H&M Gives 1M Euros in Prizes for Eco-friendly Ideas

Image via Global Change Award

H&M is making an effort to create a more environmentally conscious apparel industry by rewarding startups with 1 million euros (approximately $1,102,695) in prize money for technological innovations that benefit the sustainable-apparel landscape.

According to Fashion Times, the H&M Conscious Foundation—an independent organization to create positive change—hosted its inaugural Global Change Award ceremony this month in Sweden. The organization awarded technology innovations that allow for a more sustainable fashion industry.

Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, awarded Michael Hummel the top award of 300,000 euros (appoximately $330,800 for developing a new cotton out of waste fabrics.

A team from the U.S., lead by Akshay Sethi, received 250,000 euros (approximately $275,670) for developing a microbe that breaks down waste from polyester.

Anna Runnel of Estonia, Enrica Arena of Italy and Tjeerd Veenhoven of Holland split a 150,000 euro (approximately $165,400) prize. Runnel's team developed an online market for textile leftovers, Arena's group produced a method of using by-products from citrus juice to create sustainable textiles, and Veenhoven is developing a process to create an alternative raw material using algae.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR WINNERS OF #GCA2015! pic.twitter.com/NVK8PVFSW7

— Global Change Award (@GlblChangeAward) February 10, 2016

To view animations of the winning submissions, visit GoSee.

For more information on the Global Change Award, visit www.globalchangeaward.com.