Core Viewpoint - The 2026 DT New Leaf Award aims to recognize and promote innovation in the bio-based industry, showcasing the potential of sustainable materials and technologies [2]. Group 1: Award Overview - The DT New Leaf Award is a global, professional, and comprehensive award focused on innovation in the bio-based sector, often referred to as the "Oscar of the bio-based industry" [2]. - The award seeks to discover pioneering companies that utilize renewable biomass and green technologies to drive low-carbon innovation and sustainable development [2]. Group 2: Participating Companies and Products - A total of nearly 50 listed and representative companies have submitted over 60 products for the 2026 DT New Leaf Award [2]. - Categories for the award include: - Innovation Material Award: Focuses on discovering key platform compounds and innovative materials in the bio-based sector [2]. - Innovation Application Award: Bridges the gap between laboratory innovations and market applications for bio-based materials [6]. - Most Commercially Valuable Award: Identifies bio-based industry stars that combine environmental value with economic benefits [7]. - Innovative Industry Solution Award: Addresses common challenges in large-scale production and quality control within the industry [9]. Group 3: Award Process and Timeline - The application process includes several stages: registration and nomination, online voting for preliminary selection, online competition, and expert review for final selection [14]. - Key dates include: - Registration deadline: March 13, 2026 - Online voting: March 16-22, 2026 - Expert review: March 23-27, 2026 - Award ceremony: May 21, 2026 [15]. Group 4: Judging Panel - The judging panel consists of over 20 experts and executives from various sectors, including sportswear, automotive, packaging, and home appliances [10]. - Notable companies represented in the judging panel include Anta, Bosideng, and Goodyear [11][12].