The H&M Foundation has announced the top 20 finalists for the Global Change Award 2025, a prestigious initiative aimed at promoting sustainable innovation within the fashion industry. This year’s finalists represent a diverse range of visionary projects focused on decarbonizing the textile sector and fostering systemic change.
The shortlisted brands, along with their respective countries, are as follows:
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Ecoloop (Finland) – A circular material system that enhances textile recycling and reduces waste.
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The Woven Earth (United States) – Using biodegradable materials to create sustainable fabrics for the fashion industry.
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Wool2Waste (Australia) – Innovating wool waste management solutions to minimize textile waste.
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BioFabrica (Brazil) – Developing bio-powered textiles sourced from renewable resources.
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Zerocero (Spain) – Aiming to eliminate plastic waste in fashion through sustainable sourcing practices.
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Wearable Waste (United Kingdom) – Transforming textile waste into fashionable and wearable items.
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EcoFabric (India) – Creating eco-friendly fabrics that reduce the environmental impact of textile production.
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FiberCycle (Germany) – Introducing innovative recycling methods for textiles to enhance fiber recovery.
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PlantFabric (Netherlands) – Focused on developing plant-based textiles that are sustainable and biodegradable.
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GreenThread (Italy) – Promoting the use of natural dyes to produce environmentally friendly fabrics.
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CircularTech (Sweden) – A tech-driven solution aimed at achieving circularity in textile production processes.
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Sustainable Stitch (Canada) – Crafting garments from upcycled materials to reduce waste in fashion.
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Recotex (Portugal) – Developing a recycling platform for textile waste to turn it into new products.
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WearTech (France) – Innovating textiles embedded with technology for enhanced sustainability.
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BioBlend (South Africa) – Creating biodegradable blends that reduce microplastic pollution in fashion.
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Repurpose (New Zealand) – Offering a system for repurposing old garments into new fashion items.
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AirWeave (Israel) – Developing lightweight textiles incorporating air-saving technologies for energy-efficient production.
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CocoWeave (Singapore) – Using coconut fibers to create sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics.
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ReForm (Norway) – Focusing on reforming old textiles into high-quality new materials.
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NextGen Fabrics (Denmark) – Establishing a platform for developing next-generation sustainable fabrics.
These finalists were selected from a record number of applications received globally, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability in the fashion industry. Each finalist will receive mentorship and support from industry experts to refine their ideas and prepare for market implementation.
The winners of the Global Change Award will be announced in May 2025 during a ceremony that celebrates the most promising initiatives in sustainable fashion. Alongside financial rewards, the finalists will gain access to a vast network of investors, sustainability experts, and industry leaders, further enhancing their potential for success.
The H&M Foundation’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation in sustainable fashion highlights the urgent need to address environmental challenges facing the industry today. By supporting these groundbreaking projects, the foundation aims to catalyze significant change and pave the way for a more sustainable future in fashion.
These finalists were selected from a record number of applications globally, highlighting the increasing commitment to sustainability within the fashion industry. Each finalist will receive mentorship and support from industry experts to refine their business models and prepare for market introduction.
The winners of the Global Change Award will be announced in May 2025 during a ceremony celebrating the most impactful initiatives in sustainable fashion. In addition to financial rewards, the finalists will gain access to a vast network of stakeholders, including investors, sustainability experts, and industry leaders, to help realize their visions.
The H&M Foundation’s focus on fostering innovation in sustainable fashion underscores the urgent need to address the environmental challenges facing the industry today. By supporting these groundbreaking projects, the foundation aims to catalyze significant change and pave the way for a more sustainable future in fashion.
