In Stockholm, the charitable arm of fast-fashion giant H&M has announced five finalists of its annual Global Change Award, which aims to accelerate the shift to a circular, rather than disposable, fashion industry.
An international expert panel chose the five most promising submissions. One finalist proposes a process for extracting cellulose from cow manure to create a biodegradable textile that also reduces the release of methane gas. Another proposes utilizing winemaking waste such as grape skins and stalks to produce vegetal leather.
A public vote, which closes on April 2, will determine how the five finalists split the award’s €1 million (USD1.1 million) prize. Last year’s winners included textiles made from citrus byproducts and microbes that degrade polyester.