Global market for stationery products estimated to be worth US$ 155.4 billion by 2015 

(MENAFN Press) As more and more corporate companies put increasing emphasis on 'going green', the eco-friendly office products and services industry is on a growing trend according to Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organiser of Paperworld Middle East taking place in Dubai next month.

What started off as a new trend about five or six years ago, has now become a major growth sector in the office products industry as can be seen by the increasing number of exhibitors dedicating significant amounts of space to green products at Paperworld Middle East, the industry's regional trade and networking event.

"There is a perceived increase in demand for eco-friendly and sustainable office products in the region," said Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. "Traditionally the region has been known for its high consumption levels, but there is a noticeable change in consumer patterns with greater emphasis on being environmentally responsible.

Both corporates and individuals in the region are opting for 'green' products as a matter of choice. This trend is further emphasised by governments around the region setting new environmentally-friendly regulations to reduce their carbon footprints," stated Pauwels.

As more and more companies emphasise the need to "re-use, recycle and reduce", there is an increasing demand for sustainably produced office products and supplies both globally and in the Middle East. With the global market for stationery products estimated to be worth US 155.4 billion by 2015 and green products taking up an increasing share of that business, manufacturers and suppliers around the world are eyeing the lucrative regional markets with increasing interest.*

Prominent among the exhibitors displaying environmentally-friendly products are paper and pulp majors Double A, rolling out their range of paper produced by managed farming at the event. "The paper from our renowned "Khan na" system of sustainable farming has been well received around the world including the Middle East. Paperworld Middle East is a great platform to showcase our innovative products to a fast-growing market," said Mr. K. Thirawit Leetavorn, Senior Executive Vice President for Double A.

German exhibitor Durable will be showcasing their range of eco-friendly products made from renewable raw materials in the range of desktop accessories, name badges and office organisation products and services. Mr. Marco Vella, Area Manager Export Sales, Durable, said: "Our products consist of a very high percentage of CO2-neutral renewable raw materials. We plan to display these at Paperworld Middle East and build awareness in the region on the environmentally friendly goods we offer."

April Fine Paper will be showcasing its range of sustainable paper through Paperworld Middle East. As part of the company's sustainability commitment, it aims to maintain a diverse portfolio of industry certifications and upkeeps its "Go Green" momentum, with bio energy forming a strategic part of its paper mill's total energy requirement.

Mr V Sreekumar, Regional Director Middle East & Africa, April Fine Paper, said: "April Fine Paper was the first industrial forest plantation company in Indonesia to receive the Ministry of Forestry's Sustainable Production Forest Management and Timber Legality Verification (PHPL/SLVK) certification. Our products are available in over 70 countries worldwide and at Paperworld Middle East in March we plan to use the platform to spread awareness on our sustainable paper products and further expand our market reach in the region."

Another German exhibitor, Laurel Klammern GmbH will also be present with their range of bio products which are environmentally friendly. Their bio arrow clip which is 100% biodegradable will be on display at the fair. All dyes, colours, granules and powdered pigments used in the manufacturing of their products are pollutants free.

Incorporated in the trade fair is Remanexpo which is a platform for the re-processing of printer materials. Remanexpo is Europe's biggest trade platform in this sector and its launch in Dubai again highlights the increased demand for eco-friendly office solutions in the region.

Paperworld Middle East, the region's largest trade fair for office and stationery products, showcases the entire range of paper and office products and services. The Middle East edition of the world-renowned Paperworld brand, it provides an ideal business sourcing and networking platform with considerable reach around the region.