With more exhibitors, visitors and positive feedback across the board, the second Furniture Component Expo cemented its position as a key event in the calendar for the supply side of the industry.
The show was created to meet the needs of large and small furniture manufacturers including beds, mattresses, cabinet and upholstery: providing a one-stop showcase of component products from a wide range of leading suppliers, as well as offering opportunities for delegates to gain industry insights, collaborate with colleagues and network with partners.
‘Once again, FCE was all about backing the British furniture industry and bringing together manufacturers and suppliers in a format that provided opportunities to review and purchase products from across the entire furniture supply chain. It’s proving to be a great formula and one we look forward to repeating in 2026 on 11-12 March. Comments from delegates and exhibitors have been extremely positive and we are delighted that, having recognised a need within the industry, we have provided an event that has been both useful and productive for manufacturers and suppliers. This year, we achieved an 80% rebook rate – a clear testament to the value and ROI the expo delivers,’ says Phil Spademan, BFA md.
‘We also expanded the expo, with about 50% of exhibitors attending for the first time this year, drawn by the event’s growing reputation and the tangible benefits it provides.’
For Mike Crowshaw, Peak Converters md and many others, the show was an opportunity to showcase sustainability. Peak highlighted its use of chemical-free water-based glues, combined with its use of plastic bottles in its flagship Peak Pocket. A large screen updated visitors with the number of bottles recycled this year, which reached 297,284 during the show.
Spinks came to FCE keen to highlight the use of springs in chairs and exhibited micro-pocket spring potential in armrests as well as seat and back cushions. Going forwards, the sensitivity that micro-pocket spring technology brings will become a more common feature of furniture. ‘More springs offers flexibility of support, better comfort, and allows greater airflow. They are also more durable than foam, making them more sustainable because they have a life expectancy of 15 years – more than double that of foam,’ says Steaven Hodgson, Spinks sales director.
Leggett & Platt showcased its nanocoil technology, with the use of smaller springs allowing for the versatile sheets to be rolled or folded. The company also looked ahead to further product introductions including combined springs and foam offerings.
Carpenter showcased its graphite infused foams, such as Aurora, alongside its Podz pocket cushioning. Up to 14cm deep, they allow increased airflow through their placement in different types of foam.
Enkev championed the company’s ‘engineered for sustainability’ approach to manufacturing circular and biodegradable materials for use in mattresses and seats, as it looked to gain traction across existing markets rather than target new markets, and highlighted the opportunity to showcase to sectors it was traditionally underexposed to, such as upholstery.
Handy promoted its green credentials through its chemical-free water-based glue; 100%-wool tape edging available in a variety of colours for mattresses and upholstery, and FSC-approved divan feet.
Fibre Components also highlighted its approach to sustainability with its FSC-certified boards.
Plasfoils made its show debut and showcased Namuri. Chris Green, Plasfoils md says there is a trend towards wood type foils, and Plasfoils’ colours are becoming more muted, with a shift away from greys and towards beige and other less intense tones. Also on show were high gloss foils available in PVC and PET.
Vita Group highlighted its Origin and Orbis next-generation foams: Origin integrates plant-based polyols, whilst Oribis is the company’s closed loop offering, incorporating recycled content from end-of-life products.
‘FCE was made possible through the support of our headline sponsors Vita Group, BeA Group and Prima Tooling, along with registration sponsor Carpenter. We are grateful to them and everyone involved in making the show, where furniture takes shape, a success,’ says Spademan.
The exhibition also saw the winners of the 2025 Future of Furniture awards revealed. These highlight excellence in sustainability, and education and training in the furniture sector.
Ethan McGuigan, Harrison Spinks sustainability systems manager was named Sustainability Champion; Fibreline secured the top Excellence in Education accolade and Peak Converters won the Excellence in Sustainability award.
‘Our Future of Furniture Awards are recognised as a hallmark of forward-thinking businesses. They provide an ideal opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the excellent work around training and sustainability that is happening in the furniture sector,’ says Spademan.
