NEW GREEN PRODUCTS 
FEATURED AT GERMAN SHOW
NEW GREEN PRODUCTS
FEATURED AT GERMAN SHOW
HEMP AND TEXTILESA surprising range of new hemp products were on display. Some of the edibles included hemp muesli from amainstream cereal company, hemp soda and beer, and more industrialhemp-based plastic used as parts for auto interiors and building construction. One company, has had support fromthe Austrian government for morethan four years to develop new moldable plastics from waste paper, hempoil and water, with a 0.25 to 1.5 hardness for seatbacks, drums and vessels.Biobased plastic toothpicks and colorful cutlery from Denmark were exhibited by Flints Internet Store(https://ecoweb.dk/flints).
In textiles, FOX Fibre/Natural Cotton Colours based in Wickenburg,Arizona were featured in several collections of beautifully designed clothing and interior fabrics. Sally Fox, founder of the company, was among the most recognized celebrity present. New low impact dyes added a touch of liveliness to the fashions, and the work of young designers was seen in special displays in both the fashion and furniture sections.
In another new development, BioFach has decided to establish guidelines to ensure the exhibited productsand foods at the show meet a clearcut and effective set of ecological criteria.A minimum standard and bonus criteria for each category of goods (Food;Cosmetics; Washing and Cleaning products; Textiles; Leather; Furniture;and Toys) are published in both English and German in the show catalogue. If a product qualifies for the bonus criteria, its booth number willbe labeled with a "+" that is easily seenby buyers. Certain exceptions were allowed in 1997, such as a textile products with a metal alloy zipper, as longas the producers agreed to present only nongalvanized, nonchromed andnickel free zippers in 1998. The guidelines were developed with the cooperation of research institutes and other experts, and a discussion forum was held during the fair with the goal of refining the ecological criteria. Up next for inclusion in the guidelines: socialcontracts, fair trade and regionality.
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