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mWorldFurnitureInternational Markets Review63 – September 2014 – Year 16

SPECIAL REPORT

WORKSPACE SPECIAL REPORT

WORKSPACE FOCUS ON

MATERIALSLIGHTINGBEDDING

FOCUS ON

MATERIALSLIGHTINGBEDDINGINSIDE

CHINA, EUROPE, UNITED STATESGLOBAL MARKET FOR UPHOLSTERYSTRONG EXPORTER VIETNAM

INSIDE

CHINA, EUROPE, UNITED STATESGLOBAL MARKET FOR UPHOLSTERYSTRONG EXPORTER VIETNAM

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10 EDITORIALThe spark of a shared strategyby the Editor

10 POINT OF VIEWCrossroadsby Aurelio Volpe

11 COUNTRIESVietnam, second largest furniture exporter in Asiaby Alessandra Tracogna

SPECIAL REPORTWORKSPACE

13 STUDIESThe European market for office furnitureby Mauro Spinelli

15 TRENDSReview from NeoCon Chicagoby John Sacks

17 R & DThe Italian Design of Babini Office wins ‘Best of Neocon’

18 EVENTClerkenwell Design Weekby Paola Govoni

FOCUSMATERIALS

20 RESINSVONDOM at Vincci Gala Hotel

21 PROJECTSMeta Nouveau, the table in the spotlight

22 FINISH FOILSSchattdecor’s new ‘Decor Selection’ at IWF Atlanta

23 FITTINGSCookingAGENT makes it fun to be tidy

24 R & DLectra. One day in the futureby Giovanna Castellina

26 MARKETSHighlights on the global market for upholstered furniture

27 PANELSEPF Annual General Meetingin Brugesby Alessandra Tracogna

FOCUSLIGHTING

29 STUDIESThe European market for lighting fixturesby Jessica Catalano

31 MARKETSU.S. lighting fixtures marketby Aurelio Volpe

33 MARKETSBooming market for lighting fixtures in Chinaby Mauro Spinelli

FOCUSBEDDING

35 STUDIESThe world mattress industryby Sylvia Weichenberger

37 MARKETS2014 U.S. mattress trends: tech talk,temperature and fashion fuel bedding marketby Barbara Nelles and Mary Best

39 FAIRSAll about sleep at imm cologneby Sylvia Weichenbergert

40 RETAILWhere to buy in...

43 PREVIEWSICAM still on the rise

44 FAIRS CALENDAR 2014

WorldFurnitureInternational Markets Review

PublisherCSIL Centre for Industrial Studies15, Corso Monforte I-20122 Milanotel. 0039 02 796630fax 0039 02 780703www.csilmilano.comwww.worldfurnitureonline.com

EditorPaola Govoni govoni@csilmilano.com

Collaborators to this issue:Mary BestGiovanna CastellinaJessica CatalanoPaola GovoniBarbara NellesJohn SacksMauro SpinelliAlessandra TracognaAurelio VolpeSylvia Weichenberger

Graphic Designbackup8

PrinterCPZ spa Via Landri, 37/39I-24060 Costa di Mezzate (Bergamo)

Annual subscription 2014Euro 100

Frequency4 issues/year in March - June - September - December

Subscription ServicesAlessandra Cavada cavada@csilmilano.com

Registrazione nr. 92 del 03.02.1999presso il Tribunale di MilanoSpedizione in abbonamentopostale 70% - Filiale di Milano

Copyright CSILAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the prior consent of the publisher.

CONTENTS

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he eleventh edition of the WorldMattress Industry report has beenpublished in June 2014. CSIL’saim since its first edition in 2003,

is to give an increasingly complete pictureof the world of mattresses. Therefore theupdated edition has been reviewed andthe number of studied countriesincreased from the 30 most importantmattress industries worldwide to 35. Thenew countries included are: Bulgaria,Indonesia, Romania, Thailand and SouthAfrica.

OVERVIEWTaking a look on mattress production inthe 35 countries studied in the report, wenote that there have been some changesover the recent years. Traditionally, theUnited States was the leading country interms of production. Over the last decadeChina started a major expansion and until2012 Chinese mattress production con-tinued to increase by double-digit growthrates. In 2013 growth slowed slightlydown and was of 7% in CNY. In 2011China took over the number one positionin terms of mattress production amongthe 35 countries studies putting the U.S.in second position. Leading mattressmanufacturing countries also includeBrazil, Canada, India and Germany.

Regarding mattress consumption, theleading country remains by far the U.S.,accounting for over one fourth of totalconsumption in the 35 countries consid-ered. The U.S. is followed by China,which recorded the most impressiveincrease in terms of mattress consump-tion over the last decade. Consideringthe huge capacity of the local market,apparent mattress consumption is esti-mated to continue to increase in 2014.China is followed by Brazil, Germany,Canada and France. These top 6 mat-tress consuming countries account forapproximately 70% of consumption of thetop 35 countries included in CSIL’s WorldMattress Industry report.

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THE WORLD MATTRESSINDUSTRY

by Sylvia WeichenbergerCSIL

DYNAMIC MARKETSOver the last decade, the most importantgrowth rates have been registered byAsian countries, including China andIndonesia. It is further interesting to pointout that also some Central and EasternEuropean countries including Russia,Poland and Romania, still comparativelysmall mattress consuming markets, regis-tered significant growth rates. They arebecoming increasingly dynamic localmarkets, not yet ‘mature’ as it is the casefor Western European markets likeFrance and Germany, or North Americanmarkets like the U.S. and Canada.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE CONTINUESTO GROWInternational trade of mattresses contin-ued to increase in 2013 and reached theUS$ 3.3 billion mark. Forecasts for 2014and 2015 also indicate an increasingtrend. The ratio of exports over produc-tion in the mattress segment amounts toaround 15% (it was 8% in 2000).Although growing, this ratio remains lowcompared to the furniture sector.

In the coming years, CSIL estimates thatthe overall value for mattress trade willcontinue to grow slowly. One of the most

important engines for mattress growth isthe opening of the different mattress mar-kets, as well as the increasing role ofemerging markets, not only in terms ofproductive location for mattress plantsbut also in terms of mattress consump-tion.Another reason is that until recently mat-tresses were manufactured and sold with-in the local or neighbouring markets,being too bulky to be transported eco-nomically for long distances. Progress invacuum packing of mattresses and intransport logistics has been changing theeconomics of mattress trade, andimports and exports are becoming moresubstantial.

Top mattress exporting countries areChina and Poland, followed by Denmark,Belgium and Italy. In 2012 China becameleading exporter of mattresses among the35 countries studied. Main mattressimporting countries are the U.S.,Germany, France, Japan, Canada andthe Netherlands. Looking at the openingof the markets considered, the share ofimported mattresses in local consump-tion has been increasing from 8% in2001 to approximately 12% in 2013. Thisimport/consumption ratio remains how-

INTERNATIONAL TRADE OF MATTRESSES, 60 COUNTRIES 2004-2015, US$ MILLION

Source: CSIL * forecasts

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ever still low compared to the furnituresector.

MATERIAL TRENDS WORLDWIDELooking at the various regions of theworld, there are big differences in termsof mattresses and bases, especiallybetween the Americas and Europe, aswell as in Asia. Even among theEuropean countries, the differences ofmattress production and consumptiontrends in terms of materials, sizes orreplacement cycles are significant. Mattress production in North America,the United Kingdom and Ireland tradition-ally is mainly concentrated on innerspringmattresses. Generally in Europe produc-tion is more concentrated in non-inner-spring mattresses (foam and latex). Inlarge areas of Asia, a part of beds usedare still of traditional style.In Europe the trend towards foam mat-tresses started years ago. In North

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America the trend towards the so called“specialty bedding”, including all materi-als other than spring, has recently seen agrowing trend. The positive trend startedin 2010 regarding sales of non-inner-spring mattresses reversed slightly in

2013 compared to 2012. As a result, themarket share for the non-innerspringseg¬ment decreased in 2013 in NorthAmerica. The trend worldwide goes towards hybridfillings.

The 11th edition of the CSIL report ‘The World Mattress Industry’ is avai-lable for purchase and immediate download at: www.worldfurnitureonline.comBasic data on production and consumption of mattresses in the top 35countries: imports, exports, size of markets, profiles of main internatio-nal manufacturing groups. Production by material and analysis of the distribution channel. Outlook for 2014 and 2015 for the international trade of mattresses andforecasts for market development. Analysis of mattress world trade in60 countries. Overview of ecological mattresses. Leading producers ofmachinery and raw materials for the mattress industry at a world level.Over 350 pages + list of useful contacts.Language: English. Year 2014.

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espite the fact that U.S. mattresssales were flat in the first half of2014, as compared with the sameperiod in 2013, revenues from

mattress sales in 2014 continue to tickupward, according to monthly statisticscompiled by the International SleepProducts Association (ISPA), based inAlexandria, Virginia. This means thatAmericans are spending more on theirbeds.

Why is that? Mattress manufacturers areworking hard to upsell consumers on bet-ter bedding. They’re building a range offeatures into pricier models. For instance,today’s queen-size mattress priced from$1,000 to $2,000 may have temperature-regulating properties, built-in electronicsand decorative fabrics and trims - givingthe mattress the overall look of uphol-stered furniture. Inside, you’ll find fabric-

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2014 U.S. MATTRESS TRENDS: TECH TALK, TEMPERATURE ANDFASHION FUEL BEDDING MARKETby Barbara Nelles and Mary Best, editors of BedTimes and Sleep Savvy magazines

wrapped coils in both the bed’s core andthe comfort layers - sandwiched with high-end specialty foams like latex or gel-infused memory foam. At the same time, many retailers displayevery bed on their floor atop an electronicadjustable base. No longer just for theelderly, adjustable bases have new appealto the always-plugged-in younger genera-tion who use the bedroom as both officeand living room.An important macro trend in the U.S. mat-tress industry, at both the retail and manu-facturer level, is consolidation. The fourmajor bed brands controlling the marketare themselves controlled by just two com-panies. And the country’s largest retailbedding chain, Mattress Firm, continuesits expansion, month by month, throughacquisitions and new store openings.Here’s a look at other trends shaping theU.S. bedding market:

TEMPERATURE CONTROLAt the winter Las Vegas Market in Januaryand the spring High Point Market in April inHigh Point, North Carolina, managingsleep temperature was a common themein bedding showrooms, and the latesttake on temperature control has entered anew “phase” - the phase-change materialera is definitely here. In addition to ever-present gels and gel foams, as well as theuse of engineered foams designed tomechanically aerate beds, growing num-bers of mattress manufacturers incorpo-rated phase-change imbued componentsinto almost every part of the bed.

HIGH-TECH HYBRIDSIn tune with the principal driver of con-sumer spending in 2013 - the luxury seg-ment - many manufacturers at the LasVegas and High Point furniture marketslaunched collections for the well-heeled.

At ISPA EXPO, the bienni-al mattress industry tradefair, mattress manufactur-ers come to shop forevery type of bed compo-nent—from thread to man-ufacturing equipment.Photo credit: InternationalSleep Products Assn.

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Worth noting, a good number of premiumand ultra-premium new beds were sprung- or hybrid - beds, combining an inner-spring unit with specialty foams. Therealso was much “smart talk” about func-tional fabrics, intelligent mattresses andprogrammable adjustable bases.

FASHION FORWARDDelving into design, many new beds weredraped in beautiful fabrics, and manufac-turers in Las Vegas and High Point usedbold knit designs in the bed’s top panel tocall out special comfort features in thecore. Often, the feature being highlighteddown below was poured gel over latex orover memory foam, sometimes combinedwith – yes - phase-change material.Meanwhile, ISPA EXPO 2014, a biennialtrade show for bedding manufacturers inNew Orleans, also enjoyed a really bigfashion show, with more fabric suppliers,more sumptuous knits, many tailored con-cept beds and fabulous cut-and-sewncovers, more sparkling mattress tapes,intricately sewn mattress handles and bril-liant spools of threads. Even the aesthet-ics of foams and latex seemed to havegrown more beautiful, textured and color-ful - and then there were those Kelly greenmachine parts. In short, this was the U.S.mattress industry’s biggest design show inhistory, and textiles were major scene-stealers.

RETAIL TECHNOLOGYIn-store technology to help consumerschoose the perfect mattress and facilitatemore sales is constantly being improvedupon, as evidenced in Las Vegas andHigh Point. And what’s really new is thesleep-related tech consumers take homewith them. Some vendors have jumped onboard the “quantified-self movement,”offering consumers tech-filled beds andmobile apps that allow them to measure,monitor and – hopefully - improve theirsleep.

COMPONENTRYInnerspring suppliers offered up theirshare of innovation at EXPO - from newtypes of pocket-spring welding, to tallerand smaller coils, to far-out woodensprings.Use of polyurethane foams in mattressesand sleep accessories has exploded inrecent years and manufacturers havedozens, if not hundreds, of foam formula-tions for memory foam, base foam andgel-infused foams to choose from. In addition to abundant decorative panelfabrics, which are mostly stretch knits,

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becoming even more important character-istics of today’s mattress-making machin-ery. Bio: BedTimes is the monthly businessjournal for the sleep products industry;Sleep Savvy is the magazine for sleepproducts professionals. Both are pub-lished by ISPA.

The U.S. mattress industry’s fondness for wrappedor pocket springs was evident at ISPA EXPO andthe selection was enormous—from mini-microcoilsto extra-tall units for extra thick, American-style mat-tresses. Photo credit: International Sleep ProductsAssn.

mattress manufacturers found a widerange of nonwoven fabrics and recycledfiber pads to fill and finish the interior andundersides of bed sets. Traditional uphol-stery fabric also is finding its way onto bedborders, and many industry suppliershave launched entire upholstery lines to fillthis growing need.The small but growing high-end, “green”mattress niche is being supplied by arange of all-natural latex suppliers, textileand fiber companies. At ISPA EXPO,there were a number of suppliers of “nat-ural” and renewable fiber offering cocofiber, kapok, animal hair, recycled fiber,etc.

MACHINERYThe continued influence of specialty bed-ding, a heightened focus on border treat-ments, and demand for more efficient roll-packing and shipping options are drivinginnovation and improvements in beddingmachinery. Major manufacturing plants are bringingprocesses in-house that were previouslyperformed by suppliers, such as foam cut-ting and sewn-cover production. Hence,they are investing in new foam-fabricationand sewing equipment. Since foam bedsoften ship compressed and rolls, manyare also investing in new packaging lines.And as trends change with lightning-fastspeed these days, flexibility of machines,automation and the ability to multitask are

Sewn covers, a European trend that has caught on with U.S. manufacturers, were plentiful at ISPA EXPO,as more and more mattress makers look to source pre-sewn covers for both all-foam and innerspring beds.Photo credit: International Sleep Products Assn.

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MM Cologne 2014 (120,000 visi-tors from 129 countries with 1,100international exhibitors) wasmarked by an increasing interest

dedicated to the sleeping segment. Forthe first time two halls (hall 9 and hall 5.2)were entirely dedicated to the ‘SLEEP’topic, with up to 100 companies from 20countries exhibiting their products andinnovations. This years’ focus was on the theme“Neuro Marketing”. The GermanMattress Industry Association(Fachverband Matratzenindustrie e.V.)created a lounge in hall 9, representingthe human brain, showing the differentactions of the brain when taking a buyingdecision and representing the connectionof the two halls dedicated to sleep. Another highlight of this year’s edition wasthe "meet@sleep" party which took placein the lounge area on the second day andcreated a very positive feeling. The meet-ing, organized by the Mattress IndustryAssociation and KölnMesse, was attendedby business representatives whichexchanged ideas on the latest mattressindustry developments.

BOX-SPRING BEDS EVERYWHERETaking a look at the different products onshow at IMM, the box-spring bed hasclearly to be mentioned. The trend is notnew, but this year it almost seemed likeover one half of the dedicated sleepinghalls were filled with manufactures pre-senting their own box-spring bed model. The box-spring bed, a tradition in NorthAmerican and Nordic countries, is increas-ingly becoming a part of German bed-rooms, although their share on total salesstill remains below the 10% mark. Therange of box-spring beds presented goesfrom high quality to very basic bases of lowquality and price, which ensures that thereare models for every consumer taste andbudget. Leading German bedding manufacturerslike Fey or Dunlopillo showed their newestbox-spring collections. Breckle hasalready 25-30% of its production beingmade of box-spring as well as Diamona,which continues to increase its share.

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ALL ABOUT SLEEP AT IMM COLOGNE by Sylvia Weichenberger

According to the Austrian ADA, box-springtakes an increasingly important part in pro-duction. The Dutch company Auping pre-sented its latest collection as well asSomnus, Vi-Spring, Hästens, and Trecajust to mention a few of the traditionalupper range box-spring bed manufactur-ers. “Box-spring without spring” wasshown by the Greek company Coco-Matwith beds made from natural materials inbox-spring design. The German Metzelerpresented a box-spring look a-like bed witha slat base interior.

MATTRESS: WHAT’S NEW?Trends seen on the IMM 2014 includedamong others hybrid fillings, sustainabilityand foam. Hybrid fillings for mattresses and especial-ly fillings with gel have been presented byan increasing number of manufacturers.Gel can theoretically be combined withany type of mattress and offers newapproaches in terms of ergonomics andcomfort. For example Schlaraffia, aRecticel brand, which combines gel withinnerspring as well as Svane, mattressbrand made by Ekornes or the German

Breckle, which presented a combinationof gel and foam. Sustainability and natural fillings continueto be a topic. The Greek manufacturerCoco-Mat presented a 100% natural bed.The German Metzeler presented a newlayer for mattresses filled with naturalstones called “BioCrystal” and Dormientepresented its 100% natural latex mattress-es, just to name a few. Foam mattressremained omnipresent, especially amongGerman manufacturers which presentedtheir latest innovations in Cologne.

What is a box-spring: A box-springbase is a bed base generally consi-sting of a wooden frame covered incloth, and containing springs. Thebox-spring base is usually the samesize as the much softer mattresswhich is placed above the box-spring. A box-spring base is used forseveral purposes such as to raisethe height of the mattress, reducewear of the mattress and create aflat and firm structure for the mat-tress to lay upon.

Coco-Mat Booth at IMM Cologne 2014

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