As consumer habits increasingly shift towards values-based purchasing, Nordstil provides retailers with orientation in a transforming market. The special interest Ethical Style responds to this trend by giving visibility to responsibly crafted products. All recognised exhibitors are committed to a form of value creation that considers people, planet and quality in equal measure, be it through thoughtful material choices, production techniques or fair working conditions.
The creative power of recycling
Working with pre-used materials is a common thread among many Ethical Style exhibitors. Airpaq, for example, turns old airbags and seat belts into offbeat urban backpacks. Likewise, 360° – Taschenagentur Kramer focuses on materials with a past life: used sailcloth is repurposed into durable, weatherproof bags and accessories – each with a unique story to tell.
Monimari demonstrates how stationery can be produced without carbon footprint using recycled paper, inspired by natural patterns and a love for clear, purposeful design. Meanwhile, Soapi shows that even maritime plastic waste such as fishing nets and ropes can excel in a second life: the start-up processes the plastic granulate obtained from those fabrics into stylish soap holders and complement their product range with high-quality soaps.
Craftsmanship with purpose: Keeping traditions alive
An impressive number of Ethical Style exhibitors embrace traditional handicraft – not as a nostalgic gesture, but as a relevant and sustainable alternative to industrial mass production. Ekelund, Sweden’s oldest weaving mill that has been producing textiles since 1692, now operates on a climate-neutral basis. Only certified organic cotton is used in the production, and socially responsible conditions along the entire textile supply chain are controlled by a certified standard. Gry & Sif follow a similar approach: in their Nepalese fair trade workshops charmingly crafted felt figures are created by hand – with the aim of strengthening local communities and centuries-old craftsmanship.
Sel la vie brings a culinary spin to sustainability. Their product range – including salts, spices, liquorice, sweets, ceramics and liqueurs – is handmade, design-conscious and deeply rooted in traditional salt harvesting practices from the French Atlantic coast. Hamburg-based label Frohstoff is equally committed to heritage techniques: their home textiles and accessories are hand-printed using screen printing technique, working exclusively with Oeko-Tex-certified materials and refreshing design.
Making social responsibility tangible
Sustainability isn’t just about materials and methods – it’s also about the people behind the products. Wunderle, for example, creates charming, handmade gift ideas in collaboration with workshops for people with disabilities – each item infused with personality and purpose. Similarly, the Steinhöringer Werkstätten produce high-quality office accessories, garden furniture, candles and everyday goods in an inclusive setting – fair, functional and aesthetically designed.
Nordstil Summer will take place from 26 to 28 July 2025.
Nordstil Winter will take place from 10 to 12 January 2026.
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