Shanghai Fashion Week witnesses the third edition of Kering Generation Awards. Kering, along with the big innovation group Plug and Play China, announced the winners of the third Kering Generation Awards at the recent Shanghai Fashion Week.

This Kering Generation Awards program started in 2018. Its goal is to recognise and support Chinese start-ups making a good impact on the environment and society. It’s a big part of Kering’s sustainability plan. These startups deal with important matters. They focus on alternative raw materials, green supply chains, retail, and the circular economy.

The Theme: “Coming Full Circle”

This year’s Kering Generation Awards in China had a theme: “Coming Full Circle”. They focused on circular raw materials, circular product designs, and circular business models. Now, let’s introduce you to the remarkable winners who emerged from a pool of 180 competing companies.

Yi Design: First Place

Yi Design, hailing from Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of China, secured first place. Their innovation lies in a whole supply chain dedicated to high-value utilization of ceramic waste. This transformative approach breathes new life into non-recyclable ceramic fragments.

PhaBuilder: Second Place

PhaBuilder won second place. They developed groundbreaking materials like PHA from non-food biomass waste. Their success is rooted in cutting-edge synthetic biotechnology.

Cobbler’s Suggest: Third Place

Cobbler’s Suggest got the third prize. They have a unique business model. They use digital tools and skilled leather repair to offer creative after-sales services.

In September, the top 10 finalists participated in an innovation Acceleration Camp, specially tailored by Kering and the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS). The camp improved their innovation skills, getting them ready for the final award event. The top three winners will go to Kering’s Paris headquarters. There, they’ll get helpful advice from sustainability experts and be part of the Group’s sustainability network.

François-Henri Pinault, Kering’s Chairman and CEO, underlined the critical role of sustainability and cooperation in the face of global challenges. He stated, “Sustainability is a necessity and a leadership opportunity that also makes good business sense. Faced with complex global issues, we must enhance industry cooperation and join forces to find solutions.”

Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said, “We picked the ‘Coming Full Circle’ theme to inspire Chinese start-ups. We wanted them to change how we create, use, and recycle things. We also hope the award will link the global community and speed up change.

Sustainability and innovation work together. The Kering Generation Awards are a sign of hope and progress. They show that Chinese start-ups can make the future more sustainable.

Subscribe to FIB’s Weekly Breaking News Report for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!