[Maison&Objet] REVELOP: “Implementing Green Designs for the Next Generation”

The Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP) participates annually in Maison&Objet Paris, the international fair showcasing "decoration, design, and lifestyle" consumer goods. KIDP's Design Korea Exhibition Hall at the event has served as a steppingstone for small and medium-sized businesses with design excellence to reach broader exposure and market opportunities.
This year, KIDP is participating from September 5 to September 9, joined by Korean design businesses showcasing furniture, stationery, tableware, and more. In collaboration with IT Donga, we are introducing 23 design-driven small and medium enterprises participating in Maison&Objet Design Korea.

REVELOP is a company dedicated to achieving its mission of creating “designs for the next generation” by applying green designs to its products. The company develops a variety of eco-friendly design products to assist green consumers in making healthier choices. At the 2024 Maison&Objet, REVELOP will showcase a toothbrush made from eco-friendly materials and designs. We spoke with Lee Junseo, CEO of REVELOP, to learn more about the product.

Lee Junseo, CEO of REVELOP / Source: REVELOP

Maison&Objet is considered the world’s largest interior design and home decor exhibition, offering opportunities to explore the latest trends in global design and to network within the industry. REVELOP will present the Laudual Head-Up Toothbrush at the 2024 Maison&Objet, which will be held in September in Paris, France.

Laudual Head-Up Toothbrush Design / Source: REVELOP

Lee Junseo, CEO of REVELOP, explained, “The handle of the Laudual Head-Up Toothbrush is made from PHA (Poly Hydroxy Alkanoate), a biodegradable plastic material. The bristles use recycled filaments containing 56% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled Material), making it an extremely eco-friendly product. The toothbrush head is designed so that it doesn’t touch the ground, allowing users to enjoy a more hygienic experience.”

LAUDUAL HEAD-UP Toothbrush Design / Source: REVELOP

He continued, “We have been participating in Maison&Objet since 2012, and our first exhibition remains the most memorable. At that time, REVELOP’s eco-friendly products were not widely recognized in Korea. However, our participation in Maison&Objet led to successful partnerships with many international buyers, including MoMA in the U.S. and MERCI in France. Although not every participation has resulted in immediate success, even unsuccessful negotiations have been valuable learning experiences. For instance, when a deal fell through, we consulted with buyers to identify our brand’s shortcomings and incorporated that feedback into our development process. This has allowed us to address issues and improve our products in subsequent design cycles.”

REVELOP plans to actively pursue international markets through Maison&Objet.

Lee Junseo added, “We plan to continue participating in Maison&Objet in the future due to the growing global demand for eco-friendly products. The EU is at the forefront of enforcing regulations that mandate the use of eco-friendly products, and we expect that leading buyers will increasingly favor products that comply with these standards. For example, we are preparing to introduce a product that combines concrete with seashells—often considered marine waste—to contribute to marine environmental improvement. We are eager to see how international buyers will respond to this innovative approach.”

He also noted, “The ongoing support from the Korea Institute of Design Promotion has been crucial to our consistent presence at Maison&Objet. Besides supporting our participation in the 2024 exhibition, they also backed our London show in 2014. During that event, we showcased a product made from biodegradable plastic combined with coffee grounds to repurpose coffee waste. This innovation was recognized by the UK's Material Library, leading to an opportunity to display our raw materials.”

REVELOP intends to continue launching a variety of products that incorporate green energy.

Lee Junseo concluded, “We aim to continuously introduce valuable products by integrating new eco-friendly materials, to create a more enjoyable eco-life. We are committed to not only developing innovative products but also creating sustainable value throughout our production and distribution processes. Our mission is to advance green designs for the next generation.”

Kim Dong-jin (kdj@itdonga.com)