GREENEXT EXPO concludes successfully, paving the way for a green future
GREENEXT EXPO concluded successfully on August 27 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center. Marking the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) ’s ESG principles, the two-day event attracted 4,306 attendees, including leading global companies, innovators, and industry experts, all exploring the perfect fusion of environmental protection with aesthetics, technology with nature.
At the opening ceremony, Dr. Hong Zheng, founder of GREENEXT, highlighted the importance of ESG as a standard for corporate sustainability and international competitiveness. "GREENEXT EXPO is more than just an exhibition; it is a platform where global like-minded individuals come together to explore and achieve a green future. Our goal is to create a sustainable stage, a sustainable arena, and a sustainable community where partners can share, exchange, and inspire each other, empowering enterprises to enhance both their commercial and social value," Dr. Zheng stated.
Global Sustainability Leaders Showcase Innovations
GREENEXT Expo featured over 100 global brands and companies, presenting the latest achievements and innovative solutions in sustainability. The event's three main thematic zones—United Nations Global Compact, "Fashion Reborn” and "Living Earth"—guided visitors through an exploration of sustainability from fashion to technology, and from tradition to modernity. With 23 keynote speeches, 17 panel discussions, and 8 workshops, over 120 industry experts from countries such as China, Canada, France, Mexico, the Netherlands, and India their insights and advanced the understanding and practice of ESG and carbon neutrality.
Notably, the United Nations Global Compact presented the special exhibition “Uniting Global Enterprises for a Better World: ESG+20 Pathways to Sustainable Development.” The exhibit used multimedia displays, themed activities, and interactive formats to comprehensively present major achievements and practice cases in global sustainable development, offering valuable insights into ESG principles for both corporate representatives and the public.
In the "Fashion Reborn" zone, visitors experienced innovative solutions from partners designed to reduce environmental impact and enhance sustainability, while also providing rich educational content for consumers. This zone encouraged attendees to reconsider their consumption habits, support eco-friendly brands, and make more informed decisions. Meanwhile, the "Living Earth" zone focused on soil science and sustainable land development across industries such as cosmetics, food and wine, and healthy living. It advocated the protection and sustainable use of soil, inspiring more responsible choices in daily life.
Several renowned brands and companies presented their latest technologies and sustainability concepts at the Expo. Nespresso showcased its "Positive Cup" program, ensuring proper handling and recycling of capsules through online and offline systems. TES Group introduced its advanced "Automotive Electronics Recycling and EV Battery Recycling Technologies", achieving a breakthrough in resource utilization with a rate exceeding 98%. The Integral Sustainable Development Garden Project by Esquel Group integrated its sustainability philosophy into a 500,000-square-meter practice area, demonstrating its profound commitment to environmental awareness and innovation. The “Textile Possibility — Yak Wool Industry Revitalization Project” by JIANGNANBUYI and SHOKAY promoted the comprehensive upgrading and revitalization of the yak wool industry through collaborative efforts. These innovative solutions left a lasting impression on the visitors.
GREENEXT Expo brought together a variety of brands and organizations to showcase their innovative achievements and cutting-edge technologies in the field of sustainability. In the "Fashion Reborn" zone in collaboration with Dominique Simard, founder of Rethink Fashion, Canopy Planet, CYP Performance Material, Hewang Leather, Huasheng Element Leather, IDOLE, Mission Recyco, OnTheList, Orbits, Reclothing Bank, RESET International Standard, Shi-Kwan Textile Group, SINOTECO, SUNWARD & POLYMATERIA, useDEM, Yarns & Colors, and other companies actively participated and displayed their innovative products and solutions. In addition, ACTAsia, Covation Biomaterials, Green Connections, He Zhaoya, Mainetti China, MATTTER, MMCHOKK, Redress Design Award, RICO LEE, Tayho Advanced Materials Group, TerraCycle, Textile Untangled, Unifi Textiles, YIWAY-Xlab, YKK also made appearances.
The "Living Earth" zone focused on soil and environmental sustainability, featuring brands and organizations such as D&D Farm, Decathlon, FineToday, Focal & Naim, JUNPING, L’ORÉAL, næra organics, Naked Malt, Param Sara, Qingshan Village, RED, Sinno Cosmetic, Yuskin and Minong Jituan. This zone explored and showcased the symbiotic relationship between people and the land, as well as concepts of environmental protection.
Other sections of the Expo featured numerous companies showcasing their latest technologies and sustainability concepts, including Adream Foundation, Asia Elite Mothers Association, B Corps China, Bahazhuangyuan, Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China, BIOFarm, Bravo Environment Technology, CarbonNewture, Cha Ling, China ESG Alliance, Climate Fresk, Design Innovation lnstitute Shanghai, Dow Chemical, DT Master Carbon, Elix, Environment First Technology, Famoso Vini, FARMentation®, Giftopia, Green Cycle, GreenFriday, Gwen, Highland Park, HONA ORGANIC, Integral - Esquel's Sustainable Development Garden, JIANGNANBUYI, JUNPING, KAFFTEC, McDonald's, MobiGarden, Nespresso, OATLY, Paris2050workshop, Pernod Ricard China, Planty Kitchen, Plaza 66, Qiyuemijiu, ReGeneration, Sasseur Group, Shanghai Advertising, Shanghai Climate Week, SHOKAY, Summitek Packaging Technology, Supernote, Tes & Zcycle, The Macallan, The Vegetarian Butcher, YANGHE and ZHENRUYI.
GREENEXT EXPO has received strong support from strategic partners including China Association for Promoting International Economic & Technical Cooperation, International Institute for Sustainable Development, Shanghai UN Research Association, DREAM Academy, and Shanghai Exhibition Center, ensuring the smooth organization and high-quality presentation of the event. Meanwhile, HaiShangXuan - Shanghai (-style) Culture Furniture Museum, as a special partner, showcased an extraordinary feast of the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures, with the sustainable cultural heritage of craftsmanship becoming a major highlight of the Expo.
Thought Leaders Discuss Sustainable Development
At the opening ceremony, the Shanghai Sunflower Community Children’s Service Center’s migrant children’s choir opened the event with their pure and hopeful voices. In the subsequent speeches, Dr. Hong Zheng, Founder of GREENEXT; Mr. Chunguang Yang, Chairman of the China Association for Promoting International Economic & Technical Cooperation; Ms. Chunling Xi, Executive Vice President of the China Association for the Promotion of International Agricultural Cooperation; Mr. Liandong Zhang, Dean of DREAM Academy; and Mr. Isaac Chan, Deputy Consul-General of the Singapore Consulate-General in Shanghai, all emphasized the importance of the ESG concept in global sustainable development, and expressed their anticipation and determination for the future of sustainability.
Additionally, representatives from the French, American, Dutch Consulates General in Shanghai and the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China attended the opening ceremony, underlining the international significance and impact of the event.
At a pre-Expo sharing session hosted by the United Nations Global Compact, Ms. Meng Liu, the Head for Asia Pacific, Mr. Dong Zhao, Chairman of Xiamen Airlines, and Mr. Shi Wang, Founder of Vanke Group, delivered insightful speeches. They discussed global practices and challenges in sustainable development, sharing valuable experiences and forward-looking perspectives. UN Resident Coordinator in China, Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, also sent a video message.
Throughout the Expo, several highlight conferences and workshops attracted wide attention and participation. Among them, JIANGNANBUYI and SHOKAY held a workshop on “A Thread of Yak Wool—Exploring Sustainable Production and Consumption,” focusing on the “Farm Animal Welfare Requirements - Yak” group standard and offering new perspectives and ideas for sustainable fashion. Shanghai Tes & Zcycle hosted a workshop on "New Energy Power Battery Sustainable Transformation—Automotive Electronics Recycling and EV Battery Recycling Technologies," showcasing innovations and breakthroughs in the new energy sector. The Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China presented the “Circular Reimagine Workshop” leading participants through an intensive circular design process to develop innovative circular design solutions and promote sustainable development practices.
Additionally, notable highlights included the book launch of "Talk About ESG and Biodiversity" by Mr. Jin Du, the release of the "Corporate ESG Strategic Management Handbook" by Environment First Technology, and the global debut of the CARLIN Sustainability Trend Book. These events not only showcased the latest researches in the ESG field but also provided attendees with valuable knowledge and inspirations, becoming focal points for industry and public attention.
Interactive Experiences and Art Installations Engage Public Participation
GREENEXT curated a diverse array of public activities designed to engage and inspire visitors from all walks of life to explore sustainable lifestyles. One of the highlights was a unique dance-martial arts fashion performance titled “Destroy and Rebuild,” presented by Hong Kong’s renowned artist and philanthropist Ms. Flora Zeta Cheong-Leen. Featuring over 70 amateur models, including entrepreneurs and philanthropists, the performance seamlessly blended art and charity. Green Fashion Society, in collaboration with YKK and Tayho Advanced Materials Group, hosted a sustainable fashion show with renowned designers and brands such as RICO LEE, NOWHOW X Guo Li, YIWAY-Xlab, and MMCHOKK. The show featured recyclable zippers and eco-friendly fabrics, showcasing the innovative fusion of fashion and technology.
The Expo also presented over ten creative art installations, including the ESG logo art installation co-produced by GREENEXT and Reclothing Bank, inspired by the diversity of nature, and a fragrant display of Tianshan lavender. Other standout exhibits included the "Sustainable Jam" art installation by the Design Innovation Institute Shanghai and OATLY’s "Giant OATLY Carton" recycling installation, which captured the attention of many visitors.
To promote public education, the Expo featured 15 check-in sites and 5 science Q&A points to encourage active participation and deepen the visitors' understanding of ESG principles. Initiatives like Green Cycle’s “Imperfect Good Goods ‘Exchange for New’ Co-Creation Plan” and the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China’s “The Travelling Wishing Tree” generated enthusiastic responses. Additionally, the “She • Empowers: 20 Pioneering Women Honouring ESG’s 20th Anniversary” photography exhibition by Ms. Zhaoya He celebrated the vital role of women in advancing sustainable development. GREENEXT also collaborated with Paris2050workshop to offer a series of sustainable workshops on topics such as "2tonnes," "Soil Collage," and "Food Collage," providing attendees with hands-on opportunities to practice sustainable principles.
The successful conclusion of the GREENEXT EXPO has injected new momentum into the global sustainable development movement. We look forward to collaborating with more enterprises, organizations, and individuals to usher in a new era of a green future and sustainable growth.
