He said: “In order to deal with these problems we combine traditional weaving technology like handmade art, hand-painted art, inkjet art and bamboo art with new research.

“We combine different types of technology to produce braided products with shape memory. For example, a hat can be folded into a bag and when you take it out the pressing force restores the shape.

“The deployment of this hybrid process has greatly reduced the shipping space for woven art and the cost of international transportation.”

In recognition of his entrepreneurial efforts, Zhen was shortlisted in 2017 in the 12th Chunhui Cup, an entrepreneurship competition organised by the Chinese National Ministry of Education. In 2018 he was selected as ‘Taizhou 500 Elite’ and ‘Leading Talent of South Taihu Lake of China’. More recently, in September 2018 he won the third prize at the Chinese Embassy in London where eight students were selected as the best venture representatives for the ‘2018 CSSA-UK 30th Anniversary High-level Entrepreneurship Challenge’.

Talking about his experience while at the University of Sunderland, Zhen said: “The course had links with my professional career and I learned a lot of research methods and learning methods that I have been able to put into practice.”

Going forward, Zhen has got big plans for his business. He explained: “Our Company has joined a number of colleges and universities to turn waste (industrial refuse) into wealth, which reduces production costs significantly and increases profit margins.

“I strongly believe in the traditional industry of straw weaving and I am planning to write textbooks to summarise the methods used for hundreds of years as I want to preserve our national art.”

Some of the products Zhejiang Copisoya Industry&Trade Co Ltd produces.