Latest news with #SustainabilityAwards
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Hong Kong Jewelry Show To Honor 7 Companies With Sustainability Awards
Sustainability is an increasingly important initiative for companies that operate in the fine jewelry category. Companies that are doing well by doing good are receiving more recognition within the industry. One of the more important recognition programs is the Sustainability Awards by JWA, which supports companies in the jewelry industry who have displayed proper stewardship of the resources they use and encourage good practices in the communities where they operate. Seven businesses from China, Hong Kong, India, Italy, the U.S. and Vietnam will be honored for their sustainable endeavors during a reception at the Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) jewelry trade fair to be held September 15 - 21. Organized by Informa Markets Jewellery, a trade show and publishing company, the Sustainability Awards 2025 by JWA (Jewellery World Asia), recognizes excellence across five categories: Environmental Stewardship, Community Catalyst, Tech for a Sustainable Future, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Sustainability Leadership. 'Sustainability and business success naturally complement each other but when a company's core mission extends beyond financial gains, its influence ripples outward exponentially,' Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets Jewellery, said in a statement. 'This is where meaningful change begins—in enterprises creating positive impact not because it's advantageous but because they see no other way forward.' Lau continued, 'As consumer expectations continue to evolve, sustainability becomes not only a choice but a necessity for long-term business survival. The goal is to view sustainability not as something businesses 'do' but as something they fundamentally 'are,' and we believe this is the path being pursued by our 2025 winners.' The seven winners will be honored on September 17 with a reception at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). In addition, the winners and finalists will be invited to participate in the Sustainability Heroes Panel Series, where they will share their journeys. The Sustainability Awards 2025 by JWA recipients are as follows: Established in 1992 in Mumbai, Hari Krishna Exports has diamond manufacturing operations in Surat. The company exports polished diamonds to more than 100 countries. In 2024, the company increased two of its flagship environmental initiatives. The first one is Mission River, a comprehensive river and watershed rejuvenation program. The company revitalized more than 160 water bodies and conserved approximately 36 billion liters of water. The second is Mission 102030, a decade-long afforestation and biodiversity enhancement campaign aimed at planting 10 million trees by 2030. More than 3.5 million trees have already planted included approximately 500,000 trees planted in 2024. Community Catalyst Award: Shop LC Shop LC's journey begins in 1980 with the founding of VGL, its parent company, dedicated to gemstone manufacturing. The group's direct-to-consumer business started in the U.K. in 2006 and in the U.S. in 2007. In 2017, Shop LC (Loving Care) began offering a diverse group of products for the home, fashion and other consumer categories. Shop LC is now an immersive experience built on craftsmanship, global sourcing, excellence and making a meaningful impact. Through the company's 'Your Purchase Feeds' program, Shop LC has donated more than 54 million meals to date. The goal is to provide one million school meals a day by 2040. Tech For A Sustainable Future Award: Shenzhen Kinghood Jewelry Manufacturing Co Ltd. The company, established in 2012, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kinghood Group's gold and jewelry division, ranked among China's Fortune 500. The precious metal service provider employees more than 700 persons. It pioneered the 'Gold Jewelry C2M Customization Platform,' which uses AI-driven customization capabilities with advanced process technologies. The platform fulfils personalized consumer demands through a sales-driven production approach. This solution disrupts conventional standardization and inventory-based models that have long dominated the gold and jewelry sector. Since the launch of its gold customization business model, inventory turnover has accelerated from 30 days to 15 days, while reducing capital holding costs by 80%. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award: Nanjing Baojie Technology Co Ltd Nanjing Baojie Technology Co Ltd is the parent company of Bojem Jewelry, a colored gemstone jewelry brand that is a Forbes China Emerging Brand. With a multi-platform digital presence of more than 5 million followers—88% of whom are women—Bojem promotes diversity through storytelling and community engagement. The brand has embraced the philosophy of 'Diversity in Harmony, Beauty Without Boundaries.' Women make up more than 85% of Bojem's workforce, with 70% holding management positions, far exceeding the industry average. Gender equality is formally embedded in the employee handbook and enforced through third-party audits. Development opportunities within the company are assessed based on training participation, satisfaction levels and skills improvement outcomes. Sustainability Leadership Award: Legor Group SpA The company specializes in the science of precious metals for multiple industries. The protection of the Planet and people is a founding principle. Legor is among the few companies in its sector that can certify that its products are made exclusively with precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium and rhodium) that are 100% from recycled sources within a verified chain of custody. With the achievement of UNI EN ISO 14021:2021 certification in October 2022, Legor can now guarantee that even some non-precious metals in its products come from 100% recycled sources. Sustainability Leadership Award: Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company (PNJ) The Vietnamese company was founded in 1988 where it operates more than 400 retail stores. PNJ owns three subsidiary companies and maintains a workforce of nearly 9,000 employees, including more than 1,700 experienced jewelry artisans. PNJ's nationally recognized CSR initiatives include the 'Zero Dong' Mini Supermarkets, 'Warm Embrace' education campaign, 'Journey to Safe Motherhood,' 'Raising Awareness for Autism in Vietnamese Children,' 'Breast Cancer Support' programs and 'Happy Young Family.' Strong financial management coupled with exemplary ESG practices earned PNJ a place in the Vietnam Sustainability Index (VNSI), highlighting the company's dedication to corporate governance, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Sustainability Leadership Award: Valentine Silver International Founded in 2004 the company specializes in 925 sterling silver, gold and brass fashion jewelry using more than 150 natural gemstones. All its production is dedicated to international markets. The measurable impact of the company's sustainability strategy is evident in every aspect of its business—environmental conservation, social responsibility and innovation. What sets its efforts apart is the integration of these goals into its core values, backed by numbers, people-centered practices and replicable frameworks. In 2024 the company said it experienced a 15% growth in global orders from sustainability-focused customers.
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Metlifecare Wins RVA Sustainability Award For 6 Green Star Care Homes
Press Release – Metlifecare Achieving 6 Green Star is the highest possible rating and a globally acknowledged benchmark for sustainable design and building practices. Metlifecare is thrilled to announce its win in the 2025 Retirement Village Association (RVA) Sustainability Awards for the Operator-Led Category. This accolade celebrates our ambitious project that has seen all six of our newest residential aged care homes achieve the globally recognised 6 Green Star 'Design' ratings by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC). Achieving 6 Green Star is the highest possible rating and a globally acknowledged benchmark for sustainable design and building practices. Our achievement in securing the initial 'design' rating for all six care homes sets a new benchmark in the industry and underscores our commitment to creating comfortable, sustainable environments for our residents and employees. 'We are over the moon to receive this industry award,' said Gemma James, Group Design Manager at Metlifecare. 'We've been on this Green Star journey since 2021, and the many lessons learned and insights gained, have become an integral part of how we design, build and operate moving forward.' What is a 6 Green Star care home? A 6 Green Star care home is designed and built to the highest standards of sustainability, focusing on energy efficiency, low carbon design, and the use of sustainable materials. Each building incorporates advanced features such as improved thermal performance, heat recovery ventilation, high levels of natural light, and superior acoustics. Operational benefits include water efficiency measures, solar panel electricity generation and the use of cross-laminated timber structures. Additionally, off-site manufacturing techniques are employed to reduce construction waste and minimise the environmental impact. These features not only reduce the environmental impact but also create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for residents and staff. The project has been a significant investment, with each building costing approximately $20 million, reflecting Metlifecare's commitment to long-term sustainability and operational efficiency. Metlifecare's 'Six x 6 Green Star' project not only sets a new standard for the industry but also highlights the importance of sustainable living options for New Zealand's aging population – now and into the future. 'Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that our new care homes not only meet but exceed the highest standards of sustainability. 'To achieve one 6 Green Star design rating is a worthy celebration, but to achieve all six is an incredible accomplishment and testament to a total team effort. Thank you to each and every person who helped our vision become a reality,' says Gemma. Established in 1984, Metlifecare is a leading owner and operator of retirement villages, providing rewarding lifestyles and care to more around 7,000 New Zealanders. Metlifecare currently operates 37 villages around New Zealand and employs more than 2,000 staff.
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Metlifecare Wins RVA Sustainability Award For 6 Green Star Care Homes
Press Release: Metlifecare Metlifecare is thrilled to announce its win in the 2025 Retirement Village Association (RVA) Sustainability Awards for the Operator-Led Category. This accolade celebrates our ambitious project that has seen all six of our newest residential aged care homes achieve the globally recognised 6 Green Star 'Design' ratings by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC). Achieving 6 Green Star is the highest possible rating and a globally acknowledged benchmark for sustainable design and building practices. Our achievement in securing the initial 'design' rating for all six care homes sets a new benchmark in the industry and underscores our commitment to creating comfortable, sustainable environments for our residents and employees. "We are over the moon to receive this industry award," said Gemma James, Group Design Manager at Metlifecare. 'We've been on this Green Star journey since 2021, and the many lessons learned and insights gained, have become an integral part of how we design, build and operate moving forward.' What is a 6 Green Star care home? A 6 Green Star care home is designed and built to the highest standards of sustainability, focusing on energy efficiency, low carbon design, and the use of sustainable materials. Each building incorporates advanced features such as improved thermal performance, heat recovery ventilation, high levels of natural light, and superior acoustics. Operational benefits include water efficiency measures, solar panel electricity generation and the use of cross-laminated timber structures. Additionally, off-site manufacturing techniques are employed to reduce construction waste and minimise the environmental impact. These features not only reduce the environmental impact but also create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for residents and staff. The project has been a significant investment, with each building costing approximately $20 million, reflecting Metlifecare's commitment to long-term sustainability and operational efficiency. Metlifecare's 'Six x 6 Green Star' project not only sets a new standard for the industry but also highlights the importance of sustainable living options for New Zealand's aging population – now and into the future. 'Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that our new care homes not only meet but exceed the highest standards of sustainability. 'To achieve one 6 Green Star design rating is a worthy celebration, but to achieve all six is an incredible accomplishment and testament to a total team effort. Thank you to each and every person who helped our vision become a reality,' says Gemma. Established in 1984, Metlifecare is a leading owner and operator of retirement villages, providing rewarding lifestyles and care to more around 7,000 New Zealanders. Metlifecare currently operates 37 villages around New Zealand and employs more than 2,000 staff.
Otago Daily Times
11-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Kaiapoi retirement village up for award
A flower garden, one of many gardens carefully tended by Sterling residents at Kaiapoi, has helped win an award. PHOTO: AMANDA KEYS The initiative of residents at Kaiapoi's Sterling retirement village to transform a bare plot of land and eight empty raised beds into a flourishing, sustainable garden has the project recognised in the Retirement Village Association Sustainability Awards. The garden, which is now filled with vegetables, herbs and flowers for the whole village to enjoy, is a finalist in the Bunnings Trade Resident-Led Gardening and Landscaping Award for growing a ''thriving village garden from scratch''. Nine environmental and community projects throughout the country have been announced as finalists in the Retirement Villages Association (RVA) Sustainability Awards. The projects range from national programmes to individual village initiatives in Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Rotorua, Tauranga, Clyde, Kaiapoi, and Nelson. They include the first aged care homes constructed to a globally-recognised 6-Star, Green rating, a project to upcycle and refurbish used bikes for children, schemes to reduce carbon emissions and transition from fossil fuels, reducing waste and increasing recycling, creating flourishing vegetable gardens and a community orchard. Michelle Palmer, executive director of the RVA, says the awards recognise sustainability in building, design, landscaping, grounds and activities. ''This is becoming more and more important. ''Many retirement village operators and their residents are working hard to create a sustainable future for their village and the community around them and that has been demonstrated by the high calibre of entries and finalists for these awards. ''The RVA is pleased to again be recognising and rewarding the best of these initiatives,'' she says. The winners will be announced at the RVAs Conference Gala Dinner on June 17.
Business Wire
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
NantBioRenewables' Revolutionary Wave Ware™ Protein Tray Named Finalist in Global Sustainability Awards by Packaging Europe
GADSDEN, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NantBioRenewables, a leading innovator in sustainable packaging solutions, today announced that its groundbreaking Wave Ware™ protein tray has been selected as a finalist in the renowned Global competition -Sustainability Awards. The company's revolutionary "Ocean calcium containing compostable protein tray" earned recognition in the highly competitive 'Renewables (Pre-Commercialized)' category. The Sustainability Awards by Packaging Europe represents the most prestigious and influential global competition for sustainability in packaging, with a mission to illuminate the most important innovations and initiatives across the packaging value chain in the world. Open to all types of organizations with no entry fee and judged by a diverse international jury of experts, the awards help accelerate adoption of best practices and better technologies while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive meaningful environmental change. Revolutionary Ocean Calcium Technology The Wave Ware™ protein tray represents a breakthrough in sustainable packaging technology, being the world's first compostable tray made with carbon-negative Ocean Calcium Sand. Manufactured proudly in the United States, the innovative packaging solution utilizes Ocean Calcium Sand (OCS), a uniquely renewable resource that boasts a negative carbon footprint – meaning it actually removes CO₂ from the atmosphere during biogenic harvest. "Being selected as a finalist by such a distinguished international panel of experts is tremendous validation of our commitment to environmental innovation," said Lila Karlsen McNutt, Global Sales & Marketing Director at NantBioRenewables. "Our Wave Ware™ protein tray doesn't just reduce environmental impact – it actively contributes to carbon removal while delivering the performance and functionality that food producers and consumers demand." Dr. Andrey Tyuftin PhD, R&D Chemist and lead developer of compostable packaging materials at NantBioRenewables, emphasized the breakthrough nature of the innovation: "What makes this tray formulation truly revolutionary is how we've managed to harness ocean-derived materials to create packaging that's not just sustainable, but actually beneficial to the environment. The Ocean Calcium Sand doesn't just replace traditional materials – it transforms the entire equation by removing carbon while maintaining superior mechanical properties." Game-Changing Environmental Benefits The Wave Ware™ protein tray delivers multiple environmental advantages: Carbon Negative Raw Material: Utilizes Ocean Calcium Sand, which removes CO₂ from the atmosphere during harvest Reduced Polymer Dependency: Significantly decreases reliance on high-cost biodegradable polymers through innovative material composition Full Industrial Compostability: Meets rigorous standards for complete breakdown in commercial composting facilities Renewable Resource Base: Utilizes Ocean Calcium Sand, a naturally abundant and sustainable material Industry Recognition and Global Impact The selection as a finalist places NantBioRenewables among the world's most innovative packaging companies and reinforces the company's position as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions. The international jury's recognition highlights the significant potential of ocean-based renewable materials to transform the packaging industry. "This recognition validates our belief that the future of packaging lies in harnessing nature's own materials in ways that benefit both business and the environment," added Kenn Budlong, Chief Operating Officer at NantBioRenewables. "We're proud to be pioneering solutions that don't just minimize harm – they actively heal our planet." Award Timeline and Recognition Winners of the Sustainability Awards will be announced at the Sustainable Packaging Summit, taking place November 10-12 in Utrecht, Netherlands. This premier event represents Europe's biggest packaging sustainability gathering and attracts sustainability and innovation leaders from across the global value chain. The awards ceremony promises to be a highlight of the summit, with winners remaining unknown until the moment of announcement, ensuring genuine surprise and celebration of the year's most impactful sustainability innovations. About NantBioRenewables NantBioRenewables is a pioneering company dedicated to developing innovative, sustainable packaging solutions that address the world's environmental challenges. Through breakthrough technologies like Ocean Calcium Sand and the Wave Ware™ product line, the company is transforming how industries approach packaging while actively contributing to environmental restoration. Based on Gadsden, AL, USA, NantBioRenewables serves customers across food service, retail, and industrial markets with products that combine superior performance with exceptional environmental benefits. About Wave Ware™ Wave Ware™ represents a new generation of sustainable packaging solutions that harness the power of ocean-derived renewable materials. The product line features patented Ocean Calcium Sand technology that delivers carbon-negative production, superior functionality, and complete compostability. Wave Ware™ products are designed for businesses and consumers who refuse to compromise between performance and environmental responsibility. High-resolution images, product samples, and additional information available upon request. This press release contains forward-looking statements about NantBioRenewables' products and technology. Actual results may vary.
