The PEPITE Prize (€2,000) for the fourteenth edition of the “Initiative au féminin” competition was awarded to Laurine PIDOUX for launching a business that designs eco-friendly, bio-based equestrian equipment.
Laurine PIDOUX is a fourth-year engineering student at UTBM (majoring in mechanical engineering and ergonomics).
She had previously earned a DUT in Physical Measurements, with a specialization in Instrumental Techniques, from the University of Bordeaux.
Caring deeply about others and the world around her, she chose to enroll in this program so she could adapt living spaces and products to meet everyone’s needs. As a future engineer, she hopes to develop products that incorporate sustainable development principles while also addressing all of users’ needs.
Passionate about horseback riding—which she has been doing for 16 years—she decided to combine her passion with her career. The idea of designing a product came to her fairly quickly, since equestrian gear aligns with her eco-friendly approach and her constant concern for animal welfare.
She therefore decided to devote part of her studies to the design of equestrian gear. At a time when responsible consumption is trending, the textile industry is gradually adopting these trends and incorporating animal welfare. Her project involves using plant-based leather (made from grapes or pineapples) to design products (halters, bridles, and saddles), which she will offer to saddle makers through franchises and/or partnerships.
CONTACT: laurine.pidoux@utbm.fr
Source of the article: https://initiativeaufeminin-bfc.fr
