Beds of the future, latest industry trends from the NBF Bed show

We were placed in the NBF’s newest ‘Innovation Zone’, showcasing our latest component and service offering to some of the world’s biggest bedding brands. 

It was a joy to meet with old friends and new, following the enforced distancing of the past 18 months, and to see the industry leaders meeting again in such a dynamic environment. 

More so, it was an opportunity to reflect on some of the hidden trends, opportunities and challenges that are shaping today’s industry. 



Manufacturers embracing market changes

It was refreshing to see the creative ways in which manufacturers displayed their latest mattresses and beds at the NBF show, which was a careful reminder to me that nothing quite beats experiencing and testing a mattress in person.

On the contrary, it was interesting to hear how important and successful it has been for manufacturers to build their digital presence and engage with end consumers on a virtual basis, including virtual showroom website displays, 360° product videos and much more.

Manufacturers and retailers must be mindful of both traditional and newfound approaches to engage with their customers. 


Inner tufted mattresses are a hot product

We understand that one of our clients, Millbrook Beds, had a very positive reaction to their range of stylish inner tufted mattresses. 

Our design-registered inner tufted product components offer a significant departure to the standard tufted mattress, and we are certain that a trend will develop in this area as manufacturers seek to offer the consumer something different whilst maintaining the inherent benefits of mattress tufting.

Feel free to contact us if you would be interested in seeing a sample of our inner-tufting product. 




Combining style and functionality


Market competitiveness was apparent around the room, and best examples of innovation appeared where style matched functionality – having the whole package has never been so important. 
With the continued popularity of ottoman bed bases, the option of ventilating these bases was well received by visitors to our stand. 

With the added benefit of offering a health and safety dimension as well as a design feature, we were pleased at how bed manufacturers embraced our newly patented product with them keen to get samples for future bed base developments.

As a further interesting extension for this product, certain manufacturers plan to develop drawer units that incorporate this ventilator option.

Likewise, if you would like to get a sample of this product to trial on your latest ottomans, please contact us.

Finding innovative solutions to combat rising raw materials costs...

With rising material costs it appears to us those manufacturers have a choice of constantly de-specifying an existing product to maintain a certain price point (and reduced margin) or alternatively bring something new to the market either aesthetically or functionally.

As a component supplier, we are aware of the issues these rising costs create for manufacturers, but with challenge comes opportunity. 

This is an opportunity for manufactures to be inventive, re-visit production processes, and identify new ways to become more efficient and cut costs without a loss of quality or increased cost to their customers.  

An example from the show was the display of our Simalfa water-based adhesive range, which has become a popular and sustainable choice for the discerning bed manufacturer, boasting reduced production costs with an environmentally friendly solution. 

I would just like to give a final thank you to all our new and existing clients that visited our stand at the NBF Show. 
We were delighted with the level of interest shown by both fellow manufacturing exhibitors and visitors in the products we had on display and are excited to continue our work together in exploring the innovate world of bedding!