Throughout the built environment and interior design industries, there is an increasing focus on the environmental impact, social responsibility and the safety of products and materials. A transparent, ethical and sustainable supply chain is essential for manufacturers in today’s industry – but how can architects and specifiers know which products are best?

Materials In Mind sees GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia) showcasing a range of beautiful, functional and sustainable building materials and furniture, all inside a uniquely repurposed shipping container.

Sydney Indesign visitors can interact with the shipping container house via the built-in educational elements, which outline the key environmental, health and social issues associated with different building materials, and can contribute to the exhibit by leaving behind their wish for the planet on a collaborative wishing tree.

Visitors will also find out how to tell the difference between manufacturers who make genuine sustainability claims and those whose claims are merely “greenwash”

“Looking for third-party certification provides so many benefits beyond simply knowing that a product is better for the planet,” said Kate Harris, CEO of GECA. “It demonstrates that a product is fit for its intended purpose, meets Australian safety standards, and also helps anyone working on projects seeking a Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.”

Materials in Mind has had a helping hand from The Bold Collective in its design and by many of its licensees, featuring GECA certified flooring by Spectrum and Regupol, plasterboard by BGC Plasterboard, timber by Kebony (Mafi), paints by Astec Paints, a living ‘green roof’ by Grass-Cel and furniture by Zenith Interiors, plus many other products all certified to GECA’s strict standards for low environmental, health and social impact.

Materials in Mind will be located near Mafi’s showroom in Alexandria, Sydney, for the duration of Sydney Indesign 2017.