Press releases

We believe communication in itself can spark action. Inspiring stories can help to change mindsets of what is possible and by sharing our learnings and practices to others, we can accelerate change in the right direction and reach relevant target groups.

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reProLeather regenerating bio-based leather from leather waste

Traditional recycled leather is produced by combining shredded scraps and residual fibers of real leather with synthetic, non-biodegradable binders like PU and PVC. In contrast, the reProLeather project has pioneered a new approach. The technology developed by The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) with the support of H&M Foundation, employs bio-based binders and eco-friendly chemicals.
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H&M Foundation doubles GCA grant and winners

Recyclable and biodegradable polyurethane, food waste polyester, circular dyeing, natural bio-colours, ultra high-performing textiles, seaweed material, AI textile sorting, corn husk and sugarcane fabric, zero waste pattern system, textile-to-textile recycling for polyesters – these are the ten Global Change Award winners 2023, sharing a €2 million grant from the non-profit H&M Foundation.
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Acousweep separates microplastics from wastewater using soundwaves

The technology developed by The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) with the support of H&M Foundation, can separate microplastics from wastewater using soundwaves. Acousweep is a plug-and-play application. The technology can be easily transported and connected to any wastewater facility. If the technology is implemented at an industrial scale, it will have a significant impact on the fashion industry’s sustainable footprint.
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She’s determined to change the industry through philanthropy

H&M Foundation’s new Global Manager, Anna Gedda, has over fifteen years of practice from the fashion and textile industry, experience in how to make brave strategies come to life and an equal passion for fashion and sustainability. It is her firm belief that the fashion and textile industry can be both socially inclusive and planet positive, but it requires bold ambitions, ground-breaking innovations, and collaboration. As Global Manager for H&M Foundation, Anna Gedda is set to use philanthropy as a catalyst to co-create and share inspiring solutions with the potential to radically transform the entire industry.
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Wanted: ideas that can turn the fashion industry planet positive

STOCKHOLM; 20 October, 2022 – The world’s largest innovation challenge to transform the fashion and textile industry is now open for applications. The Global Change Award – called the ‘Nobel Prize of Fashion’ – is part of transforming fashion and turning the entire industry planet positive. Now, we are calling innovators and entrepreneurs to apply for the GCA 2023. Five winners share a grant of 1 million euro, provided by the H&M Foundation, and get access to our one-year long GCA Impact Accelerator.
Kumudha, operator at a DWCC in Bengaluru
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H&M Foundation champions inclusive circularity

BENGALURU, June 9, 2022 – Together with an ecosystem of partners the non-profit H&M Foundation launched a first of its kind USD 11 million initiative in 2020, to address the gaps in the system that keep Bengaluru waste pickers in poverty and exclusion. Now, plastic waste collected by informal waste pickers is becoming a valued resource in the fashion and textile industry, providing a higher income and recognition as an integral part of the circular value chain. Buttons partly made from the plastic waste are now featured on garments sold worldwide. The buttons are traceable down to the source of the waste along with names of the workers, social security, salaries and working conditions at the aggregation center.
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Garments capturing CO2 are now worn by staff at Fotografiska Stockholm

Stockholm, 23 May, 2022 – The Planet First program initiated by the H&M Foundation and world-renowned The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has recently resulted in an innovation that could potentially be a game-changer when it comes to fighting global CO2 emissions. The Carbon Looper project – clothing that captures CO2 from the air and then releases it as nutrition for plants – is now being tested by the restaurant staff at Fotografiska Stockholm.