Introduction
The 137th edition of the Canton Fair, held in Guangzhou, China, once again cemented its reputation as the world’s leading platform for international trade. For Leisure Touch, this year’s participation from 23-27 April marked a milestone in our journey to connect with global partners, showcase our cutting-edge products and reinforce our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Focusing on synthetic rattan sheets for decorative projects and synthetic rattan and wood plastic for outdoor furniture, our stand became a hub of inspiration for architects, designers and buyers from over 50 countries.
This article dives into the highlights of our involvement, the global response to our offerings and the vision for the future that positions Leisure Touch Rattan as a leader in environmentally friendly, durable and aesthetically versatile materials.
Canton Fair: A world stage for innovation
The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) is a biannual event that attracts more than 25,000 exhibitors and 200,000 international buyers. For decades it has served as a bridge between Chinese manufacturers and the global marketplace, fostering partnerships that move industries forward. This year’s show emphasised sustainability, smart manufacturing and cross-border collaboration, themes that fit perfectly with Leisure Touch Rattan’s mission.
Our decision to participate in Phase 2, dedicated to Furniture, home décor and outdoor products, allowed us to target a specialised audience of architects, furniture manufacturers and hotel developers looking for premium materials for high-end projects.
Our products: synthetic rattan and plastic wood laminates
Combining aesthetics, durability and sustainability
At the centre of our display were two product lines designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, low-maintenance materials in residential, commercial and hospitality projects:
- Synthetic rattan sheets for decorative projects.
Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and UV-resistant polymers, our synthetic rattan sheets combine the timeless elegance of natural rattan with unrivalled durability. Key features include:
Weather Resistance: Withstands extreme temperatures, humidity and UV exposure without fading or cracking.
Customisable: Available in over 20 weaves (e.g. herringbone, square, diagonal) and colours to suit various design aesthetics.
Environmentally friendly: Made from 100% recyclable materials, it supports the principles of the circular economy.
Applications:
Wall cladding, ceiling decoration and partition screens for hotels, restaurants and luxury residences.
Customisable textures for interior designers looking for organic and modern finishes.
- Synthetic Rattan and Wood Plastic for Outdoor Furniture.
These innovative materials represent a breakthrough in the outdoor furniture manufacturing industry, creating a revolutionary solution for outdoor furniture lovers. Highlights:
All-weather performance: rot, insect and moisture resistant, ideal for coastal or rainy climates.
Lightweight yet strong: Allows for sleek, contemporary designs without compromising load-bearing capacity.
Low maintenance: No painting, sealing or annual maintenance required.
Applications:
Patio furniture sets, restaurants, for resorts and residential projects.
Modular furniture systems for streetscapes and public spaces.
Customer reactions: “Quality meets vision”
The response to our products was overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising their versatility, craftsmanship and alignment with global sustainability trends.
- A. Testimonials from Key Markets.
European buyers: Architects from Italy and Spain highlighted the potential of synthetic rattan slats for luxury boutique hotels. One commented: “The balance between aesthetics and functionality is rare. This material could redefine indoor and outdoor living”.
South American distributors: Furniture manufacturers in Colombia and Argentina expressed interest in replacing traditional teak and wicker with our composite materials. The durability metrics are impressive. This solves the problem of ‘seasonal wear and tear,’ noted a buyer from Bogota.
Developers in the Middle East and Asia: Customers in Dubai, Singapore and Thailand looked at large-scale contracts for plastic wood and plastic rattan sheeting for resort projects.
- B. Sustainability as a Selling Point.
At a time when global markets are prioritising ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, the green profile of our materials struck a chord. Buyers appreciated:
Reduced carbon footprint: Production processes minimise waste and energy consumption.
Longevity: Products last longer than natural alternatives, reducing replacement cycles.
Certifications: REACH compliance, ISO 14001.
Trends Shaping the Future of Decorative and Outdoor Materials
Our interactions at the show revealed several trends that will influence the industry in 2025 and beyond:
Hybrid spaces: The blurred lines between indoor and outdoor areas require materials that work well in both environments.
Customisation: Clients are looking for bespoke solutions for branded or themed projects (e.g. colours to match corporate logos).
Smart materials: Integration of IoT-enabled elements (e.g. weaving rattan around garden lighting fixtures).
Post-Fair Strategy
The Canton Fair generated more than 300 qualified contacts, including distributors, OEMs and project developers. Our post-show action plan includes
Customised follow-up: Sending product samples and MOQ (minimum order quantity) guides based on customer needs.
Project customisation: Launch of 3D configurators for buyers to visualise customised designs.
Collaborative R&D: Partnering with Middle Eastern designers to create exclusive collections.
FAQ
- At the Canton Fair you presented your synthetic rattan and wood-plastic products. What was the inspiration for these product lines?
Our inspiration comes from two global changes: the demand for sustainable materials and the rise of hybrid spaces. Customers no longer want to choose between aesthetics and durability – they want both. Synthetic rattan slats, for example, respond to the need for versatility between indoors and outdoors. Designers are creating living rooms that flow seamlessly from living rooms to gardens, and our materials support that transition perfectly.
- Sustainability is a key selling point. How does your production process conform to the principles of the circular economy?
We start with recycled plastics from high-density polyethylene and fibres from agricultural waste, which we divert from landfill. Our manufacturing uses renewable energy and closed-loop water systems, which reduces waste by 95% compared to traditional methods. Even our offcuts are reused in smaller decorative items such as flower pots or lampshades. It’s about rethinking every step to minimise environmental impact.
- What comments from visitors to the Canton Fair surprised you the most?
The enthusiasm for customisation. One hotel developer in Dubai wanted rattan sheets dyed to match his brand’s gold and emerald colour scheme. Another asked for fire retardant cladding for skyscraper balcony screens. This reinforces the idea that customers see our products as a canvas for their creativity, not just a raw material.
- Which trends will dominate outdoor and decorative materials in 2026?
Three trends stand out:
- Biophilic design: Incorporating natural textures (such as rattan fabrics) into urban spaces to enhance wellbeing.
- Modularity: Furniture that can be reconfigured for compact living or pop-up living.
- Technology integration: Think rattan with integrated LED lighting or humidity sensors for smart gardens.
Conclusion
Trade fairs are an important part of business development. They can bring many benefits, such as product and service promotion, business contacts, brand awareness, sales opportunities and competitive advantage. By participating in trade fairs, companies can follow the evolution of the sector and take advantage of new opportunities to grow their business. This is an opportunity that our company takes every year to get to know our customers closely, offer solutions to their needs and help them in every possible way so that they can grow their business and projects.
Our success at the Canton Fair underscores the global demand for materials that harmonise beauty, durability and environmental responsibility. As Leisure touch rattan prepares for this year’s second Canton Fair in October at the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou, we remain committed to pushing boundaries and empowering our partners to create spaces that inspire.
