In The Making at Material Matters 2025

tp bennett returns to the London Design Festival’s Material Matters fair with a compelling new exhibition titled In The Making 2.0. Hosted at the iconic Space House in central London and curated in partnership with Future Works, the innovation partner of The Furniture Practice, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the environmental impact of design and the evolving role of materials in shaping a more responsible future.

Material Matters, the only trade fair within the London Design Festival, is a platform for exploring material intelligence, sustainability, and innovation. This year, the fair takes place from 17–20 September 2025, occupying an entire floor of Space House.

In The Making 2.0 builds on the success of last year’s edition by addressing the true cost of what we create, from raw material extraction to manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. The exhibition is structured around three elemental zones: Land, Water, and Atmosphere, echoing the original environmentalist framework and offering a thematic lens through which to explore material impact.

Each zone features curated contributions from leading suppliers who are committed to safeguarding natural resources and are redefining how materials are sourced, processed, and maintained. This year’s participants include:

ATMOSPHERE

• AkzoNobel – specialists in sustainable coatings and finishes
• Tarkett – pioneers in circular flooring solutions
• Impact Acoustic – creators of acoustic solutions, using low-impact recycled, circular and natural materials

WATER

• Alusid – innovators in material reuse and transformation
• Kvadrat – leaders in textile innovation and recycling
• Andreu World – experts in materials and manufacturing innovation of seating and tables

LAND

• Domus – experts in architectural surfaces and responsible sourcing
• Arper – known for elegant, sustainable furniture systems
• Modus – advocates of low-impact furniture manufacturing

Together, these companies will showcase how design decisions can mitigate harm to our planet’s ecosystems and promote regenerative practices. From avoiding raw material extraction to eliminating harmful adhesives and enabling repair, the exhibition highlights the intelligence embedded in material choices.

In the Making 2.0 will also showcase the exhibitors’ expertise and perspectives, with a ‘Talks’ space adjacent to the exhibition. This area will host three talks aligning with the themes of the exhibition – Land, Water and Atmosphere – and will feature a guest panellist from a charity dedicated to the protection of each. These events reinforce the exhibition’s role as a space for collaboration and exchange of ideas.

“We see sustainability not as a trend but as a responsibility embedded in every design decision. In The Making 2.0 is our way of challenging the industry to look beyond aesthetics and functionality, and to consider the full lifecycle and environmental impact of the materials we choose” said Chris Webb, Head of Sustainability at tp bennett.

“By curating this exhibition, we aim to spotlight the suppliers who are leading the way in material innovation and transparency, showing that intelligent design begins with informed choices. This is about shifting the conversation from what looks good to what does good and helping architects and designers make decisions that support a regenerative future” added Lucy Bagshaw, Project Director at tp bennett.

By placing responsibility at the heart of creativity, tp bennett and The Furniture Practice are challenging the industry to rethink how and why we make.

Material Matters 2025
17–20 September 2025
Space House, 1 Kemble Street, London WC2B 4AN
Register here The Fair — Material Matters