With an innovative vegetal leather dubbed “Grape Leather”, which is made by using leftovers from winemaking, the H&M Foundation has awarded the top prize for the second edition of its Global Change Award.

The initiative, launched in 2015 by the non-profit arm of Swedish retail giant H&M, aims to reward technology concepts that make the fashion industry more sustainable.

$1.1 million grant was distributed among a total of five winners selected by the Foundation following an online vote held from March 27 to April 2.

“Grape Leather” received the most public votes and was declared the overall winner of the contest.

Italy’s Rosella Longobardo who led the team behind the discovery  was awarded a top prize of 300,000 at a ceremony in Stockholm.

And, the remaining grant funds will be split between the other four winners, which include a biodegradable textile made from cow manure.

Also, denim dyed using a coloring powder derived from used denim; decomposable nylon made from water, plant waste; solar energy instead of oil, and a digital thread that facilitates recycling.

Source: Textile Today