The promotional year started with a bang with industry must-attend show Merchandise World boasting its busiest ever first day.

A bustling event at the CBS Arena in Coventry saw the show achieve several new post-Covid highs. There were 187 exhibitors and a total of 1,490 visitors, with 90% of attendees pre-registered.

Ella Long, CEO of organiser, Sourcing City said: “Our team works exceptionally hard to deliver an event that genuinely adds value, and it’s hugely encouraging to see the show continuing to grow in both scale and quality.”

She added: “My greatest satisfaction comes from watching real business being done and meaningful relationships being strengthened.”

This has fed through into record re-bookings for next year, with more than 100 committed, up 40% than the same time last year.

Sustainably better

As always, the show represented an opportunity for companies to demonstrate their latest innovations, with sustainability remaining an important focus for suppliers.

Cornish manufacturer CHX has a long-standing interest in sustainability and this year was no exception. It was showing its Traceable Marine Plastic, which is used to produce promotional products made from plastic sourced from discarded fishing nets and ropes on Cornish beaches.

The material, produced by start-up Waterhaul, can be traced via QR code to specific beaches and clear ups. It also donates 5% of income from these products to the Surfers Against Sewage charity.

CHX was also showcasing a range of bio polymer products made from sugar cane waste. The bio plastic has enhanced biodegradability at the end of its life.

Also showcasing its ocean saving credentials was PF Concept which launched its new Cirrus and Alto tumblers, both made with 50% Prevented Ocean Plastic.

Each tumbler reuses the equivalent of 10 disposable plastic cups collected from Asia, helping prevent plastic waste from reaching our oceans.

Visitors were able to try the tumblers for themselves as they were used throughout the Merchandise World cafes.

More in September

For those who can’t wait until next year, there are only about six sourcing months before the mid-year edition of Sustainable Merchandise World at the Milton Keynes arena. We’ll see you there.