Empowering Sustainable Innovation: Kering Generation Award Spotlights Japan's Eco-Conscious Startups

In a groundbreaking move, Kering, the global luxury group, has partnered with the CIC Institute in Tokyo to launch the first Japanese edition of the Kering Generation Award. This prestigious accolade shines a spotlight on startups and researchers who are driving sustainable innovations in the fashion and beauty sectors, with a focus on addressing key stages of a product's life cycle.

Unlocking the Future of Sustainable Fashion and Beauty

Pioneering Alternative Raw Materials and Manufacturing

The Kering Generation Award x JAPAN competition has unearthed a remarkable array of startups that are revolutionizing the way we approach raw materials and manufacturing processes. Algal Bio, for instance, has developed a pioneering technology that transforms algae into an alternative raw material for the beauty and fashion industries, offering a sustainable solution to traditional resource extraction. Amphico, on the other hand, specializes in creating breathable and waterproof technical textiles free from harmful PFAs, while also introducing an innovative waterless dyeing technique that significantly reduces environmental impact.Synflux, a standout in the category, has leveraged its unique Algorithmic Couture design tool to digitize the manufacturing process, minimizing fabric waste and effectively reducing the industry's carbon footprint. FiberCraze, drawing on the technological strengths of the Gifu region, is harnessing invisible nanotechnology to develop cutting-edge materials that will serve as a foundation for industrial advancement. Fermenstation, a trailblazer in the field of biomass utilization, is transforming abandoned agricultural and food production waste into a diverse range of cosmetic ingredients and flavors through its proprietary fermentation technology. Micro Bio Factory, meanwhile, is pioneering the production of chemicals through microbial fermentation from biomass-derived feedstocks, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels in chemical production.

Revolutionizing Retail and Consumer Engagement

The Kering Generation Award x JAPAN has also unearthed a cohort of startups that are redefining the retail and consumer engagement landscape. Archivestock, for instance, has launched a resale platform that enables users to exchange fashion items, fostering a global eco-responsible community and promoting the benefits of second-hand shopping. The company leverages artificial intelligence technology to enhance the user experience, making it easier for consumers to find and acquire pre-owned items.Comvey, another standout, has developed and launched the innovative "Share Bag®" – a reusable packaging solution for e-commerce businesses, accompanied by an operational system to manage it. This solution aims to create a more sustainable and visually appealing logistics experience for both businesses and consumers.Standing Ovation, a unique player in the field, offers two primary services: XZ, a B2C application that utilizes artificial intelligence to recommend outfits based on the user's existing wardrobe, and XZ-biz, a B2B service that enables e-commerce platforms to help their customers assess the compatibility of available products with their own wardrobes. This approach empowers consumers to make more informed and sustainable purchasing decisions.Spacewasp, a versatile startup, produces and markets furniture, interior decoration items, and building materials made from plant waste sourced from various industries. By offering customized solutions for hotels, offices, shops, and other businesses, Spacewasp is transforming waste into valuable, eco-friendly products.Mangata, a trailblazer in the cosmetics industry, collaborates with 16 major cosmetic companies to recycle ingredients within the sector. In addition to its B2B activities, such as material development, planning, management, and intellectual property affairs, the company is expanding into the B2C space to create new products. Mangata also develops systems to optimize distribution, ensure traceability, and facilitate certification, establishing itself as a central pillar in the cosmetics industry's recycling ecosystem.

Empowering Sustainable Innovation in Japan

The Kering Generation Award x JAPAN is a testament to Kering's commitment to fostering sustainable innovation and supporting startups that are driving positive environmental and social impact. By partnering with the CIC Institute in Tokyo, Kering has tapped into the vibrant startup ecosystem in Japan, recognizing the country's potential to lead the way in sustainable fashion and beauty solutions.The rigorous selection and pitching process has resulted in the identification of 11 exceptional startups, each addressing a specific challenge within the product life cycle. These finalists will have the opportunity to present their projects to a distinguished jury, comprising fashion and luxury experts from Kering, who will ultimately select three winners to be honored in a ceremony in Tokyo in the spring of 2025.This initiative aligns with Kering's broader vision of "Crafting tomorrow's luxury" and its ongoing efforts to support the development of innovative solutions that can transform the fashion and beauty industries. By empowering these startups and showcasing their groundbreaking work, the Kering Generation Award x JAPAN is poised to inspire and catalyze further advancements in sustainable practices, ultimately paving the way for a more eco-conscious future.