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Hong Kong, 27 January 2025. The 23rd Hong Kong International Stationery &amp; School Supplies Fair wrapped up on 9 January 2025 following four days of lively business development and networking. 130 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions showcased a diverse array of stationery products. Among the 102 countries and regions represented by over 14,000 buyers, notable international attendees hailed from Mainland China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and the US. This edition highlighted the further evolution of products towards green practices and digital technology, aligning industry professionals with the latest, often interrelated advancements shaping the stationery market.

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 International buyers explore the 23rd Hong Kong International Stationery &amp; School Supplies Fair Source: Messe Frankfurt
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Speaking at the fair’s conclusion, Ms Judy Cheung, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “This year’s fair shone brightly on stationery’s timeless and adaptive appeal, presenting traditional favourites alongside new innovations driven by digitalisation and sustainable initiatives. Featured products included recycled notebooks, backpacks, water bottles, and lunch bags, all designed with creative prints and cutting-edge technologies. These innovations enable customisable designs that allow for personal expression. The increase in buyer numbers reflects a growing interest in the industry, while the enthusiastic feedback from participants underscores the fair as a vital platform for industry players to connect, innovate, and drive growth in the stationery and school supply sector across Asia.” Exhibitors forge sustainable pathways to success The 2025 edition featured a diverse lineup of exhibitors who adapted to the increasing demand for technological advancement and sustainability. Many exhibitors demonstrated a strong commitment to eco-friendly innovations and production practices, influenced by global ESG standards. Mr Guilherme Machado, Export Manager of Marshmallow, Portugal, highlighted the importance of these trends: “This is our first time exhibiting at the show, and it has enabled us to connect with our target audience and engage with around 50 new customers. Most of our backpacks are crafted from recycled and recyclable fabrics, working towards our company’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035. We are proud to hold ISO 9001 certification for school backpack production. In addition, digitalisation plays a key role in our daily operations – we leverage cutting-edge technologies to stay at the forefront of innovation.” Similarly, Mr Zhang Ganlu, General Manager of Wenzhou Legua Stationery Co Ltd, Mainland China, elaborated on their approach towards a resource-efficient design and production of folders, document bags, zippered pouches, and more: “This fair has expanded our customer base and deepened our understanding of industry trends. The stationery market is shifting from large bulk orders to smaller, more frequent orders, driven by e-commerce and changing consumer preferences. We prioritise sustainability by creating recyclable products from materials like wheat straw, coffee grounds, and sugarcane residue. We are also integrating AI technology into our design and management processes to optimise patterns quickly, reduce paper usage, and improve resource management.” As a first-time exhibitor, Ms Shirley Xia, Sales Specialist of Shanghai TianMao Stationery Co Ltd, Mainland China, echoed these sentiments: “We are an art supplies manufacturer, producing items like crayons, pastels, art and painting sets, and sketching and watercolour kits. The fair helped us expand our business network and showcased innovative practices within the sector. With the rising demand for water-based paints and a reduced plastic usage due to strict ESG requirements in Europe, we are focusing on sustainable development in our products. We believe the demand for eco-friendly products will continue to grow.” Buyers expanded networks in the direction of innovation Many buyers actively sought out digital elements in products, recognising digitalisation’s vital role in creating personalised products to meet individual needs and enhance traditional offerings. Local buyer, Mr Chandru Mirchandani, Managing Director of Kayes International &amp; Regal Charm Limited, shared his experience: “This is my second visit to the show, and I returned primarily because it is in a centralised location for sourcing a wide range of products. The customisable bags, pencil cases, and water bottles exhibited here have breathed new life into basic items. Customisation is a key factor when identifying new products for our diverse clients.” Highlighting the importance of innovation in the industry, Ms Christina C Chan, General Manager of Business Development &amp; International Relations of The RVI Group, Singapore, said: “I find the fair to be very influential because it provides a one-stop platform for buyers and suppliers to connect directly. In the short time I have been here, I have already met suppliers from UAE and Mainland China, and collected novel product samples. While digital learning is becoming more prominent, traditional tools like pen and paper remain foundational in education. The future of the stationery industry will depend heavily on its ability to innovate.” Lastly, Ms Nomitsu Chia, Managing Director of Bonuswara Sdn Bhd, Malaysia, expressed her satisfaction with the fair: “I believe we are entering an AI-driven era, which will bring many exciting breakthroughs and new products to meet market demands. As a buyer, I prioritise sustainability and child safety when making purchases. I’m specifically looking for safe art supplies for kids, like crayons, sandpaper, and clay, and this fair has exposed me to unique products and brands not available in my country.” Fringe programme: a hub for emerging trends and fresh ideas This year’s fringe programme featured insightful seminars addressing key developments in the stationery industry, including topics such as innovation for a sustainable future and artistic expression through stationery. Speaker of the presentation The Evolution of Stationery in the Digital Era, Mr Mike Cheung, Account Technology Specialist of Microsoft Hong Kong, shared: “To effectively market stationery products to adults, we should focus on the stories behind each item and emphasise their unique features and inherent value. AI can streamline administrative tasks, allowing companies to focus on research and development, particularly in response to the growing demand for personalised stationery products that cater to individual preferences. Finding a balance between technology and sustainability remains vital, ensuring that our innovations align with a commitment to eco-friendly practices for a brighter future in our industry. I was impressed by the turnout at this year's fair, which reflects the industry's resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing market.” Organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the fair was held concurrently with the HKTDC’s Hong Kong Toys &amp; Games Fair and the Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, providing a one-stop sourcing platform and crossover business opportunities for participants. The next edition will take place from 12 – 15 January 2026. Press information and photographic material: <a class="vep-hyperlink" href="https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkstationeryfair/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkstationeryfair/en</a>Links social media pages: <a class="vep-hyperlink" href="https://www.facebook.com/hongkongstationeryfair/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/hongkongstationeryfair/</a> <a class="vep-hyperlink" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/hk-intl-stationery-school-supplies-fair/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.linkedin.com/company/hk-intl-stationery-school-supplies-fair/</a> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-13865" src="https://vep-tradeshow.hktdc.com/event/hkstationeryfair/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2025/01/messe_frankfurt.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /> Your contact: Flora To Phone: +852 2230 9226 <a class="vep-hyperlink" href="mailto:Flora.to@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com">Flora.to@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com</a> Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd 35/F China Resources Building 26 Harbour Road, Wanchai Hong Kong <a class="vep-hyperlink" href="http://www.messefrankfurt.com.hk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.messefrankfurt.com.hk</a>

Background information on Messe Frankfurt The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,500* people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 28 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2024 were around € 780* million. We serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs &amp; Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt’s key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.For more information, please visit our website at:<a class="vep-hyperlink" href="http://www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability</a> With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent). For more information, please visit our website at: <a class="vep-hyperlink" href="https://www.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.messefrankfurt.com</a> * Preliminary figures for 2024

About the HKTDC The <a href="https://www.hktdc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)</a> is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 <a href="https://aboutus.hktdc.com/en/#global-network" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offices</a> globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises <a href="https://event.hktdc.com/?eventFormat=Exhibition&amp;location=all" target="_blank" rel="noopener">international exhibitions</a>, <a href="https://event.hktdc.com/?eventFormat=ConferenceForum&amp;location=all" target="_blank" rel="noopener">conferences</a> and <a href="https://event.hktdc.com/?location=all" target="_blank" rel="noopener">business missions</a> to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via <a href="http://research.hktdc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research reports</a> and <a href="http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">digital news channels</a>. For more information, please visit: <a href="http://www.hktdc.com/aboutus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.hktdc.com/aboutus. </a>Follow us on <a href="https://www.twitter.com/hktdc"><img src="https://vep-tradeshow.hktdc.com/event/hkwatchfair/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2022/05/icons__twitter.png" alt="Twitter" width="25" height="25" /></a> Twitter @hktdc and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-council"><img src="https://vep-tradeshow.hktdc.com/event/hkwatchfair/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2022/05/icons__linkedin.png" alt="Linkedin" width="25" height="25" /></a> LinkedIn

Hong Kong, 27 January 2025. The 23rd Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair wrapped up on 9 January 2025 following four days of lively business development and networking. 130 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions showcased a diverse array of stationery products. Among the 102 countries and regions represented by over 14,000 buyers, notable international attendees hailed from Mainland China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and the US. This edition highlighted the further evolution of products towards green practices and digital technology, aligning industry professionals with the latest, often interrelated advancements shaping the stationery market.