10 Innovations to Watch: Winners of the Global Change Award 2025
Photo: H&M Group
Each year, the Global Change Award highlights bold new ideas that could transform fashion into a more sustainable industry. We are aware that this reward comes from a fast fashion giant itself; some would call this greenwashing. Nevertheless, we think these start-ups and innovations are worth mentioning. The 2025 winners are tackling everything from energy use and recycling to dyes, new materials and community solutions.
Here are the ten changemakers to keep an eye on:
Photo: PulpaTronics
Responsible Production
DecoRpet (China) – Removes dyes from polyester at low temperatures, making it easier to recycle polyester into high-quality fabric.
Thermal Cyclones (UK) – Replaces old gas boilers with electric heat pumps, cutting energy use in factories by up to 75%.
PulpaTronics (UK) – Creates recyclable, chip-free RFID tags printed on paper, reducing electronic waste in fashion’s supply chains.
Mindful Consumption
Loom (UK) – A digital platform where users can connect with designers to upcycle old clothes into unique new pieces.
Photo: A Blunt Story
Sustainable Materials & Processes
CircularFabrics (Germany) – NYLOOP® technology that recovers high-quality nylon from blended textile waste.
A Blunt Story (India) – UNCRUDE® soles made from agricultural waste and plants, reducing reliance on fossil-based plastics in shoes.
Brilliant Dyes (UK) – Natural, biodegradable dyes made from algae using low-energy methods.
Decarbonization Lab (Bangladesh) – A hub helping dyehouses and factories switch to lower-emission textile processes.
Renasens (Sweden) – Waterless recycling of blended textiles into new high-quality fibres without toxic chemicals.
Wildcard
The Revival Circularity Lab (Ghana) – A community-based hub in the Kantamanto Market that upcycles unsellable clothes, creating jobs and extending garment lifespans.
What They Get
Each receives €200,000 and joins a year-long programme with support from H&M Foundation, Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.