A top-notch business environment serves as the "foundation" for companies to thrive. As we work on the upgraded version of the "warmest district", we are using technology as the "hub" and constantly "expanding" to create a new engine for regional growth. What new scenarios of the circular economy emerge from "technology + environmental protection"? How do we build a "pet economy lab" through "technology + consumption"? In our new approach to building a people's city, the "warmest district" is continuously enriching its "innovation content".

Technology + Environmental Protection: New Scenarios of the Circular Economy

As eco-awareness soars and waste sorting takes deeper root, the "Love Recycling, Love Sorting" smart recycling units in our neighborhoods are nothing new. The intuitive four-step process - scan, open, deposit, and earn - has become a familiar and effortless practice for most. When dropping off recyclables, some residents opt to give their points to the community pot. These points fund public facilities made from recycled fiber plastic like benches. It is a small but mighty example of how teamwork between the government and businesses can turn trash into treasure in our communities.

ATRenew Inc. (Aihuishou) was established in Yangpu in 2011. In recent years, it has been pioneering new recycling approaches, intensifying its technological integration, and refining its recycling infrastructure. This has significantly propelled the shift towards a greener and more sustainable future.

In 2019, ATRenew launched its "Love Recycling, Love Sorting" initiative, a pioneering venture in renewable resource recycling. This program employs a unique "collection point–sorting station–processing hub" system. Residents simply scan a QR code on the smart recycling units within their communities to deposit recyclable materials. These machines then automatically weigh recyclables and grant users points proportional to the weight of their contributions, which can be redeemed for cash. Once collected, recyclables are transported to sorting facilities, where they are meticulously categorized into 80 types for specialized processing. The "Love Recycling, Love Sorting" model stands out for its enthusiastic user engagement, significant waste reduction at the source, advanced digital management, and robust market-driven approach. It is essential to boosting urban governance and sustainable development.

By late 2024, the "Love Recycling, Love Sorting" initiative had deployed over 31,000 smart recycling units across 38 cities nationwide, achieving an annual recycling capacity of 678,000 tons. Yet, this initiative is merely a single component of ATRenew's innovative second-hand circulation ecosystem.

Driven by a relentless commitment to technology, ATRenew has seamlessly integrated algorithm-powered, data-centric, and automated technologies into the second-hand 3C industry. This fusion has given rise to a suite of innovative, targeted, and highly practical technological solutions. ATRenew's automated inspection devices can detect signs of disassembly or part replacement in mobile phones within a mere 1-2 seconds. Moreover, a comprehensive assessment of a phone's appearance, functionality, and performance is achievable in just 3 minutes. The implementation of cutting-edge technologies like AI and automation is pivotal in ensuring high-precision and high-efficiency quality control for second-hand electronics. Through technological innovation, ATRenew has revolutionized the second-hand consumer electronics industry, transitioning it from an era of manual processing to one of full automation.

When it comes to building recycling and trade-in channels, ATRenew has forged strategic partnerships with e-commerce giants like JD and leading mobile phone brands such as Apple to create dynamic online transaction scenarios. Offline, ATRenew's network of stores serves as the cornerstone for its recycling services. By the end of the third quarter of 2024, the company had established over 1,600 stores across 263 cities nationwide. Complementing this, ATRenew has introduced diverse recycling options, including door-to-door pickups and mail services, to create a robust recycling system.

Building on its extensive business experience, ATRenew has developed a comprehensive and standardized product evaluation framework. This system encompasses 38 quality inspection criteria and 36 quality levels, effectively transforming "non-standard" second-hand items into reliable "standard products". For instance, when assessing screen scratches, ATRenew employs a multifaceted approach, considering factors such as visibility, length, and depth. Each inspected device is accompanied by a detailed report, presented in a "one device, one picture, one report" format, empowering users with a holistic understanding of the device's condition. Today, this evaluation standard serves as a benchmark for close to 780,000 merchants across the industry chain, boosting the credibility and scalability of the second-hand electronics market.

Yangpu has long leveraged its robust ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship, continuously refining the business environment and actively nurturing technology-driven enterprises. By establishing the "innovation and entrepreneurship small giant" brand, which aligns closely with the market evaluation system, Yangpu offers comprehensive, lifecycle policy support and services in technological innovation, financial technology, and talent development. This has given rise to a cohort of innovative, fast-growing, high-caliber enterprises, such as ATRenew, UCloud, and Bidepharm, all of which have gone public on domestic and international capital markets.

ATRenew has been included into the second list of Shanghai's Innovative Enterprise Headquarters. The four selected enterprises from Yangpu are distinguished by their strong leadership, innovative prowess, and huge growth potential. With this addition, the number of Shanghai's Innovative Enterprise Headquarters in Yangpu has now reached eight.

"Technology + Consumption": "Pet Economy Lab" in Yangpu

Shu Hong, an avid pet enthusiast, is the proud owner of three pets and allocates nearly 10,000 yuan annually to their care and upkeep. Recently, she took her beloved dog, Juliet, to the Shanghai Fashion Center for the preliminary audition of the 4th Petjoy Fashion Week. Much to Shu's delight, Juliet made an impressive debut. "This is Juliet's very first competition, and she's handling it like a pro! She's already received offers from three different brands. I'm so proud of her. I hope she will learn more and make new friends throughout the event," she said enthusiastically.

The 4th Petjoy Fashion Week is set to take place at the Shanghai Fashion Center from March 28 to 30. According to the organizer, this year's extravaganza has been elevated across the board, with enhancements in brand showcases, exhibition scale, audience engagement, thematic activities, and cross-industry collaborations. Spanning over 10,000 square meters, the event will host a diverse array of attractions, including pet fashion shows, lifestyle exhibitions, art displays, forums, championships, and a pet-themed coffee festival. Pet fashion brands from 18 countries and regions, such as the U.S., the UK, Spain, Germany, Sweden, South Korea, and Mexico, will be in attendance. Over the course of three days, visitors can expect to enjoy 15 fashion shows, 13 pop-up events, and five sports competitions, with an anticipated turnout of approximately 200,000 pet lovers and industry insiders.

Incomplete statistics shows that China's pet population is now nearly on par with the number of children under five in the country. Pets have firmly established themselves as cherished family members. "They're just like family to me," said Shu, who allocates a significant portion of her annual budget to pet-related expenses, including food, clothing, accessories, and toys.

At the 3rd Petjoy Fashion Week, the AI-powered robotic dog showcase impressed visitors. These high-tech companions do more than just keep their owners company; they can seamlessly integrate with smart home devices to streamline daily routines. This year's event, which promises an elevated scale and sophistication, is poised to drive the integration of technology and consumption, fostering cross-industry innovation.

Zhang Xin, General Manager of Shanghai Fashion Center Park Management Co., Ltd., revealed ambitious plans. The company will collaborate with JD Pet, Xiaohongshu, Douyin, and Dewu to create a "see now, buy now" digital shopping experience. Innovative partnerships with LOVOT and others will accelerate the pet industry's transition to intelligent and emotionally driven services. Additionally, alliances with brands like MINI, Dyson, Chagee, Haier, and Seagull will reimagine human-pet fashion spaces and products from diverse perspectives. The company will also team up with the Shanghai International Fashion Education Center to establish the industry's first "Pet Fashion Innovation Lab", forging a new paradigm of industry-academia-research integration.