A new report has cast a spotlight on material innovators shaping the future of sustainable fashion. With support from the H&M Foundation, Fashion Positive—an initiative by the non-profit Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute—has unveiled its first Emerging Material Innovators Report, identifying the most promising pioneers driving circularity in the global fashion industry.
The circular economy of tomorrow begins with innovation today. Over the past 18 months, H&M Foundation and Fashion Positive have collaborated to advance circularity by connecting innovators with the resources, expertise, and networks required to scale their impact. The newly released report is designed to bridge the gap between creative material developers and major fashion industry players, accelerating the adoption of sustainable solutions.
A Call for Investors and Brands to Take Action
The Emerging Material Innovators Report aims to capture the attention of investors, accelerators, and brand partners eager to back groundbreaking technologies and circular materials. Each edition will showcase vetted and validated innovators selected according to the rigorous Cradle to Cradle certification standards.
“This report is a unique product that addresses the gap between the innovator and the industry, where everything also becomes public for anyone to use,” said Erik Bang, Innovation Lead at H&M Foundation.
The first quarterly edition introduces twelve innovators, including Tandem Repeat, a previous winner of the H&M Foundation’s Global Change Award 2018. Tandem Repeat’s technology draws inspiration from squid genes to develop self-healing, biodegradable, and fully recyclable materials through an eco-friendly and cost-effective process—offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable fabric production.
Building a Future of Positive Materials
Through its “Fashion Positive” initiative, the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute works with a global network of brands, designers, and suppliers to transform the very foundation of the fashion industry. From yarns and dyes to fabrics, zippers, and finishes, the organization identifies and certifies safe, circular, and innovative materials—creating a collaborative ecosystem of “positive” resources for sustainable design.
