Home Held last Friday (21), the launch event of Color Trend 2025 and pre-launch of the IV World Plastic Connection Summit, promoted by Think Plastic Brazil, a portfolio of solutions for the converted plastic products sector in the internationalization process for target markets, carried out through a partnership between ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) and INP (Brazilian Plastic Institute), featured the presentation of global trends in innovation, design and sustainability by Marco Wolf and Jum Nakao. Both shared insights based on their experiences at the renowned fairs, Ambiente in Germany and The Inspired Home Show in the United States.
Marco Lobo, a doctoral student at FGV CPDOC and design specialist with extensive experience in public policies and international trade, highlighted the importance of the trends observed at the Ambiente fair. “In the European market, sustainability is fundamental. European consumers value the product, as well as the story behind it,” said Lobo. He emphasized that “technology and innovation are essential pillars for improving access to products, while personalized design is increasingly valued.”
Lobo also highlighted the international recognition of Brazilian design. “Brazil occupies a prominent position in the global design ranking, being recognized for its intuitiveness and accessibility. Brazilian products are seen as ‘green’ in Europe, which is a big differentiator”, he explained.
On the other hand, Jum Nakao, renowned Brazilian designer and creative director, brought his perspective on the need for Brazilian design to mature for the international market. “Brazil is a great reference in cultural diversity. We need to continue improving our design and highlighting our Brazilianness to compete globally”, declared Nakao.
During the presentation, Nakao shared insights into his experiences at renowned international events such as the Venice Biennale and Milan Design Fair. He also mentioned the importance of passing on legacy to the next generations, as symbolized by the transition of the Color Trend project to Gabriela de Matos. “It is essential that we continue to study and implement improvements in Brazilian design”, he emphasized.
Both speakers agreed that global trends are evolving rapidly, especially towards sustainability and innovation. In the North American market, as noted by Lobo on The Inspired Home Show, there is a growing concern about environmental impact and a demand for multifunctional and sustainable products. Meanwhile, the European market stands out for its appreciation of e-commerce, health and safety, as well as a resurgent vintage trend.
“Knowledge of global trends is fundamental to guide innovation and product development in the international market. Being at the forefront of these trends positions us as leaders in design and sustainability, as well as allowing us to meet growing consumer demands for innovative and environmentally responsible solutions”, emphasizes Carlos Moreira, Brazilian Plastic Institute Executive Director & Think Plastic Brazil CPO.
About Think Plastic Brazil
Think Plastic Brazil began its activities with 38 companies and, over the last 20 years, has expanded its participation to more than 220 companies. During this period, the Portfolio promoted 4,773 participations by companies in the sector in 240 specifically Commercial Promotion projects, resulting in 64,366 meetings. The economic impact was significant, with over US$1.247 billion in business generated and a total investment of US$12.338 million, achieving an impressive ROI of US$101.04 for every dollar invested.
For those interested in joining the Portfolio, please contact Richard Assis via email at richard.assis@thinkplasticbrazil.com or visit the website thinkplasticbrazil.com
About ApexBrasil
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. To achieve its objectives, ApexBrasil carries out diversified trade promotion actions aimed at promoting exports and valuing Brazilian products and services abroad, such as prospective and commercial missions, business rounds, support for the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, visits of foreign buyers and opinion makers to learn about the Brazilian production structure, among other business platforms that also aim to strengthen the Brazil brand.
The Agency also works in a coordinated manner with public and private actors to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil, focusing on strategic sectors for developing the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country.
About INP
Founded in 1989, the Brazilian Plastics Institute (INP) emerged amid the process of globalization and the need to make the plastics market more competitive internationally. Its strength and representation are due to the union of the Brazilian Association of the Plastic Industry (ABIPLAST), the Brazilian Association of the Chemical Industry (ABIQUIM) and the Union of Synthetic Resin Industries in the State of São Paulo (SIRESP).
The objective of INP, as a sectoral technological entity, is to be the backbone of the entire plastic production chain in Brazil. To this end, the entity maintains an extensive workforce qualification program, promotes access to the most modern technologies, especially for small and medium-sized companies, and develops Technical Standards for the manufacture of better quality products.
