Ambiente 2026: Ethical Design, Sustainable Textiles and the Beginning of a New Chapter
Being part of Ambiente 2026 has been an inspiring experience for us. One of the world’s leading international trade fairs for consumer goods, Ambiente is where design, functionality and sustainability meet, and where the future of home and lifestyle products is shaped.
This year, the fair has reaffirmed something we strongly believe in: sustainability is no longer a niche, but a shared responsibility. Taking part in Ambiente 2026, and especially being selected for Ethical Style by Ambiente, has been both an honour and a milestone for Arpe.
What is Ambiente and why it matters
Held annually in Frankfurt, Ambiente brings together brands, designers and professionals from across the globe. It is a key meeting point for companies working in home textiles, lifestyle, hospitality and gifting, all under one roof.
More than a trade fair, Ambiente reflects the direction the industry is taking. In recent years, topics such as ethical design, circular economy and responsible production have taken center stage. Buyers, distributors and retailers are no longer looking only for beautiful products, but for brands with purpose, transparency and long-term vision.
For us, being present at Ambiente 2026 meant sharing our approach to sustainable home textiles, listening to new perspectives and connecting with professionals who value quality, durability and conscious consumption.
Ethical Style by Ambiente: a recognition of responsible brands
One of the highlights of this edition has been our inclusion in Ethical Style by Ambiente. This curated selection recognizes brands that stand out for their commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing and environmentally responsible processes.
Being part of Ethical Style is not just a label, it is a recognition of the work that happens behind the scenes:
- Choosing recycled materials, such as microfiber made from post-consumer rPET
- Producing locally, with km0 manufacturing in Barcelona
- Combining craftsmanship and innovation under the concept of Artisans 2.0
- Designing products meant to last, both in quality and relevance
For Arpe, this recognition reinforces our belief that doing things differently is possible, even in a highly competitive global market.
Arpe’s vision: sustainable textiles made locally
At Arpe, we create high-quality microfiber towels and textile accessories designed for everyday use. Our products are handmade one by one, with care and intention, using recycled materials and controlled production processes.
Local manufacturing allows us to:
- Ensure consistent quality
- Reduce our environmental footprint
- Maintain fair working conditions
- Adapt quickly and responsibly to new needs
Sustainability, for us, is not a trend. It is a way of working that touches every decision from material selection to packaging, from product design to communication.
Ambiente 2026 has been the perfect space to explain this vision in person and to show how functional design and ethical values can coexist naturally.
From recognition to action: opening new markets
While receiving recognition is meaningful, we see it as the starting point, not the end.
Now that Ambiente 2026 has come to a close, the real work begins. Our presence at the fair has opened conversations with partners and distributors from new markets who are actively seeking sustainable, thoughtfully designed textile products.
Entering new markets means responsibility. It means adapting while staying true to our values:
- Keeping production local
- Preserving product quality
- Maintaining transparency
- Growing at a conscious, sustainable pace
We believe international expansion should never compromise the essence of a brand. For Arpe, growth only makes sense if it goes hand in hand with ethical production and long-term impact.
The role of sustainable gifting and conscious consumption
Another key topic at Ambiente 2026 has been sustainable gifting. More companies and individuals are choosing meaningful gifts; products that tell a story, serve a real purpose and align with their values.
Our microfiber textiles are increasingly used as:
- Thoughtful corporate gifts
- Welcome packs for hotels and events
- Everyday essentials with a sustainable focus
This shift towards conscious gifting confirms a broader change in consumer behavior: buying less, choosing better, and supporting brands that prioritize people and the planet.
What comes next
Participating in Ambiente 2026 and being part of Ethical Style has given us clarity and motivation. It has confirmed that our path (rooted in local production, recycled materials and responsible design) is the right one.
Looking ahead, our focus remains the same:
- Continue innovating within sustainable textiles
- Strengthen partnerships aligned with our values
- Introduce Arpe products to new markets responsibly
- Keep learning, improving and listening
The future of home textiles is not just about aesthetics or trends. It is about how products are made, why they exist and the impact they leave behind.
