Talking to: Fabian Keck, Executive Assistant, Hartman Outdoor Products Germany GmbH

Hartman has been the specialist for plastic for more than 50 years. Hartman turned the garden furniture market upside down in the 1980s through the use of the latest plastic injection moulding technology and innovative processes. In addition to plastic, Hartman reacted to the latest garden trends over the years and has in the meantime developed a large selection of garden furniture, garden cushions and accessories. It is also one of the leading manufacturers of garden furniture at the national and international level. Every product manufactured by Hartman is designed in the Netherlands and thoroughly tested in the Hartman test centre for fulfillment of the requirements of the Hartman-DNA: comfort, design and quality.

Keck: We are specialists in the garden furniture segment and have long been interested in the question of how we can design our furniture to be "more sustainable" and make our contribution to protecting the environment. We are working successively on making our products "more sustainable" and "greener" at all production stages. Not only due to the current matter of corona, but also due to the globalisation of recent years, the supply chains and production have been relocated to other countries and continents. We want to make ourselves more independent of supplier countries and are working increasingly, for example, at our locations, including at the mother company group in Holland.

Keck: The seat shells from the successful "Sophie" product series are produced entirely at the company location in the Netherlands. One model already consists of 100% recyclable material, which originates from, among other sources, the waste flows of our company and other industrial companies. Furniture should generally not be a "throwaway product". Selected products of the Hartman company come with an extended warranty of 5 years, in order that the furniture is used longer and is not replaced within a short time due to fashion trends or for other reasons. We are also planning to accept the return of chairs at no cost. This serves, for one, as a service for customers that involves no additional disposal costs, and this chair can once again be reintroduced into the production flow. Attention is also paid to sustainability in our decoration segment, for example, in the cushions assortment, and our wood products are in any case certified as a standard.

Keck: Products identified as "sustainable" are very attractive to both specialty traders and end customers. This starts with regular shopping for food, but also affects other areas of life like clothing, chemist's items or furniture. Entirely in keeping with the living trend of "cocooning", the furnishing of one's own cosy home is increasing in importance. This of course also includes the outdoor area on the balcony or in the garden. Most important to consumers here is the good feeling that the purchase of such furniture gives them, as well as durability and furniture that suits their own lifestyle.

Keck: spoga+gafa enables a large number of contacts at the national and international level. As the largest garden lifestyle trade fair, it offers an ideal platform for an industry-specific exchange with customers, partners and interested parties. This year, we have changed our location and can be found in hall 10.2. in the "garden unique" section. As a competent garden furniture provider, we offer a modern and attractive presentation area that provides visitors with new and fresh impulses. We are optimistically looking forward to September and to a successful and inspiring spoga+gafa 2020.