Polyclose 2024 'Back to Business'

After several years of a trade fair drought, things picked up a bit last year with the postponed Polyclose, held in Ghent at the end of August, beginning of September. A strange sensation of course, an awning fair when the season is almost over, but the initiative was nevertheless much appreciated by both visitors and exhibitors: after all, personal contact on the fair floor was back after a difficult period! In January 2024, with the 21st edition of Polyclose, it will be "Back to Business. Polyclose opens the sun protection season again. The industry is already looking forward to it. 

From January 17 to 19, 2024 the leaders in the world of window, door, sun protection, façade and access technology will gather in Flanders Expo in Ghent for the 21st time for the renowned trade and network exhibition Polyclose. For three days, visitors active in these sectors can find inspiration, see new releases and admire innovations at leading Belgian, Dutch, German, French and other European exhibitors. 

Because of developments around the world, issues such as energy-saving climate control, ventilation, modern home comfort, including through modern drives and controls, and a focus on sustainability and circularity are - unsurprisingly - more central than ever. "New applications will be unveiled in firsts and there will be numerous live demonstrations for installers," the organization promises. In addition to many familiar exhibitors who have acted at Polyclose for many years, newcomers will also present themselves to the market for the first time. This ensures liveliness and new impetus and makes the industry even more relevant for trade specialists. 

It is not only exhibitors and what they have to show that make Polyclose relevant, but of course also the visitors. For three days, the organization expects some 14,000 professionals from the various industries represented at Polyclose, about a quarter of whom will be from the Netherlands. "That makes Polyclose an efficient, but also pleasant opportunity to make many contacts in a relatively short time and to keep up to date with the latest developments and innovations in the world of window, door, sun protection, façade and access technology," the organization says.

Where are the emphases?

The ambition of the organization is to once again make this edition of Polyclose an international meeting place for the building of tomorrow. The challenges of our time are clear. Building involves more and more sustainability and circularity requirements. Functionality, living comfort and design must go hand in hand. Contractors, architects and building owners/clients can learn about the latest solutions and developments in energy efficiency, safety and sustainability at Polyclose. 

The trend of sleek and ultra-slim window profiles with large glass surfaces continues to grow, with all the possible challenges in terms of installation, insulation, ventilation and shading. Doors have to score high not only in terms of design, but also in terms of burglary protection and insulation. In facade construction, high-quality films have made their definitive appearance. In addition to being aesthetic, durable and exceptionally versatile, there are also solar, burglar and even soundproof films on the market. 

Screen awnings, whether automated or not, have been on the rise in recent decades to prevent heating inside homes and buildings and reduce energy consumption - cooling energy; cooling requires much more energy than heating. Unlike in the past, architects are increasingly integrating solar shading - by necessity - as a facade element. Minimalism is often a guiding theme here so as not to disrupt the facade appearance. Another rapidly continuing development is that contemporary sun protection systems increasingly have their own energy supply, powered by a solar panel.  

Another product category that is very important - not least to increase home comfort - is insect protection. Thanks to mild winters, the insect season and thus the insect screen season is getting longer and longer. Insect screens must also fit the trend of seamless window, door and gable styles. The days of self-made screens are now far behind us. 

Outdoor living - outdoor living - is a movement that took off about 15 years ago. It is not a hype, but has proved to be a keeper. Products for outdoor living, especially patio coverings, have become an integral part of the awning specialist's product range. They are increasingly becoming an extension of the interior of the home and adapted to personal style. It is therefore no surprise that versatile canopies - attached or free-standing, in different materials - and related products will be prominently featured at Polyclose.

"We are very pleased with the registrations so far and confident that we will experience a successful trade show in 2024," said organizer Guy Martens. "We are proud to create an environment where professionals can network, exchange knowledge and be inspired by the latest developments. Polyclose encourages growth and progress in the industry, which is increasingly focused on sustainability, and provides valuable business opportunities for all participants." 

Polyclose in brief

Polyclose has been offering an overview of everything that opens and closes on and in facades, including gates and fences, since 1991. Exhibitors are mainly active in: alu-profiles, alu-systems, automation, biometric systems, building hardware, coating, door systems, seals, tools, facades, glass and accessories, plastic profiles, plastic systems, machinery, gates, roller shutters, locks, software, steel systems, access control, ventilation systems, fly screens and sun blinds.

Visitors to the networking and trade fair are mainly active in: aluminum and plastic processing, architecture and engineering offices, automation and access control, construction, security, glass, windows and doors, joinery, ventilation, blinds and shutters and outdoor living.

Practical

- Location: Flanders Expo in Ghent (Belgium) - Hall 1, 4 and 6
- Dates: Wednesday, Jan. 17, Thursday, Jan. 18 and Friday, Jan. 19, 2024
- Opening hours: from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with evening opening until 8 p.m. on Thursdays

– Free admission for professionals: register in advance at www.polyclose.be with code PP4063268

- Exhibitor list: see www.polyclose.be
- Interested exhibitors can register at [email protected]