Kering, the luxury group, recently announced the winners of its prestigious sustainable innovation prize, the Kering Generation Award. The award seeks to identify start-ups that can develop disruptive solutions to make fashion and luxury goods sourcing more sustainable. The event, organized in collaboration with Plug and Play China, took place on December 6 in Shanghai with biodiversity as its central theme.
One of the notable winners of the award was Peelsphere, a Chinese start-up that claimed first prize for its groundbreaking innovation. Peelsphere has invented a new leather-like material made from organic waste materials such as fruit and seaweed. This material is not only waterproof and durable but also contributes to waste reduction. By transforming waste into a viable alternative to traditional leather, Peelsphere demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Otex, a renowned start-up known for its work on biological and natural textiles, secured second place in the Kering Generation Award. With a focus on soil health and sustainable sourcing practices, Otex aligns perfectly with the award’s objective. By developing innovative and environmentally friendly textiles, Otex actively contributes to the sustainability of the fashion and luxury goods industry.
The third-place award went to Zeno Technology, a start-up that has developed a revolutionary solution using next-generation biotechnology. Zeno Technology’s innovation addresses the sustainability challenges of the dyeing process in the textile industry. By implementing this solution, Zeno Technology aims to minimize the environmental impact of textile dyeing, an area historically associated with pollution and waste.
The Kering Generation Award for sustainable innovation was first introduced in Beijing in 2018 as a collaborative effort between Kering and start-up accelerator Plug & Play. The purpose of the award is to recognize and support Chinese start-ups capable of revolutionizing the fashion and luxury goods sourcing landscape through sustainable practices. Each edition of the award focuses on a specific theme to address the pressing sustainability issues faced by the industry.
This year’s theme of biodiversity aligns with Kering’s commitment to environmental conservation and restoration. As a luxury group, Kering aims to promote green innovation within the fashion industry and take a leadership role in sustainability. Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer, expressed satisfaction with the impressive innovations showcased in the field of biodiversity and conservation during this year’s award. Kering believes that initiatives like the Kering Generation Award play a vital role in driving positive change in the industry.
Peelsphere, Otex, and Zeno Technology serve as examples of innovative and sustainable solutions that start-ups can bring to the fashion and luxury goods industry. Their groundbreaking work demonstrates that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. As the world becomes increasingly focused on sustainability, initiatives like the Kering Generation Award provide a platform for recognition and support, ensuring that innovative start-ups receive the attention and resources they need to make a lasting impact.
Useful links:
– Kering
– Plug and Play
