Index Plus 2024, a leading exhibition for interiors, architecture, furniture and design, marked its 36th edition recently at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre. More than 200 brands from India and abroad participated in the event.

It offered a diverse range of products meticulously curated to inspire and elevate living spaces. The exhibition featured an exhaustive display of furniture for residential, commercial and outdoor settings, flooring, furnishings, kitchen interiors, architectural fittings, mattresses, bedding, home décor, accessories, art, artefacts, and other interior essentials.

Among the notable participants was Canadian Wood, represented by the British Columbia provincial government’s crown corporation, Forestry Innovation Consulting India (FII India).

The Canadian Wood booth showcased a luxury home interior room setup, highlighting the versatility and sustainability of responsibly sourced timber in various applications, including a meticulously designed model of a high-end luxury home interior room with an outdoor balcony.

The Index Plus Design Boulevard featured captivating installations by leading designers, including Kanika Bawa, among others. Additionally, in collaboration with Aura Art, Index Plus presented a collection of fine art, sculpture and photography from renowned artists across India.

Going ‘green’

A seminar on sustainable furniture, themed ‘EcoCraft: Creating Sustainable Furniture’, brought together a panel of industry experts that included Huzefa Samplewala (AFMT), Dr. Jimmy Thomas (Canadian Wood), Kshitij Limaye (KBNK Design Build) and Mohit Bansal (IKEA India).

Huzefa Samplewala underscored AFMT’s dedication to fostering sustainability within the industry. “As President of the All-India Furniture Manufacturers’ and Traders’ Association (AFMT), our ongoing collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards aims to develop comprehensive standards for furniture products,” he stated.

Mohit Bansal outlined IKEA’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, saying: “At IKEA, sustainability has been at the core of our operations since the beginning. We strive to incorporate sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations, from product design to sourcing.”

Architect Kshitij Limaya emphasised the importance of integrating eco-friendly practices into design processes. “It is our responsibility to integrate eco-friendly practices into design processes and prioritise sustainability in every decision,” he asserted.

Kanika Bawa discussed the incorporation of innovative materials into design, showcasing how unconventional materials are revolutionising the industry. “Sustainability is not just a trend; it’s the way ahead. As material innovators, it’s our responsibility to prioritise sustainability and explore innovative materials that contribute to a greener future,” she said.

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