Exhibitors at the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai shared with China.org.cn how they will address ongoing and impending global problems, such as climate change and supply chain crises.

On sustainable development

Uniqlo's booth, the Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer, and retailer, featured a green version of the Japanese animated character and icon Doraemon, making a change from his usual blue color. A Chinese spokesman with the company told China.org.cn that the authorized alternative image is Uniqlo's new sustainable development ambassador and advocates for "the power of clothing" to create a future green world.

For example, Uniqlo's green efforts include the game-changing BlueCycle jeans, which require 95% less water in the jean-making process, marking a huge step toward sustainable denim manufacturing.

Waste plastic bottles also look to have a promising future in clothes design, with sports brand Adidas showing off a low-carbon shoe and one of its latest products at the show – the Adidas TERREX MYSHELTER PrimaLoft Hooded Padded Jacket made from recycled polyester materials.

It is estimated that at least 8 million tons of waste plastic flows into the ocean every year. At this rate, the total amount of plastic in the ocean will exceed that of fish by 2050. As the marine environment becomes increasingly polluted, it also poses a huge threat to human survival.

Microsoft also worked with partners to make a mouse from waste plastic found in the oceans. The mouse made its first appearance at the CIIE and will hit the market soon. To respond to China's carbon goals, Microsoft worked with SGS China to launch S-Carbon, the world's first-ever dual-standard intelligent cloud carbon management platform. In addition, a Mixed Reality technology room as part of the Microsoft booth showed "Critical Distance," a presentation about killer whales and how their survival is threatened by human activities and ocean waste.

Another sports giant, Nike, also shared its "Move to Zero" goals, showing how it intends to transition into a zero-carbon and zero-waste future. They have set a goal of 100% renewable energy use and 70% absolute reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in self-owned and self-operated facilities by 2025. It also launched the Supplier Climate Action Program to promote raw material and product manufacturers to continuously reduce carbon emissions.

On supply chain crises

COVID-19 and other issues like friction in trade have meant that supply chain constraints are threatening various industries, economies, and holiday shopping in many countries. 

"We're working very closely with our suppliers and also our own manufacturing plants within China to ensure that we secure the right materials and also the logistics so that we do not impact our customers globally," said Lorenzo Simoneli, chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes. "China is central to our supply chain for global manufacturing."

Tony Wei, managing director of Swarovski Greater China, discussed the blows their retail stores experienced due to the pandemic, adding, "But with the great support of the Chinese government, the supply chain has maintained a very strong resilience, which is exceptional compared to other supply chains."

"Like all companies who ship globally, we've seen shipping rates rise, and some increased freight costs in the first half of 2021, but they weren't significant and we don't expect this to be the case moving forward," said Paul Huang, senior vice president of the LEGO Group and general manager of LEGO China. "We benefit from a well-designed global supply chain network, including a factory in China," he added.

"Like many others, we have experienced symptoms of the supply chain crisis as well," said Dr. Jochen Eickholt, an executive board member of Siemens Energy. Asked about how the company intends to handle the changes in logistics, he said: "China obviously plays an important role, as usual. My hope would be that over the next six to nine months, we see a different situation, and we have to make sure that we make the best of the existing capacities and transportations."

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