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09. October 2024DESMA House Fair 2024: Get-together for the global footwear industry

„The DESMA House Fair is a must for us!” – „We cooperate very closely with DESMA. The great thing about the House Fair is that we can see our joint projects in action.” These are just two of the countless positive comments we received from satisfied customers and co-exhibitors at the DESMA House Fair 2024. Around 800 guests and 57 exhibitors came to Achim on 24 and 25 September. „In other words, we reached new record figures and once again made Achim the focal point of the international footwear business,” said DESMA Managing Director Klaus Freese.

In line with this year’s motto, „Pioneering.Together.”, many of you, dear customers and partners, had the chance to learn more about new trends and technologies, make new contacts and strengthen customer relations. From our many discussions with you, we know that you really appreciate this opportunity to share knowledge. You can meet up with „old friends” and get to know new partners, enjoy face-to-face talks and the cordial atmosphere at the DESMA House Fair. For many of you – and also for us – the House Fair has evolved into a kind of family reunion. „Despite its growth, the House Fair has retained its friendly character.” We really appreciate this feedback. Thank you so much for the consistently positive response.

New sustainable technology

One of the highlights at the House Fair was the presentation of our pioneering DESMA SCF technology (Super Critical Foaming). This system technology produces soles made of thermoplastic materials; this creates a microcellular foam that enables the production of soles that are extremely light but nevertheless deliver high performance. What’s more, these soles are recyclable and their production generates not only a low percentage of rejects, but also high production output. The first system equipped with this technology was presented at the House Fair and demonstrated in action, together with material partners.

Current trends: using AI in the design process

We also took this opportunity to present the „integrAIte” concept shoe. This PU boot was designed with the help of AI and produced on a DESMA direct soling system – an impressive combination of technology, design and production expertise. Furthermore, workshop participants designed another shoe for which the CAD and knitting pattern data were transmitted directly to a 3D printer and a 3D knitting machine. Within just a few hours, flexible prototypes for the sole and near-series uppers had been produced. „Design2Manufacturing is becoming more and more important,” stressed DESMA Managing Director Christian Decker. „At the House Fair we clearly showed that it is possible to reduce the time from the shoe design and prototype production through to series production to just a few days or even hours. The combination of all the methods shown delivers undreamt-of possibilities for footwear producers,” said DESMA’s Managing Director.

PFI Eco-Label

In the course of the House Fair, DESMA was awarded the PFI Eco-Label by the Test and Research Institute Pirmasens (PFI). Dr Kerstin Schulte, Director of the Institute, presented the certificate which confirms that DESMA actively contributes to climate protection, promotes the transition to a circular economy, protects eco-systems, optimises energy efficiency and uses renewable energy.

For further information, reports and photos of the DESMA House Fair click here.

We would like to take this opportunity of thanking you, our customers and partners, for your active participation, your suggestions and contributions to the discussions. We look forward to seeing you again at the next DESMA House Fair in 2026, when we will also be celebrating our anniversary of 80 years in business.