I have to admit, reading through the Interzum Cologne section makes me a little sad to have missed it. There’s nothing quite like walking the enormous halls of the Koelnmesse building in Cologne, Germany, and hearing different languages flow around you.
And, of course, the exhibitions are a sensory smorgasbord. Ticking entices with color and texture. Springs beg to be compressed and checked for support. Foam and latex cores invite weary attendees to sit for a minute, while elsewhere machinery whirs and buzzes as it brings mattress components together and readies products for transport. I love it.
I’ve been to three Interzum Cologne shows but this year it was time to let Senior Editor Kathryn Greene and Associate Editor Burt Dellinger take their turn. And you can see they did an amazing job. Check out their report. It was a lot of ground to cover, and we will have more content from the show in the months to come. In August and September, we will focus on machinery and, in October, springs.
Before you know it, it will be time to plan for ISPA EXPO. Go ahead and mark your calendars for March 10-12, 2026. ISPA EXPO will be back in sunny Orlando, Florida — always a good location in March, if you ask me. Booth space reservations open Aug. 12, and attendee registration opens Oct. 14.
But back to Interzum Cologne. I am always amazed by the creativity and innovation that goes into the products and machinery on display. And with the event theme “Rethinking Resources,” it’s perhaps not surprising that the four sleep industry Best of the Best Award winners all contained an element of sustainability. Here’s a sampling of the descriptors from the Interzum website.
Microlution by Spinks: “Made from recyclable materials, it ensures optimal pressure relief, airflow and ergonomic support.”
Snö by Innofa: “Snöphyte and Snöphene are … derived from natural, renewable resources. They are fully biodegradable, breathable and provide excellent elasticity.”
Moreganic natural latex by Love Home Fabrics: “It is sourced from sustainable plantations and produced under ethical conditions. The material is durable, elastic and breathable.”
Vita Advanced mattress by The Vita Group: It “features a modular design with replaceable and recyclable layers. Its disassemblable structure enables easier recycling and extended use.”
Here’s to continued innovation and more sustainable mattresses. May we all sleep better in the year to come.
