Environmentally-friendly household products are in higher demand by international houseware buyers this year, according to a Trade Development Council study.

It interviewed 415 exhibitors and 706 buyers at the Hong Kong Houseware Fair 2006 held April 21 to 24. Over two-thirds said environmental protection has become a key concern in sourcing. About 74%, which is 10% more than last year, said they will source more green products in the next three years.

On average, 38% of the houseware items sourced were green products. However, nearly 40% of the interviewed buyers said they still found it difficult to source green products in the Asia Pacific region.

According to interviewed buyers, green products refer to those that use environmentally friendly packaging, recycled, lead-free and halogen-free materials and are energy efficient.

Market outlook

Respondents are confident over the market outlook for 2006. Nearly two-thirds said the houseware industry will perform better or slightly better than 2005. The rest of the respondents expect business to be similar to 2005.

In particular, buyers targeting the Asia Pacific region are optimistic about market growth. Buyers also expect emerging markets (Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, India, Africa and the Middle East), Japan and the Mainland to have the biggest growth in retail markets.

The average growth rate in these markets is 19%, which is higher than the 16% expected growth rate in the US and Western Europe.