Material ConneXion at the Salone del Mobile 2009

New York-based global materials consultancy Material ConneXion will collaborate with Material ConneXion Milano to present "Sustain + Innovate," a dynamic showcase of the latest sustainable and innovative materials at this year's Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, from April 22-27, 2009, between Halls 14 and 18.

Featuring more than 100 of today's most cutting-edge materials and a selection of products made possible by these advancements, "Sustain + Innovate" will provide invaluable insight into the material directions that are driving innovation and empowering design. The exhibition will focus on twelve key areas where recent material developments have made a significant impact: eco-effectiveness, fiber reinforcement, security, sound absorption, foam alternatives, advances in molding, translucency, functional and decorative surfaces, advances in leathers, heat and the biopolymer revolution.

A highlight of the exhibition will be a display of groundbreaking products that demonstrate an exceptional use of advanced materials and a clear commitment to the environment. Among these are adidas' Lone Star Shoe, designed exclusively for Olympic athlete Jeremy Wariner, which contains multiple pioneering technologies including a customized high-strength textile sourced from Material ConneXion's Materials Library and Klattermusen's rECOver backpack, the world's first 100% recycled nylon bag of its kind. A radical new fishing rod represents the latest in high-tech sustainable materials through its use of a newly developed nanofiber composite derived from carrots and the Isobeam Bike, which weighs less than 2.75 lbs, features a durable, highly efficient carbon fiber and Kevlar string frame built with state-of-the-art IsoTruss Technology.

Given the current state of the global economy, more and more companies are seeing innovation as the best way to accelerate growth. Sustainable practices, quickly becoming the mainstay in an increasingly eco-conscious world, are proving to be a viable business strategy as well, helping companies accelerate through the downturn by streamlining manufacturing processes and creating healthier, more efficient products. Innovative and sustainable design begins with the right material choices, and as the demand for advanced and environmentally responsible solutions grows, progressive, forward-thinking companies are turning to Material ConneXion for the materials expertise they need to stay competitive.

"Sustain + Innovate" will allow visitors to discover, experience and explore the ecologically sound and advanced materials that are having the greatest global impact. To coincide with the exhibition, Material ConneXion will launch the third volume of Materials Matter, its annual exhibition compendium that includes an overview of the latest trends in the rapidly changing world of materials and an introduction to over 100 innovative and sustainable materials recently added to its Materials Library.

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