Econscious Bioplastic-based thermal carafes
MAGU GERMANY
Tableware & serveware made from 98% natural & renewable raw materials
NORBERT WOLL
Eco Logic QXR Cookware
Produced using 30% less energy; FSC certified, European beech handles
BE HOME
Reclaimed wood knife block sustainably sourced from forest deadwood, retired docks, piers & barns
CHIC MIC
Bioloco To Go Cutlery & Plant Easy Travel Cups Made of PLA from corn starch cassava and/or sugar cane
SNOW HILL LIGHTING
Glass insulated pendant lights made from upcycled telephone electrical insulators
RIG-TIG DRINK-IT
Vacuum-insulated bottles, 90% recycled stainless steel
MEPAL
Ellipse Lunch Pot
Waste reduction and durability enhanced by free user part replacement for all lunchboxes, water bottles, food storage and more
ALBERT L. ( punkt )
Serveware & accessories made of sustainable spun bamboo
RECYCLED SPOTLIGHT: Porland Re-Gen Collection
The road from challenge to change can be long for industries like ceramics. Materials and processes are narrow by nature and can date back many decades. Porland Re-Gen has met the journey with determination and innovation without sacrificing creative or aesthetic appeal by turning regenerated post-production waste, broken pieces and shards of porcelain into new porcelain.
Expert Perspectives
It seems like the definition of sustainability and responsibility are constantly changing. How can we anticipate what’s coming next?
Fran Groesbeck Managing Director, The Cookware and Bakeware Alliance Founder, Ten Touch Creative
The most important thing is to think for yourself. Don’t wait for a law to pass or for a hot topic to hit the news. Get ahead by doing what you know is right and best. We know our businesses better than anyone. Take a good look and find one thing that you can focus on and improve. Once that one is done or on the move, look for the next one. You will end up ahead of the pack, and stand out to the end consumer.
UMBRA - PAGE 29
With so many brands and products claiming responsible and sustainable behaviors, what is the best way to overcome purchaser concerns about “greenwashing”?
It’s crucial to prioritize transparency and third-party certifications like FSC, Greenguard and OEKO-TEX. These certifications provide credible assurance to consumers of sustainability practices. Additionally, brands should communicate their environmental and social impacts clearly, offering verifiable data and regular updates. Brands are uniquely positioned to educate their industry consumers on the significance of these certifications and the rigorous standards behind them, which will help build trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability.
Added resource bonus: Designers Roadmap to Sustainability Link: sustainablefurnishings.org/designers-roadmap
Scarlette Tapp Executive Director, Sustainable Furnishings Council
UMBRA
Bellwood Bar & Storage Cart
Made with renewable woods, recycled plastics and eco-friendly finishes
TISECO
Placemats & serving tray sustainably made from 100% FSC certified cork
RECOZY
Home accents & furnishings made from recycled plastic waste
ORIGINAL HOME
Drinking glasses, carafes and vases made from upcycled empty wine bottles
54 CELSIUS IGGY
Rechargeable, LED, free-standing or wall-mount solar-powered lamp
Collected waste is cleaned... then used to 3D print new products. melted into granules formed into filaments
LADELLE
Eco Recycled Glass To Go with glass lid and silicone seal
ISLAND BAMBOO
Kitchen tools made with bio-degradable and sustainable Pakka wood
KOZIOL NORA Dinnerware
Made of recycled vegetable oils from the catering industry, 100% recyclable and CO 2 neutral
NUTS INNOVATIONS
Fruit and vegetable reusable fabric bowl covers shown with sustainable bamboo bowl set (sold separately)
RECYCLED SPOTLIGHT: ASA Selection re:glaze Collection
What impresses us most about the re:glaze Collection is its holistic approach to sustainability which reaches beyond the product itself.
Among its other attributes, the factory is powered 100% by solar in ideal conditions, water used in production is filtered and reused, heat from firing kilns is recovered and reused. In addition, and materials that can’t be reused (e.g. moulds, metal, paper) are collected by licensed operators and recycled in other industries. Finally, a QR code on each piece engages and informs the end consumer.
ADHOC
Yaso Pepper or Salt Mill
Sustainable Natural oak wood with natural fiber handle
ARTE LEGNO
Curva
Magnetic knife block in sustainable and recyclable walnut or beech, low emission manufacturing, all wood waste recycled into heating fuel
BE HOME ^
Natural sustainable cork trivets with leather handles
FULL CIRCLE
Bubbled Up
Brush and bristles made of recycled plastic, handles made of sustainable bamboo, refillable ceramic soap holder
SKAZA
Bokashi Organko Essential Kitchen composter, made from post-consumer recycled plastics, odor free fermentation uses Bokashi bran to create both compost and liquid fertilizer
STRATA > Urban Storage Basket With Lid
100% recycled plastic, 100% recyclable
PIERRE D’ARGENT
All-in-one cleaning product, all natural, environmentally-
KEEEPER
Ben Folding Box Eco Line 100% recycled plastic, 100% recyclable
RENEW
Multi-purpose cutting, prep and serving boards made from 100% reclaimed and upcycled chopsticks
ORIGINAL HOME
farming industry
Handmade from reclaimed teak root wood using low emission techniques and supporting rural communities
DRISS Tunisian olivewood, byproduct of olive
KUHN RIKON ^
New Life Pro Ovenware with Lids Made in Switzerland using 100% recycled aluminum from Europe
BONNA
Sahara Vitrified Dinnerware
Production uses less energy and reduces carbon emissions
BERGHOFF
Leo Stone+ Collection Made with recycled aluminum
JEAN DUBOST
Certified French Oak Collection
PEFC certified oak handles (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Brabantia
In this market of competitive sustainability, Brabantia has emerged as a gold standard. Sustainable and responsibility by any definitions form the core of their identity. Their goal of complete product circularity drives considerations of material safety, climate protection, natural resource stewardship and social equity.
“Sustainability is not something that we do; it is what we are. It’s in our nature. Caring for people, for the planet is something that we do every day, since the very beginning of our company. And every day we want to do better, for ourselves, for others and therefore for future generations. Our goal is to be 100% circular by 2035.”
SOURCE: brabantia.com/int_en/sustainability
Expert Perspectives
How is our definition of sustainability
What role does social media play in our perception of brands and products when it comes to sustainable and responsible behaviors?
Social media is a powerful tool for brands to showcase their sustainability efforts, building trust and loyalty through transparent storytelling and direct engagement. By highlighting eco-friendly practices and products, brands can attract environmentally conscious consumers and stand out in a crowded market, ultimately influencing purchasing decisions and fostering positive change across the industry.
Joe Derochowski VP, Home Industry Advisor, Circana
Ellie Gunville Co-Owner, E-Power Marketing
In general, are consumers willing to pay slightly more for products they consider more sustainable and responsible choices?
It depends. This is where concept testing, or concept and use testing, along with pricing and promotion analyses can help answer this type of question for a specific situation. Even if they don’t want to pay more, it can be for some a tie-breaker. The critical question is does the product do the job it is intended to do and do the job to the consumer’s level of expectation.
Clean Ocean Collection
Cleaning tools made entirely of recycled fishing nets recovered from the oceans
Purus Cleaning Collection
Made of certified beech wood with sustainable bioplastic bristles, 100% renewable raw materials
Kitchen Tool Collection
Handles made from a minimum of 75% kraft paper combined with a food-safe, fortifying resin, DW safe
EBNAT
FULL CIRCLE
FULL CIRCLE
RECOZY >
Pillar Table Lamp
Home accents and furnishings made from recycled plastic waste
LIKE-IT
Nesting serving bowl, colander and dining plate set made of recylable bioplastic
JOMAFE
Naturit Cookware Collection
Made with 100% recycled pressed aluminum
OCEAN BOTTLE
Ocean Bottle GO
Made from recycled materials, every bottle funds the collection of 1,000 ocean bound plastic bottles
RESOURCE AWARE SPOTLIGHT: Umbra Bellwood Pantry Collection
It’s critical to remember the importance of “REDUCE” to eco-responsibility. It’s easy to forget that to affect meaningful change, what we will not do is just as important as what we will do. Umbra’s Average Annual Waste Reductions reporting makes is a testament to their well-balanced perspective.
Average Annual Waste Reductions
Made with Recycled Plastics
More than 55% of plastic products contain recycled material.
Renewable Wood Sources
More than 65% of wood products are sourced from renewable and replenishable woods.
Eco Friendly Finishes
Over 85% of the surface finishing on metal products transitioned toward eco friendly alternatives.
Less Packaging Waste
Single use plastic and packing foam eliminated from 80% of packaging by transitioning to recyclable materials.
SKAZA
LEFT: VIVA 2.0 Beverageware Made of organic bio-based materials
RIGHT: Pick&Go
15-Piece travel picnic set service for 4, made of organic bio-based materials
NOTABAG
Recycled Collection
Foldable and reusable tote bag/backpack, each bag is made of 12 recycled plastic bottles
UPCYCLED SPOTLIGHT: Omada BioAMO Collection
It’s a reality that sustainability attributes aren’t always the first point of attraction for consumers; they are just one part of the product’s appeal. We were impressed with the Omada BiAmo Collection because it balances eye-catching form and color with solid functionality, alongside packaging that delivers a fascinating ecoand socio-conscious story.
CHAMOMILE
GRAPE
RICE
COFFEE
Made of
Made of Made of Made of
FOOD HUGGERS
Itty Bitty BIG BAG
Reusable expanding tote made of 100% recyclable satin polyester
RECOZY
Flow vases and centerpiece bowl with recyclable borosilicate glass insets
GREEN GIFTING
BREKA Rustic Nutcracker
Sustainably harvested
European walnut made with foodsafe finishes
CHIC MIC
Bioloco The Curve
90% recycled and recyclable stainless, manufactured under independently verified European Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard (GGPCS)
CHIC MIC
Bioloco Plant Lunch Boxes
100% recyclable plant-based materials
AIRPAQ
Backpacks made from 70% upcycled automotive seatbelts, buckles and airbag materials. Guaranteed 70% minimum upcycled materials
plastic drinking lip
ECO SOUL LIFE
Serving and storage bowls made from recycled PET bottles and lids of FSC certified birch, usable as serving/cutting boards
ORIGINAL HOME
Footed bowls made from upcycled teak root wood, established fair labor standards and local culture and craft support
GREEN GIFTING
3DCORK
Compressed cork serving platter and bowl made with 100% natural and recyclable, sustainably harvested cork
BE HOME
Reclaimed wood serving trays sustainably sourced from forest deadwood, retired docks, piers and barns
HAJIGANJ HANDICRAFTS
Sari Storage Baskets
Handcrafted of 55% sustainable natural seagrass, 45% recycled Sari cloth
i PURO
Re:Born Collection
Fragrances made from unsold, imperfect or rejected market flowers, fruit and spice seeds
LESS IS MORE
WIDGETEER ^
Gezellig Multi-function
Presentation Stand
Reversible glass serving platter
Rainbowl Collection
Recyclable plastic bowl sets with borosilicate glass liners and airtight lids, prep to oven to table to storage
GENICOOK
Another attribute of reducing consumption is the ability for products to do more.
In fact, nearly 40% of consumers say “MULTIFUNCTION” is the greatest influence on their purchase decisions.
COOKUT
The Fabulous 8-in-1 Pan Frying pan, deep pan, saucepan, dutch oven, steam cooker, deep fryer, oven dish and cake pan made of 100% recycled metal
FOOD HUGGERS
Stacking lids that fit the bowls you already own; stackable, durable, tempered glass lens
LESS IS MORE
FOOD HUGGERS
Pure cotton fabric bags coated with platinum food grade silicone for storing and/or carrying food, reusable, dishwasher-safe
CHUFAMIX
Vegan Milker Emulsionizer Soul Makes plant milks, juices, soups, broths, sauces, vinaigrettes and other emulsions minimizing food waste
BERNDES
b.green Series
Multi-function serving pan made using over 60 recycled beverage cans
Expert Perspectives
With so many aspects of sustainability to consider, how can retailers and manufacturers focus their initiatives?
• Develop your creative strategy. Under which umbrella will your products fall?
The Marketing Optometrist
a. Eco Friendly: this term generally covers products that don’t hurt the environment.
b. Sustainable: the broader statement. These products are about the future providing social, economic and environmental benefits.
• Appoint a Czar to police materials, manufacturing, emissions and disposal. Product quality, function and point of view close the loop.
• Be bold and modern, disrupt with forward thinking from product inception to end of life.
RESOURCES:
Many of the products you’ve seen in this portfolio were created in an effort to meet or exceed goals originally established by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Program. For more information, please refer to the website: sdgs.un.org/goals or view the presentation on YouTube at: youtu.be/OXTBYMfZyrM
UP NEXT PORTFOLIO 5: Change is Brewing
A product and style review highlighting how advances in coffee, tea and bar are moving markets and influencing lifestyles.
Exhibitions Index In Market Order:
