Luxury conglomerate Kering and global innovation platform Plug and Play China have announcd the winners of the third Kering Generation Awards during Shanghai Fashion Week.Launched in 2018 as part of Kering's sustainability strategy, these awards aim to recognize and support Chinese startups driving positive environmental and social change. This year's focus was on circularity, with three standout startups selected from 180 applicants. Yi Design, hailing from Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital, claimed first prize for their innovative use of ceramic waste.
The second prize was awarded to PhaBuilder, a company specializing in developing PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) from non-food biomass waste using advanced synthetic biotechnology. Meanwhile, Cobbler's Suggest secured third place with its unique business model combining digital tools and traditional leather repair craftsmanship for after-sales care services. In September, the top 10 finalists underwent an innovation Acceleration Camp organized by Kering and China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) to refine their innovation capabilities and vie for the final award. The top three winners will have the opportunity to visit Kering's headquarters in Paris for guidance from sustainability experts and immersion in the Group's sustainability ecosystem.
François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering, emphasized the critical importance of sustainability, stating, "Sustainability is both a necessity and a leadership opportunity that aligns with sound business principles. In addressing complex global challenges, collaboration and innovation are paramount." Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering's chief sustainability and institutional affairs officer, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of the 'Coming Full Circle' theme in encouraging startups to rethink production methods and product life cycles. She expressed satisfaction with the level of innovation demonstrated and hopes that the awards will continue fostering international connections and driving meaningful change.
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