HallONE Introduces Innovative Crafts Made From Coco Coir

The Philippine coconut coir industry is envisioned as a globally competitive and modernized sector that champions inclusive growth for its stakeholders. In 2014, it reported a 104% increase in approved projects that provide necessary machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills, and knowledge to coco coir farmers and manufacturers, and a 33.59% increase in domestic sales on the same year.

To support this long-term vision, HallONE, the year-round sourcing facility and creative space of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Mission (CITEM), embarks on a product development project in collaboration with the regional offices of the country’s Department of Trade and Industry, Design Center of the Philippines, Philippine Textile Research Institute, and 10 coco coir manufacturers and designers to showcase new and possible opportunities for coco coir as raw material for home, fashion, lifestyle, and seasonal decor. The project includes product exhibits in Manila FAME and HallONE facility, which will feature resort footwear, Christmas ornaments, wall panels, mirrors, mats, carpets, mattresses, lighting, and pet products, on top of current agricultural and horticultural applications in the country.

“HallONE’s collaborative coco coir project will provide a platform for Philippine manufacturers and designers to explore innovative uses of coco coir, which is a versatile and sustainable raw material in the Philippines, the country being the second largest coconut producer in the world,” CITEM Executive Director Ms. Rosvi C. Gaetos said.

CITEM HallONE’s special exhibit will also include a Material Showcase, featuring 64 Philippine materials that are just as readily available for sourcing. This material showcase will be supported by an online database at the HallONE website, allowing CITEM stakeholders to access relevant production information about each material such as its physical characteristics, biological origin, suppliers, and available trainings on material application and manipulation techniques.

“Through the years, Philippine craftsmanship has advanced through groundbreaking designs and products that take advantage of the country’s wealth of natural resources and raw materials. Through the HallONE Showcase, CITEM seeks to highlight these facts while facilitating coco coir material sourcing for export production,” Ms. Gaetos said.

HallONE is located at the International Trade Center (ITC) Complex, Roxas Boulevard corner Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Pasay City. It is a sourcing venue for features high-quality export products from the Home, Fashion and Food industry sectors. To visit its design-driven venue, contact its secretariat office at telephone number (+632) 831- 2201 local 253/600.