STORY / PUBLIC SOURCE RECORD
Crafting a Norwegian design success story in New York
- Published 8 August 2024; updated 4 August 2026; estimated reading time 5 minutes. The article describes a 2023 Innovation Norway Global Growth programme that brought ten Norwegian design companies to New York with Norsk Industri–Designindustrien and the Royal Norwegian Consulate General. It says participants met distributors, retailers, editors and PR agencies, secured relationships/agreements and gained US-market knowledge. Innovation Norway New York senior adviser Antonio Raposo says Norwegian products’ quality, sustainability and natural materials resonate with American consumers.
- It identifies the US as the largest export market for Norwegian design in recent years, with growth reportedly outpacing European markets. Examples include Eikund furniture made from sustainable wood, leather and textiles; and Lundhs high-end countertops/tiles from Norwegian Larvik stone.
- Five participating companies—Eikund, Hadeland Glassverk, Heymat, Lundhs and Norvigroup Norsk Dun—then organised Oslo First in June 2024 with Norsk Industri–Designindustrien and the New York consulate. They hosted 30 US dealers/buyers for a two-day showcase, guided visits to Oslo design landmarks and a mini trade fair before the group travelled to Copenhagen’s 3daysofdesign. Eikund CEO Jørgen Tengesdal says the goal was visibility and durable exporter/buyer relationships.
- Company sustainability details: Eikund emphasises traceable sustainable wood and leather/textile treatments using fewer chemicals; Hadeland Glassverk combines traditional craft techniques and durable glass; Heymat uses 100% recycled PET on commercial carpet tiles and 20% recycled content in rubber backing; Lundhs promotes durable Larvik stone designed for disassembly/reuse; Norvigroup Norsk Dun sells traceable, ethically sourced European down and describes sustainability measures spanning certifications, packaging and take-back/circular return.
- Related content links to the earlier New York programme article, Heymat’s commercial entrance-flooring solution and the Manufacturing and design industry page. No direct contact block is shown.