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GREENEXT Expo 2025
10.10.2025

GREENEXT Expo 2025: Sustainability as Actionable Business Strategy

The landmark event, attended by 5,022 professionals, confirms the global shift from why to how, driving cross-sector collaboration across 120+ enterprises and 200+ case studies. GREENEXT Expo is an integrated platform dedicated to driving sustainability transformation. Through exhibitions, summits, and international exchange, the Expo fosters a collaborative innovation network connecting business leaders, policymakers, investors, innovators, and consumers to achieve triple wins across economic, environmental, and social dimensions.

The GREENEXT Expo 2025 successfully concluded on September 27 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, solidifying its position as one of the most influential annual platforms for sustainability transformation in China and beyond. Positioned as China's leading greening initiative and accelerator platform, the two-day event focused on the core pillars of Sustainability Innovation × Cross-Sector Collaboration × Business, welcoming 5,022 attendees and bringing together over 120 leading global enterprises and organizations.

The Expo’s central theme was the execution of sustainable practice, moving decisively beyond abstract discourse.

The landmark event, attended by 5,022 professionals, confirms the global shift from why to how, driving cross-sector collaboration across 120+ enterprises and 200+ case studies. GREENEXT Expo is an integrated platform dedicated to driving sustainability transformation. Through exhibitions, summits, and international exchange, the Expo fosters a collaborative innovation network connecting business leaders, policymakers, investors, innovators, and consumers to achieve triple wins across economic, environmental, and social dimensions.

The GREENEXT Expo 2025 successfully concluded on September 27 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, solidifying its position as one of the most influential annual platforms for sustainability transformation in China and beyond. Positioned as China's leading greening initiative and accelerator platform, the two-day event focused on the core pillars of Sustainability Innovation × Cross-Sector Collaboration × Business, welcoming 5,022 attendees and bringing together over 120 leading global enterprises and organizations.

The Expo’s central theme was the execution of sustainable practice, moving decisively beyond abstract discourse.

Actionable Solutions Across Six Strategic Zones
GREENEXT 2025 presented over 200 scalable solutions across six dedicated thematic zones, emphasizing practical applications in key areas:

  • Fashion Forward: Showcased circular economy models for textiles, featuring solutions from global brands like adidas and the Ellassay Group.
  • Living Earth: Focused on the regenerative connection between nature and commerce, highlighting transparent "field to bottle" supply chains with exhibitors such as The Macallan.
  • Green for Next: Addressed corporate resilience, covering ESG disclosure, carbon auditing, and low-carbon manufacturing with contributors like HKRI Taikoo Hui and Tencent CarbonXmade.

The event also sharpened its focus on four critical commercial scenarios: Urban Regeneration (ESG-driven circularity), Global Expansion (supply chain trust and compliance), Technological Innovation (youth and startup creativity), and embedding Public Good for long-term competitiveness.

Global Dialogue and the New Aesthetic of Value
The conference program served as a cornerstone, convening 183 global experts in 77 sessions. The international scope was amplified by remarks from diplomatic representatives of European nations, including Finland, Norway, Belgium, and Denmark, fostering essential Global Collaboration on regulatory and market challenges.

Key takeaways from the dialogue included the redefinition of premium commerce through sustainability:
“The Third Aesthetic of Commercial Spaces: Making Sustainability the New Luxury,”
— Ms. Ruifang Ding, Co-General Manager of HKRI Taikoo Hui

Commitment to Future Talent and Philanthropy
The Expo served as a launchpad for future-focused initiatives, including:

  • The establishment of the Shanghai Population Welfare Foundation Sustainable Development Fund, promoting the integration of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.
  • The official release of the Youth Action Guide for Sustainable Development at the Innovation Hub, designed to mobilize the next generation of innovators.
  • The recognition of industry leaders at the Global Sustainable Fashion Consumption Industry Pioneer Awards Ceremony.

Public engagement was driven by the "Sustainable Journey," an immersive route that featured interactive activities like the Climate Fresk workshop and the Recycled Plastic Workshop, ensuring that sustainability concepts were translated into tangible, hands-on experiences for consumers.

GREENEXT Expo 2025 successfully confirmed that the pursuit of sustainability is the essence of new productive forces, driving synergy between economic prosperity and ecological benefit. Preparations for GREENEXT Expo 2026 are already underway, promising to further expand its global reach and deepen its impact.

More information:
GREENEXT Shanghai strategy
Source:

GREENEXT Expo 2025

Photo (c) CIBUTEX 2025
08.10.2025

Cibutex Event: WORKING ON CHANGE

Cibutex, the Dutch/European circularity organisation for business textiles, held its annual Fall Event on October 1 in Amsterdam. Cibutex, set up by 5 textile management companies in 2022, today is a representation of a wide spectrum of companies from the business textile industry. It currently has around 50 members, located all over Europe. 
 
Like Cibutex itself, the day was not at all like the average corporate congress. Expert speakers presented their view and knowledge of some complex issues, like the upcoming EPR laws and the situation of the textile recycling industry. The day’s theme ‘Working on Change’ was implemented litterally during the day: the 70 visitors to the event got actively involved in the discussions and expert panels. Together they worked on the future of Cibutex, as a driver of change in the world of industrial textiles. 
 

Cibutex, the Dutch/European circularity organisation for business textiles, held its annual Fall Event on October 1 in Amsterdam. Cibutex, set up by 5 textile management companies in 2022, today is a representation of a wide spectrum of companies from the business textile industry. It currently has around 50 members, located all over Europe. 
 
Like Cibutex itself, the day was not at all like the average corporate congress. Expert speakers presented their view and knowledge of some complex issues, like the upcoming EPR laws and the situation of the textile recycling industry. The day’s theme ‘Working on Change’ was implemented litterally during the day: the 70 visitors to the event got actively involved in the discussions and expert panels. Together they worked on the future of Cibutex, as a driver of change in the world of industrial textiles. 
 
If the event proved one thing, it is that a lot of work needs to be done. Further cooperation among members, connections to other industries facing similar challenges and more and better services for the Cibutex members are some of the topics that will be worked on in the near future. At the same time, the Cibutex Team has already started the preparations for the Spring 2026 Event. 

(c) Koji Hirano
07.10.2025

Kyocera Supported Production of Collections at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026

Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. supported the production of dresses using artworks painted by artists contracted to HERALBONY for ANREALAGE’s Collection at Paris Fashion Week SS 2026, held on September 30, 2025. The collection comprised 30 outfits, 26 of which used fabrics printed with our sustainable inkjet textile printer "FOREARTH". For this collection, 21 vibrant designs by 18 artists contracted to HERALBONY were printed onto wide range of fabrics and, through ANREALAGE’s craftmanship, transformed into distinctive garments that conveyed movement and vitality. FOREARTH printing was used for bags and shoes, giving their designs an inner glow that attracted significant attention.

Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. supported the production of dresses using artworks painted by artists contracted to HERALBONY for ANREALAGE’s Collection at Paris Fashion Week SS 2026, held on September 30, 2025. The collection comprised 30 outfits, 26 of which used fabrics printed with our sustainable inkjet textile printer "FOREARTH". For this collection, 21 vibrant designs by 18 artists contracted to HERALBONY were printed onto wide range of fabrics and, through ANREALAGE’s craftmanship, transformed into distinctive garments that conveyed movement and vitality. FOREARTH printing was used for bags and shoes, giving their designs an inner glow that attracted significant attention.

Works by artists contracted to HERALBONY are characterized by both intricate, delicate expressions and bold, powerful strokes. In the printing process for this garment production, our FOREARTH faithfully reproduced those artistic expressions. Moreover, features unique to each artwork—such as variations in brush pressure and brushstroke—along with subtle differences in hue and tonal gradation were recreated through precise ink-volume adjustments made possible by digital technology, allowing FOREARTH to play a significant role in this production.

„Seeing printed fabrics from Kyocera’s sustainable inkjet textile printer, FOREARTH, moved me“, said HERALBONY’s designers Takaya Matsuda and Fumito. „The printer reproduces the nuance in the artists’ brushwork—the subtle breaks, dynamism, and life—directly onto fabric. It felt as if the works were truly imprinted on society. We believe this is meaningful for the artists, their families, and the welfare communities supporting them.“

FOREARTH reduces water usage by 99.98%*1. This is significant for the resource- and water-intensive textile and apparel industry. We will continue to work with Kyocera to introduce and scale a model that protects artistic integrity while helping to solve environmental challenges. 

Catia Cesari, Managing Partner of Volta Circle (3rd from right), at Grand Finals Judging Photo via Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited
Catia Cesari, Managing Partner of Volta Circle (3rd from right), at Grand Finals Judging
07.10.2025

Indorama Ventures Champions University Innovation and Sustainability

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemicals company, reinforced its commitment to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship by sponsoring the 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), hosted by Singapore Management University (SMU). 

The LKYGBPC, Asia’s largest university startup challenge focused on urban solutions and sustainability, drew more than 1,500 applications from six continents, with 57 finalists competing at the Grand Finals Week in Singapore. Ms. Catia Cesari, Managing Partner of Volta Circle, represented Indorama Ventures on the judging panel. Volta Circle, an investment platform within the Lohia single-family office, supports early-stage ventures driving innovation in green chemicals, advanced recycling, and waste management value chain. While operating independently, its mission complements Indorama Ventures’ broader sustainability strategy. 

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemicals company, reinforced its commitment to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship by sponsoring the 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), hosted by Singapore Management University (SMU). 

The LKYGBPC, Asia’s largest university startup challenge focused on urban solutions and sustainability, drew more than 1,500 applications from six continents, with 57 finalists competing at the Grand Finals Week in Singapore. Ms. Catia Cesari, Managing Partner of Volta Circle, represented Indorama Ventures on the judging panel. Volta Circle, an investment platform within the Lohia single-family office, supports early-stage ventures driving innovation in green chemicals, advanced recycling, and waste management value chain. While operating independently, its mission complements Indorama Ventures’ broader sustainability strategy. 

Indorama Ventures also presented the “Future of Sustainable Materials Award”, recognizing university ventures with outstanding achievements in advanced fibers and polymers, bio-based feedstocks, advanced recycling, and circular economy solutions. The award supports early-stage startups at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or higher, with prizes of S$50,000 in the Beta track and S$75,000 in the Infinity track. Winners were evaluated on scientific merit, scalability, industrial validation potential, and impact on urban infrastructure and manufacturing. 

This year, Indorama Ventures recommended six finalists with innovations spanning AI-enabled materials discovery, low-emissions chemical scale-up, and bio-fabricated alternatives for hard-to-abate sectors. The winners of Indorama Ventures’ Future of Sustainable Materials Award were “Synmetabio”- a Shanghai-based biomaterial startup developing high performance biobased leather solutions (awarded S$75,000), and “Micromelt” – a UK-based deep tech startup who is advancing green closed-loop solutions for mixed plastics with microwave technology (awarded S$50,000). 

Mr. Yash Lohia, Executive President of Petchem and Chairman of the ESG Council, said, “At Indorama Ventures, sustainability drives our innovation strategy. We collaborate with startups to develop recycling technologies and bio-based materials that can scale from lab to industry, supporting the transition to a more circular economy. We recognize that startups hold the key to breakthrough solutions that provide a competitive edge. Through initiatives like the LKYGBPC, we connect entrepreneurial talent with our global platform to accelerate solutions that create long-term value for society and our business.” 

At the Grand Finals Week Dr. Anthony Watanabe, Chief Sustainability Officer at Indorama Ventures, joined CSO Conversations to explore how businesses can build climate resilience, harness digital governance, and mobilize capital for impact. He shared valuable insights on Indorama Ventures’ investments in advanced PET recycling, innovation process, bio-based feedstocks, and ESG achievements with prominent sustainability leaders during the roundtable discussions. 

SMU’s partnership with Indorama Ventures reflects a shared belief that scaling university-led innovation is essential to accelerate sustainability and circularity across borders. Through mentorship, funding, and ecosystem-building, Indorama Ventures continues to shape a future where materials are more innovative, more circular, and more sustainable.