PGI’s Platinum Jewellery Forum at CIBJO Congress Forges Path to Sustainable Development in China
(Hong Kong, 22 November 2024) Platinum Guild International (PGI) successfully hosted a China Platinum Jewellery Forum, themed “Charting the Future with Responsible Platinum”, during the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) 2024 Congress this month in Shanghai. The forum brought together domestic and foreign jewellery industry experts, leaders, authoritative institutions and well-known brand representatives to explore the sustainable development path of China’s platinum jewellery industry.
The “Declaration for Responsible and Sustainability Principles of China’s Platinum Jewellery Industry” was jointly signed and witnessed by the National Gems & Jewellery Testing Co., Ltd. (NGTC) and the National Standardization Technical Committee 256 on Jewellery of SAC (SAC/TC 256).
Group photo at the PGI China Platinum Jewellery Forum
Pui P. Poon, Managing Director of PGI China, welcomed delegates with insightful remarks advocating for a proactive approach of ESG to foster a healthy industry ecosystem towards a more sustainable future. An opening speech by CIBJO President Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri acknowledged the achievements in China’s platinum jewellery market and expressed expectations for the industry’s prospects, followed by Zhang Likui, Deputy Secretary General of the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China (GAC), who emphasised the importance of sustainable development in China’s jewellery industry.
Pui P. Poon, Managing Director of PGI China
Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO
Zhang Likui, Deputy Secretary General of GAC
The global panel at the 2024 China Platinum Jewellery Forum
At the global panel, Mr. Tai Wong, PGI’s Director of Global Innovation & Product Development, hosted the discussion with Mr. Edward Johnson, Corporate Responsibility Director of Gemfields Group, Ms. Iris Van der Veken, Program Executive Director of the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030) Mr. Jon Key, Managing Director of Key & Co, Dr. Guido Grohmann, Managing Director of BVSU and Ms. Zhenzhen Liu, PGI’s Director of Global Corporate Marketing. The panel discussed major ESG trends which have affected and shaped the jewellery industry to date, consumers’ needs regarding ESG factors in purchasing jewellery, and key initiatives and practices in the pipeline related to responsible production and sourcing and the importance of collaboration in enhancing progress.
During the China panel, Mr. Alex Ye, PGI China’s Director of Innovation & Trade Marketing, hosted the discussion with Mr. Zheng Feng, General Manager of China Platinum Co., Ltd (CPC), Mr. Zhang Yubo, General Manager of China National Gem & Jewellery Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd., Mr. Yongwoon Sim, Managing Director of IGI China, Ms. Li Suqing, Secretary General of SAC/TC 256 and Ms. Grace He, PGI China’s Director of Market Intelligence & Planning.
The delegates concurred that the jewellery industry needs to strengthen its commitment to innovation, collaboration, environmental stewardship, openness, and inclusivity. They advocated leveraging technological innovation to foster new momentum, while promoting cross-industry integration and collaborative advancement across the entire sector. There was also a call for setting clear standards for responsible production and operations. By harnessing technological innovation and application, the industry can enhance its efficiency, while embedding more sustainable practices. Participants also highlighted the importance of cultural diversity and talent development in building strength for a sustainable future.
The China panel at the 2024 China Platinum Jewellery Forum
Witnessed by NGTC and SAC/TC 256 and led by PGI, key industry stakeholders, including CPC, Lukfook Group (International) Co., Ltd., China National Gem & Jewellery Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd., Shanghai Laofengxiang Co., Ltd. and Beijing Caishikou Department Store Co., Ltd. jointly signed a “Declaration for Responsible and Sustainability Principles of China’s Platinum Jewellery Industry”, mapping out future pathways for healthy and high-quality growth toward sustainable development.
Signing ceremony of the “Declaration for Responsible and Sustainability Principles of China’s Platinum Jewellery Industry”
Platinum’s unique qualities make it a precious and rare metal with great strength and durability. Alongside creating stunning jewellery, platinum’s attributes also benefit society and the environment, such as acting as an important ingredient in automotive catalysts to reduce emissions, making it a key component of the hydrogen economy that contributes to a more sustainable future. Platinum is also used in medical instruments placed in the body and at the forefront of cancer treatments.
In January 2024, PGI worked with the US manufacturer Stuller to launch a Responsibly Mined Platinum casting grain in partnership with Anglo American and supplied in compliance with the Responsible Platinum/Palladium Guidance of London Platinum and Palladium Market (LPPM). This platinum grain is also a component of the new Inoveo Platinum alloy co-developed by Anglo American and Alloyed. Not only does it offer greater manufacturing efficiencies and enhanced durability resulting in better wear performance, it’s also produced with responsibly mined platinum. Moving forward, PGI pledges to continue its role as a sustainability pioneer, working with industry partners to promote a more sustainable and responsible future.