CIFF-Office Show 2012 China, an ever-growing opportunity

At a time when the global economic situation is seriously affecting even the office furniture market, the products of some Asian companies, which comply with quality standards and requirements, stand as a valid alternative for defining the workspaces of the Western world.

“CIFF-Office Show is a professional trade fair that focuses both on the domestic and export market“, states Zhu Changling, president of the China National Furniture Association “it offers a fantastic business platform for buyers, be they local or international, in search of products that are high in quality and design. I am sure that once again in 2012 we will witness a hugely successful fair that will reveal the latest trends, products and concepts in the office world“.

China, thanks also to the incredible real estate boom, is playing a fundamental role in the global furniture market. In fact, this sector has grown significantly in a short space of time and in every possible regard. Latest figures show that in the first nine months of 2011, production was up 25.8% on 2010, reaching approximately 293 billion Yuan, in other words 36 billion Euros. Furniture exports rose by 13%, reaching 27.643 billion Yuan.

China may be a daily topic of conversation, but the number of professionals who understand its real potential, production standards and level of services are still too few. In reality, Chinese companies are growing and their product range is quickly evolving. Of the 900 exhibitors who will be taking part in the CIFF-Office Show 2012, over 80% already export furniture overseas, meeting international standards and needs. Some exhibitors such as Sunon, Comformt, UE and Hongqiao regularly participate in leading international trade fairs such as Orgatec and Neocon.

At CIFF-Office Show, “eco-friendly” and “healthy” are not mere theoretical concepts but concrete values to be sought after. Regard for the environment can be found not only in the product but in company policies too.

Asian companies are making considerable investments into quality and environmental standards, with many of those present at the CIFF-Office Show 2012 in possession of the prestigious Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI) certificate: Kokuyo (Japan), Benithem, Euro Chairs (Malaysia), Cright, Spheres, Rongye, Comfort, UE and Kuoching (China). For instance, the manufacturing centre of listed company in Hong Kong Logic has obtained the LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council. The same company won the contract to furnish the offices of the Vanke Center in Shenzen: a highly innovative complex that is home to the first horizontal skyscraper. Created by architect Steven Holl, the complex has received the Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects as well as the LEED White Gold Certification. What makes the Vanke Center even more fascinating is the fact that it is built on top of a tropical garden. All of the solutions adopted for the Vanke Center are strictly eco sustainable: flooring and furniture have been made using recycled materials.

But there's still more! The fair's main attraction, Office Environment Theme Pavilion, the pavilion devoted to eco sustainability with the precise aim of improving working conditions in China, will also act as host to an exhibition on the development of the office over the past 100 years. Here, leading exhibitors such as Logic, Waldmann and Hettich will be devoting a part of their exhibition to the ecological and sustainable office working on the theme “Where we work, where we live”.

Furthermore, taking place during the CIFF-Office Show is the first forum: Global Office Furniture Outlook, in which internationally famous journalists and experts from Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia will analyse the global situation for the office furniture sector, dealing with important aspects such as design, market and trends. In conclusion, a prestigious round table discussion will involve the public in an interesting conversation and exchange of experiences and expertise.

190 thousand square metres of exhibition area, more than 900 exhibitors and 50 thousand qualified visitors: these are the numbers of the world's largest trade fair in the office furniture and service sector. The appointment is in Guangzhou, China, next 27-30 March 2012.

CIFF Office Show website