1 5 9 The Innovation Lounge allows cruise ship interior design companies to showcase their most innovative and sustainable products Sadolin, citing Covid-related restrictions and the loss of people in the industry as the main challenges. “When people were eventually able to visit the space, their reactions were extremely positive and they were amazed with the concept and the possibilities it creates,” says Sadolin. “Most people say things like, ‘this is definitely the future’, ‘this is amazing’, and ‘it’s so great to have a one-stop-show directly here in Miami’. It was a tough time to start this venture, but it was also the right time to do it.” Following the positive feedback from both the cruise and hospitality sectors, Shores developed the innovation lounge virtual marketplace (ILM) and is opening another physical showroom in Hamburg, Germany, in September 2022. “This year we are also introducing the CircoHUB knowledge platform in partnership with sustainability expert Siu Lie Tan,” says Sadolin. “By sharing information on sustainability and circular design strategies, we aim to take sustainability in the industry to an even higher level. Having these resources in one place will make it easier for operators to access the sustainability specifications of products, thereby expediting the design and purchasing processes. “Technological innovation and development in eco-design is essential for the green transition, but social innovation is also necessary to achieve a true circular economy. The CircoHUB facilitates the exchange of experience and knowledge whilst simultaneously functioning as a meeting place for potential ecosystem partners.” Sadolin also plans to create physical CircoHUBs in Florida, northern Europe and southern Europe where materials can be collected, recycled and upcycled. “In the next 12-18 months, the cruise industry will be booming again, and there will be a greater focus towards a sustainable future,” says Sadolin. “Eco-design will be the future for interiors and there will be an emphasis on quality and long life cycles. We are confident that the innovation lounge concept will evolve as partnerships, brainstorming and cooperation between companies become even more important. “The Innovation Lounge is definitely the future of sourcing and purchasing in the cruise industry.” CFR
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