Informa Markets Jewellery has launched the Sustainability Awards 2024 by JWA (Jewellery World Awards), which applauds outstanding sustainability initiatives undertaken in the last three years by businesses of all sizes operating in the fine jewellery, gemstone and related industries.

Entries will be accepted until April 30, 2024. Eligible companies are allowed to enter a maximum of two award categories, with each entry to be submitted separately using the online form accessible at https://www.jwawards.com/nomination-forms/. Participation is completely free.

With a focus on environmental stewardship, equality promotion, inclusivity and innovation, the awards programme aims to recognise organisations whose sustainability projects, implemented between 2021 and 2023, have generated tangible and measurable benefits that extend beyond commercial interests. 
 
Award categories

Nominations will be accepted across five categories.

Environmental Stewardship Award: Nature Conservation and Regeneration

Recognising exceptional leadership in implementing innovative strategies and practices to protect and restore ecosystems, promote biodiversity, reduce environmental impact and foster sustainable resource management.

Social Empowerment Award: Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Acknowledging extraordinary efforts aimed at creating equal opportunities for all, which may involve initiatives such as enhancing access to quality education and healthcare services, creating inclusive environments that empower individuals and communities, and more.

Manufacturing Innovation Award: Technological Advancement and Sustainable Operations

Bringing attention to actions that demonstrated exceptional innovation across multiple domains, including technology, operations, research and development (R&D) and logistics, while also prioritising sustainable practices. By successfully implementing measures such as energy efficiency, waste reduction and green supply chain management, organisations in this category have achieved a remarkable synergy between technological advancement and sustainable operations.

Community Engagement Award: Fostering Local Sustainability

Acknowledging the importance of active community engagement in promoting sustainability and empowering local residents, this award shines a light on activities that forge meaningful connections with communities. Through strong partnerships with public stakeholders and the implementation of programmes addressing local needs, the nominated organisations have exemplified their commitment to enhancing social, economic and environmental well-being at the grassroots level.

Sustainability Leadership Award: Going Beyond ESG and Driving Sustainable Transformation

Honouring enterprises that have embraced sustainability as a core value and implemented transformative strategies that extend beyond conventional ESG practices. Nominees should have shown exceptional vision and leadership in driving change within their organisations and in the communities they serve. Through this award, these enterprises serve as inspiring role models in the pursuit of sustainability, motivating others to follow their lead and igniting significant transformation towards a brighter future.

Extensive sustainability programme

An independent jury will evaluate the nominations according to pre-established criteria. The first round of judging is scheduled for May 2024, and the announcement of the Finalists will take place during the Media Gathering at Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong (JGA) on June 20. All of the Finalists will be invited to join the Sustainability Heroes Panel Series during Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) in September. The sessions will feature in-depth conversations about the necessary actions, possibilities and imperatives for creating a sustainable future.
 
The final round of judging will occur in July, with the winners being publicly announced within the same month. The Award Recipients will be honoured and presented with their trophies during the JGW Fair Reception at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on September 18. 
 
“The Sustainability Awards celebrates organisations that truly walk the talk by embedding sustainability principles into everything they do. It is about going beyond profit and making a positive impact through their activities and operations,” said David Bondi, senior vice president of Informa Markets in Asia. “We want them to share their stories, milestones and achievements since these vividly illustrate the immense possibilities that arise when sustainability becomes an intrinsic part of one’s business endeavours. Through these inspiring examples, they demonstrate that creating a better future is not only conceivable but also attainable.” 
 
Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at Informa Markets Jewellery, added that embracing sustainability as a fundamental part of an organisation’s strategy not only benefits the planet but also drives business success. 
 
“Sustainability actions are a responsibility, a necessity and a key to business longevity,” Lau shared. “By celebrating the achievements of our 2024 Awardees, we not only applaud their accomplishments but also draw inspiration from them. They prove that we have the power to make better choices and be champions of change.” 

Better Stands

Additionally, Informa Markets Jewellery will continue to recognise exhibitors who embrace the “Better Stands” programme at JGA and JGW.

To be eligible for this distinction, exhibitors at JGA and/or JGW must complete a nomination form, which is available in the Online Exhibitor Manual (OEM). One of the core criteria is for nominees to demonstrate their ability to reuse the majority, if not all, of their stand components in future events, while creating designs and builds that will continue to attract and excite buyers year after year.
 
Informa will select the recipients of the “Better Stands” accolade. Honourees will also be presented with certificates during the JGW Fair Reception on September 18 at the HKCEC.