Journalist, educator, and sustainability subject-matter expert Kenn Busch and i+s are gearing up for a meaningful examination of the role of materials in commercial design with the latest iteration of the Material Intelligence: Destination NeoCon Pavilion this June. Visitors will find the next evolution of this interactive experience on the seventh floor (Location 7-5067) at The Mart in Chicago.
As in previous years, i+s has partnered with Busch’s organizations, Material Intelligence and Climate Positive NOW, to support in-person educational opportunities surrounding materials sustainability.
The central focus at the Material Intelligence pavilion is unpacking the challenges that designers, suppliers, and manufacturers face in balancing sustainability with design intent, and how they can learn from one another to better address them. “This isn’t just a showcase—it’s a conversation,” Busch told i+s. “We want to hear what designers need and adjust accordingly.”
Materials experts will be on hand to demystify the jargon, explain the impact of different features on carbon reduction, and make material data more comprehensible for designers—without sales pressure.
Big Ideas, Small Steps
As an educator in the interior and building products sector, Busch’s main objective is to make complex information easier to digest so that professionals can use it to their best advantage.
Within the framework of the Material Intelligence pavilion, he said, this means making the connection between the somewhat dry and granular—such as materials data sheets, third-party certifications and eco-labels, and other details that manufacturers supply—and the big picture for designers. How do these pieces of data create a story that supports their design narratives? How can they in turn translate that information into specification decisions that tie together performance, durability, and environmental impact for their clients?
It can seem a bit overwhelming, Busch acknowledged, but the point of the experiential and interactive format of the NeoCon space is to utilize the principles he follows in developing Material Intelligence educational resources, and help provide the level of context that designers need.
“The way to move the needle [on sustainability] is to help create a story that puts all these positives into context,” he said. Manufacturer and supplier SMEs involved in the pavilion will be tasked with communicating the necessary information on sustainability credentials, explaining carbon storage, and interpreting the products’ ability to align with carbon reduction goals in a way that the architecture and design (A&D) community can truly use.
Bit by bit, Busch said, it’s anticipated that cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration will continue to advance sustainability and carbon reduction steps by measuring the outcome of projects and determining where interior offerings can improve in the future. But the A&D community can’t hold out for immediate gratification. Each effort to increase the adoption and evolution of eco-friendly materials plays a valuable role in meeting decarbonization objectives.
“We can’t let ‘perfect’ be the enemy of the awesome,” Busch observed.
What You'll See
The hands-on Material Intelligence: Destination NeoCon space will offer both formal gallery-style displays and informal “flea market” table setups made from reusable pallets—a tactical decision to ensure a zero-waste footprint. Find the current lineup below; more vendors are sure to be added by the time we descend upon The Mart!
AMBTRA will debut four new 3DL thermofoil patterns that perfectly match Stevenswood boards—Takase Teak, Richmond Cherry, Bleached Walnut, and Dark Walnut—reinforcing their reputation for precision 3DL solutions. They will also introduce a fresh range of super matte colors and showcase their 3D PET offerings, including an eco-conscious recycled 3D PET Bright Ivory design. With an emphasis on sustainable innovation and seamless design matching, AMBTRA continues to expand the possibilities for premium surfaces.
Brass, bronze, and blackened metals set the tone for Chemetal’s bold new introductions at NeoCon this year. Look for shimmering architectural surfaces, new laser- and CNC-cut designs, and elegant champagne tones that bring a novel sophistication to metal in interiors. Chemetal will also showcase its iconic collection of classic metal designs, beloved by designers for adding timeless texture and richness to interior spaces.
Columbia Forest Products returns to NeoCon with a showcase of PureBond formaldehyde-free hardwood plywood panels, featuring beloved species like Walnut, White Oak, and Maple. Visitors can explore Columbia’s newest exposed-edge Maple panel and emerging innovations like cork composite and hemp-based faces. As champions of sustainable, high-performance wood products, the Columbia team invites designers to reimagine what’s possible with hardwood plywood.
Dackor will spotlight their latest 3D laminates engineered to match TFL, supporting greener design practices by reducing wood waste and landfill contributions. Their booth will also feature new scratch-resistant topcoats and expanded textures, delivering superior durability for high-traffic environments. From natural hues to bold finishes, Dackor’s newest collections offer versatile, eco-smart options for today’s most demanding projects.
Proud sponsor of the Materials Pavillion Lounge at NeoCon 2025, Interprint, Inc. is a designer and printer of decorative papers and films used as the design layer in laminate surfaces such as worktops, flooring, furniture, and retail fixtures.
Jacaranda will feature their new SanFoot Look Book, designed to inspire and simplify design conversations with premium sequenced, natural wood veneers across multiple substrates. In partnership with Modeacoustic, they will also showcase acoustic solutions that combine rich wood surfaces with effective sound management. Together, these offerings empower designers to achieve visual and acoustic harmony while maximizing design impact and investment.
Panolam Surface Systems brings the serene yet dynamic Ebb and Flow HPL collection from Pionite to NeoCon, a line inspired by nature’s rhythms and the human need for calm amidst chaos. Alongside new product debuts, Panolam will spotlight its Auburn, Maine, manufacturing team and community initiatives that strengthen workforce stability and reduce lead times. Sustainability also takes center stage as Panolam highlights its ongoing efforts to lower emissions and advance eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
Onyx responds to growing demand for recycled materials by presenting a curated collection of eco-conscious laminates from Formica, Wilsonart, and Abet Laminati, including reclaimed denim, terrazzo, kraft papers, banana fibers, and natural sisal. They’ll also spotlight their ever-popular glitter laminate offerings alongside other new designs. Attendees will be invited to share feedback, helping shape the next generation of Onyx’s dynamic surface materials.
RENOLIT brings a wide range of surface solutions to NeoCon with their ALKORCELL polypropylene decorative films and robust PET decorative surfaces. ALKORCELL offers a tactile, durable, and chemical-resistant finish in natural woods and bold patterns, while PET surfaces deliver anti-fingerprint, scratch-resistant performance ideal for cabinetry and furniture. With a focus on eco-friendly materials free of PVC and plasticizers, RENOLIT’s latest additions—including metallic finishes—combine technical excellence with elegant design.
Stevenswood is thrilled to unveil six stunning new EIR walnut designs, masterfully crafted to capture the rich texture and elegance of real veneer. Adding even more excitement, three fresh planked walnut styles are joining the lineup, offering a bold, on-trend look perfect for today’s interiors. These new introductions set a new standard for authentic, fashion-forward woodgrain surfaces.
Walston Architectural Products is showcasing their full range of decorative wall panels, including popular fluted, reeded, and slatted designs in 3D laminates. These panels combine precision craftsmanship with durable, design-forward, and uniquely textured finishes, offering architects and designers versatile solutions for high-end commercial interiors.
