Ideas powering a greener future

Apple peels, grape skins and coffee grounds are being transformed into clothing and footwear. Sugarcane and cassava are finding new life as non-toxic paint. Even everyday activities such as cycling or tapping a foot can generate electricity to power smart devices.

These were among the innovations showcased at Re: Think 2026 Sustainable Procurement Innovation Week, recently held in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. All are aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

The nine-day event, which concluded on May 24, was hosted by the United Nations Development Programme in China, with support from the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges and the Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone.

Themed "Local Ideas, Global Pathways", the event drew participants from government, business, academia, and the innovation ecosystem to help Chinese enterprises strengthen their ability to compete in higher-standard global markets and contribute to sustainable development and global climate goals.

"The Sustainable Development Goals — our shared global blueprint to safeguard people and planet by 2030 — are in serious jeopardy," said James George, UNDP Resident Representative ad interim in China, while addressing the event. "More than one-third of the SDG targets are either stalled or regressing."