M'sia furniture makers to take cue from Europe

Malaysia's furniture exporters could benefit if they adapt themselves to the changing tastes of Europeans, especially in Germany where the emphasis is on nature-friendly products and services.

At the ongoing Heimtextil show in Frankfurt -- the world's largest trade fair for the home-textile and furnishing industry -- exhibitors from around the world are exhibiting nature-friendly products.

The Austrian group Lenzing, maker of fibre-based products, is showing its TENCEL fibre, which Dieter Eichenger, a company executive, told Bernama is extracted from wood and absorbs moisture completely and naturally and then releases it externally.

TENCEL is widely used in upholstery fabrics in many Western countries, and Lenzing plans to export the fibre to Asia soon, said Eichenger.

"The silkiness and intense colours of these upholstery fabrics are breathtaking. You can relax on the couch without the annoying electrical charging," said Susanne Jary, Lenzing's head of marketing (home textiles).

Higher moisture levels minimise charging, she explained, pointing out that with TENCEL, the moisture level is about 13 per cent, compared to only 1 per cent for polyester.

A few Malaysian businesspeople were visiting the show, though they are not exhibitors.

"We are just visiting the Heimtextil show because some of the products on display here could be very well used in the future in our furniture line," said Jamaluddin Mustapa, a Penang native whose company is exhibiting furniture products at the International Furniture Show of Cologne starting next week.

"While we need to study the market trends for furniture in Cologne, a visit to the Heimtextil show is always helpful in understanding the market nuances that are taking place. We get a lot of feedback in Frankfurt that could be factored into our manufacturing line," Jamaluddin told Bernama.

"Many products on display here also find application in the furniture industry though the automobile industry, interior decorations and a host of other industries also use such products," he added