More eco-friendly products are being integrated into the kitchen and bathrooms in homes across the region, according to an expert.

With growing concerns over global warming, greenhouse gases and depleting ozone levels, discerning consumers in the region have become more environmentally aware, as have contractors and developers who are beginning to incorporate eco-friendly options into residential apartments and villas in the Gulf, he added.

“Green trends in kitchen and baths are gaining popularity in the region, as manufacturers are making the green migration,” said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organisers of ISH Kitchen and Bath Middle East, the region’s leading design showcase and conference for kitchens and bathrooms
 
He said eco friendly designs are practical and help consumers save financially through energy conserving appliances without losing any creature comforts.

With an increase in environmental awareness and a widespread effort to “go green,” contractors are finding ways to integrate more eco-friendly products into homes including, products made from recycled goods or natural sustainable materials, fittings and mixers that utilise less water and appliances that require less power.

Bamboo as a raw material used in kitchens is gaining popularity. “Bamboo is an easily renewable resource, and the right material for eco conscious consumers.

It is the fastest growing plant in the world and grows naturally and requires very little water or fertilizers for sustainable harvesting,” remarked Alysia Gilligan, Senior Show Manager, ISH Kitchen and Bath Middle East.

Authentic bronze, copper and stone products are also gaining in popularity for both baths and kitchens as concrete and cast stone are losing out to granite, marble onyx and travertine.

A variety of hard-to-find and aesthetically pleasing kitchen and bath products will be on display at the forthcoming ISH Kitchen and Bath Middle East that is scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 25 to 27, the organisers said.

Eco-savvy products made from recycled and ecologically sustainable and renewable materials will be showcased by leading manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to kitchen and bathroom retailers, kitchen and bathroom designers, architects, design consultants, design engineers, property developers, construction companies and contractors.

“The green movement is gradually gaining in momentum in the region as consumers and developers in the Gulf begin to understand and accept their responsibilities as part of the global community,” said Gilligan.

Companies such as Grohe consider sustainability and the environment a priority and with the design and development of every new product this is taken into consideration.

Kohler, another well known international supplier of kitchen and bath fixtures, is committed to the creation of technologies and products that help conserve water without scarifying performance or design.

ISH Kitchen and Bath Middle East is the only design-led kitchen and bathroom exhibition in the Middle East, attracting key designers and manufacturers from around the world who come to present new products, interact with industry peers and source state-of-the-art market trends, the organisers said. – TradeArabia News Service