The City of Seoul and the Seoul Design Foundation are recruiting 20 companies until May 6 that develop and hold sustainable design products and services, to support finding sales channels and marketing in the ‘Sustainable Design Support Project.’
‘Sustainable design’ refers to products and services designed by considering environmental, social, and economic impacts in the entire process from development, production, consumption, to disposal. This project aims to discover small and medium-sized design companies that align with this value, enhance the marketability of sustainable products, and help secure online and offline distribution channels.
Last year, Seoul selected 40 products from 22 companies and supported customized consulting, participation in the Paris Maison & Objet exhibition, entry into online shopping malls, and participation in local marketing events. This year, the scope is expanded to advance into overseas markets, providing opportunities to enter Amazon, participate in famous international design fairs, and strengthen global buyer matching.
The eligibility criteria are design specialist companies or design-led companies based in Seoul, and they can submit up to three new products developed within the last three years per company. Selected companies will receive various supports such as 1:1 consulting, participation in Seoul Design Week, entry into DDP Design Store, and marketing using the Green Chips brand until November after expert evaluation in May.
Choi In-gyu, a design policy officer of Seoul City, stated, “Sustainable design is an essential strategy for future generations, such as reducing waste, recycling resources, and enhancing energy efficiency,” and expressed an aspiration to realize ‘Accompanying·Attractive Special Seoul’ through the expansion of the ecosystem and value propagation of the sustainable design market.