Philippines Readies First Eco-trade Fair
1st Philippine International Eco-Show.
- (1888PressRelease) July 07, 2010 - The first Philippine International Eco-Show comes at a time when the environment reigns as a global policy concern. To be held on August 26-28, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, it will showcase the diverse and innovative eco-friendly products offered by green companies and eco-entrepreneurs in the country.
Challenged by the times
Today's interdependent world has seen a number of international agreements focus on environmental conservation, primarily out of a global consensus that considers an endangered environment as inevitably leading to an endangered human race. Out of these changes has emerged a revitalized market for eco-friendly demand, which the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) currently estimates to be as big as 330-410 billion EURO.
Recognizing the enormous possibilities this offers for the Philippines, the Philippine International Eco-Show is expected to become the first trade and promotional platform for environmentally-compliant products and services in the country. It also hopes to affirm Philippine support for the global movement by serving as a catalyst for integrating green initiatives nationwide.
The trade show is led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Having what it takes
"Now is the time to intensify our efforts to promote the Philippines as a prime source of eco-friendly products and services. Our archipelago does not lack for materials, and our people certainly have the innate creativity to excel in this industry," explained Ma. Lourdes D. Mediran, Officer-in-Charge for CITEM.
Proof of this are a number of exhibitors from CITEM whose environmental bent are integral not only to the functionality of the products they offer, but more importantly to the brand they show the world.
Chemrez Technology Inc., whose parent company won the Golden Shell Award for Excellence in Exports in 1996, proudly integrates its philosophy of green chemistry for its various products that range under the industries of building and construction, paint and coating, petroleum, agriculture, and even personal and home care. This philosophy ensures the efficient use of natural resources with minimal wastage. "We are IMS Certified," Edison See, Chemrez Senior Product Manager shares, "and we have removed dangerous chemicals and heavy metals from our processes. By this, we are gearing towards a safe environment."
Also a recipient of the Golden Shell Award in 2004 is Nature's Legacy, a globally recognized firm based in Cebu. It utilizes a patented technology that bonds together indigenous materials such as local stone, dead shrubs, and other agro-forest waste in order to produce a sustainable alternative to wood. According to Pete Delantar, President of Nature's Legacy, "We rescue (agro-forest debris), give them a second life. We call it in the green movement as regeneration, the second life of the product from being just waste. We put it into good use and extend the life." The resulting material innovations are then transformed into designs for furniture and home accessories, lawn and garden products, fashion accessories, footwear, architecture and interior designs, and packaging materials.
Yet another shining example would be Tes Pasola, dubbed the "Paper Queen" of the design world, who recycles old paper in order to create stunning works of art, such as the ones used at the Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers' Exchange (F.A.M.E.) International, another CITEM-led fair, last April 2008. Out of recycled newspaper, she transformed the venue into a veritable forest that was unique in appearance and eco-sustainable in outlook.
What to expect
The 3-day event itself will feature an exhibition divided into three Zones: the Eco-Industrial Zone presents eco-friendly construction materials and solutions for sustainable architecture and greenbuilding such as home and building materials, home style products, and electronic parts and equipment that demonstrate efficient energy practices for waste reduction; the Eco-Lifestyle Zone houses natural and organic products, health and wellness services, as well as pleasant eco-places that offer healthy and wholesome living options; and the Eco-Advocates Zone, that connects public and private initiatives focusing on renewable energy and waste management.
A forum for global stakeholders and the academe, the Eco-Conference scheduled for August 26-27 will discuss global trends, policies, and issues within the emerging eco-industry. Likewise, it seeks to strengthen industry commitments and interventions in setting its future trends and directions.
Special events include the Philippine International Eco-Awards, which aims to recognize outstanding achievements in the local eco-industry. It is thus open to local exhibitors offering eco-friendly products and services in the local and international markets, and also to individuals with significant environmental advocacies.
There will also be a guided Eco-Tour that highlights eco-compliant cities and companies in its itinerary; and an Eco-Photography Tilt, open to all professional and amateur photography enthusiasts nationwide.
For more information on the first Philippine International Eco-Show, please log on to www.pines.com.ph or contact the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) PInES Project Management team at (+632) 8312201 local 227/257, or email industrial ( @ ) citem dot com.ph / nproducts ( @ ) citem dot com.ph.
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