Artificial flowers

	The SA0872MH artificial roses from Yantai Fuang Shing are made of polyester.

Makers are boosting sales and venturing into designs using fresh combinations of materials and finishes to catch buyer interest.

China’s home furnishings industry continues to grow, albeit at a decelerating pace. Customs statistics show that the country exported $1.4 billion worth of artificial flowers, candles and decorative glassware in 2008, up 19 percent from the previous year. Despite a 15 percent increase in the average per-unit value, sales figures still pale in comparison with the 79 percent YoY rise in 2007.

Amid the economic crisis, companies are pointing to the ailing US and EU markets as the biggest factor behind waning exports. Stricter product standards and anti-dumping duties are also restraining shipments to those areas.

To prop up revenue, an increasing number of home accent suppliers in China are penetrating alternative destinations.

Glass vase makers Shanghai Huaxing Glass & Ceramic Co. Ltd and Shanghai Wutian Industrial Co. Ltd are strengthening their presence in the Japan, and South Korea and Middle East markets, respectively. Artificial flower specialist Yantai Fuan Shing Decoration Co. Ltd now has agents in Russia and Brazil. At the same time, more candle manufacturers are boosting domestic sales as the local market share is on the rise.

Companies are likewise widening their design assortment by playing with various materials, finishes and surface treatments to stir buyer interest.

China makers are expanding their selection of artificial flowers and plants. In addition to typical sprays and stems, some makers now offer bunches, single branches and detached petals. While most companies pay attention to creating realistic designs, others incorporate unconventional details to raise product differentiation.

Yantai Fuan Shing released avant-garde black, white and chocolate-colored blooms for its 2008 and 2009 collections.

Additionally, the supplier improved its in-house-developed silk-screen printers to yield better color variation.

At Shangqiu Science & Technology Exchange & Training Center or SSTETC, some of the artificial flowers molded in resin clay can glow in the dark. Versions containing a photocatalyctic material that enables them to purify the air are available as well. These are priced 30 percent higher than regular releases.

Typical artificial flowers and plants from China are made of polyester, plastic and resin clay, with models in the first material constituting the bulk of output.

Generally classified as midrange products, polyester designs boast lifelike features. The material is favored because it absorbs pigment and adhesive well, does not fade easily, and costs 15 to 30 percent less than silk and velvet.

PE and PVC are mainly used for artificial fruit, vegetables, grass and shrubs. Plastic versions are the least expensive in the line.

Resin clay is an alternative material that is gradually gathering pace. SSTETC said it introduced the material in China five years ago.

The manufacturing technology was adopted from Japan and improved by the company. Adding plasticizer to the resin clay results in a softer and more translucent base. SSTETC has further enhanced the formulation and was able to slash the original cost by up to six times. Its artificial fruits and flowers are exported to the US, Spain, Finland, Japan, Thailand and South Korea.

In light of growing demand for ecological home furnishings, candles made of plant-based wax are slowly taking over traditional paraffin models.

Palm and soy wax are the often used natural materials. The former is more commonly employed as it costs 20 percent less. Nearly all China suppliers in the line now offer palm wax designs.

With fragrance the primary purchasing factor among buyers, candle makers in the country are developing novelty scents such as chocolate and ice cream. Best-selling aromas include vanilla, citronella, rose, lavender, green tea and sandalwood.

To enhance aesthetics, some companies are accessorizing their candles with shell, and dried flowers and fruit. Models may also be printed, glazed, carved and spray- or hand-painted. Releases with surface treatments are normally 10 percent more expensive than basic designs.

Both solid and gel candles are offered in China. Output of the latter, however, has dropped significantly in the past few years due to dwindling demand. While gel candles are visually appealing, they burn faster and cost 50 percent more than their same-weight solid counterparts.

Glass vases from China can be blown, pressed or fused, with the first type the most popular.

To increase diversity, various treatments and finishes are applied.

The methods commonly used are hand-painting, gilding, decal application and pattern spraying. For added texture, the surface may be crackled or engraved. There are also more-complex methods employed such as in-wall printing, melted stained glass piecing, woodskin pasting, aluminum electroplating and flocking. These techniques raise the price between 5 and 200 percent.

Mosaic vases are being exported in greater numbers as well. Apart from broken glass, ornate details such as rhinestones and other synthetic gemstones embellish some designs. At Zibo Henifor Light Industry Products Co. Ltd, the latest releases have metallic-finished shells.

China suppliers are making efforts to meet overseas quality standards to stay competitive. A number of candle makers, for example, are taking steps to comply with REACH, the EU’s directive on the production and use of chemical substances.

The China Candle Association has extended its support by organizing a meeting between local manufacturers and REACH representatives in September 2008 about the preregistration process. This step requires makers to enlist the substances contained in their products.

According to the China Inspection & Quarantine Service’s REACH Solution Center, there are 30 to 40 candle manufacturers in the country that have preregistered.