Gift Focus - May/Jun 2019 (Issue 113)

97 HOT PROPERTY  Boutique bedding specialist Dreamtex Ltd has partnered with National Geographic to launch a recycled bedding collection in a deal brokered by IMG. In what’s reported to be a market first, Dreamtex is working with Repreve, a performance fibre made from recycled plastic bottles, to apply National Geographic designs across a bedlinen range made from this new and ethical material. National Geographic launched its Planet or Plastic multiyear mission in May 2018, aiming to reduce the amount of single- use plastic that enters the world’s oceans. As a brand with a rich history of discovery and exploration, this new bedding range is a great example of how the mission can extend beyond National Geographic’s global media platforms and into licensing and merchandising strategy. Launching in spring/ summer 2019 across the UK, the product will be sold in recycled packaging with no polythene bags or single-use plastic used. “Billions of plastic bottles go into landfills or the ocean every year. The fibre created by Repreve is already being transformed into athletic and fashion apparel, making a big difference for our future,” commented Anthony Duckworth, managing director of Dreamtex Ltd. “They have already recycled more than 10 billion plastic bottles. This new fabric really excited us, and we wanted to find the perfect brand for our initial concept. National Geographic is one of the most recognised and respected science and education organisations in the world, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with this iconic brand, which is already leading the charge re consumer engagement around the urgent and global issue of ocean plastic waste.” National Geographic’s director of UK licensing, Helena Mansell-Stopher, added: “The collection is further proof of how we are using our core values to create a meaningful consumer products strategy that creates premium consumer experiences that encourage the use of sustainable product to drive consumer change. More than a third of proceeds made by our consumer products is reinvested directly into the non-profit National Geographic Society. By partnering with Dreamtex to create this new range, consumers now have more opportunities to support National Geographic’s mission to create a planet in balance.” Natalie Horne, senior licensing director, IMG said: “We consider National Geographic and Dreamtex to be the ideal collaborating partners. The new range underpins both of their brands, values and dedication to protect the planet, and we look forward to its launch this year.” LICENSING AWARDS 2019 OPEN FOR ENTRIES The 2019 UK Licensing Awards are now open for entries, kicking off the countdown to the awards ceremony on 10 th September. The awards are free to enter and cover all aspects of UK licensing. Categories include: Product Awards for ranges of licensed products, Retailer Awards for retailers of licensed merchandise, Licensed Retail Marketing Initiative for a specific UK marketing campaign run by a retailer to support a licensed range, Property Awards for specific licensed properties, Licensed Promotions Campaign for a specific licensing marketing promotion and the Honorary Achievement Award to recognise an individual’s outstanding contribution to the industry. This year also sees the introduction of the Best Gaming Licensed Property. In addition, for the fourth year, the LIMA Rising Star Award will be affiliated with The Licensing Awards. The headline sponsor is once again Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), while the awards are officially supported by LIMA, the licensing industry’s trade association. “The Licensing Awards are as ingrained in the industry calendar as BLE, and for very good reason,” commented Anna Knight, event director for BLE. “It’s an amazing event that recognises and rewards the very best of the best in this market, from manufacturers and marketers to retailers and brand owners.” The closing date for entering the licensed product award categories is 31 st May, 2019, and the deadline for entries to the Property Awards is the 28 th June, 2019. The deadline for submissions for the LIMA UK Rising Star Award is 12 th June, 2019. The award is open to any individuals under the age of 30 working in the industry. Tickets and tables are also on sale for the awards, which will take place in The Great Room in The Grosvenor House Hotel in London. More than 1,400 retailers, licensees and industry suppliers will be in attendance. For more information, visit thelicensingawards.co.uk Dreamtex partners with National Geographic to launch recycled bedding col lection