Top 20 finalists in Global Change Award 2025 revealed
After having received 476 ideas from 69 countries across 6 continents, we are thrilled to share our top 20 finalists.
Pioneering heat-pumps, next-level RFID tags and jaw-dropping textiles generating electricity are some of the innovations found on the Top 20 list.
The Global Change Award seeks bold, early-stage innovations that can decarbonise fashion and drive industry-wide transformation – all while ensuring that both people and the planet thrive. The focus is on game-changing ideas that challenge the status quo and turn brilliant ideas into scalable solutions.
This year’s finalists span across four key categories – Sustainable materials and processes, Responsible production, Mindful consumption, and Wildcards – each tackling critical challenges in the textile industry.
The 20 cutting-edge ideas on this year’s list range from bio-powered textiles that generate electricity and game-changing heat pumps set to replace gas boilers, to next-level recycling innovations – not to mention the community-driven hub reimagining circular solutions!
These ideas will now be reviewed by our Expert Panel, who will screen all finalists and provide their individual guidance into the selection process of the 10 winners of the Global Change Award 2025 – to be announced in May.
But first things first. Now, check out these incredible changemakers across our four key categories, set to lead the next wave of innovation in the textile industry!
Responsible Production
Innovations in energy efficiency, waste management, traceability, on-demand and renewable energy.
Thermal Cyclones
United Kingdom
This company is developing pioneering heat pumps designed to replace outdated gas and oil steam boilers. With the potential to cut energy consumption by over 75%, this innovation could play a key role in decarbonising industrial heat processes.
Changemakers behind the idea: James Parkin & Chris Benson
DecoRpet
China
DecoRpet has developed an innovative method to recycle PET plastic at lower temperatures, significantly enhancing energy efficiency. This breakthrough process yields high-quality recycled PET, paving the way for transforming old textiles into new, sustainable creations.
Changemaker behind the idea: Youbing Mu, Xiaobo Wu
& Shuang Su
FiberFlow
Germany
FiberFlow is making a mark in the recycling world with their innovative technology that mechanically separates blended fabrics into pure, high-quality fibres. This clever process helps recover valuable materials, driving us closer to a circular textile economy – one fibre at a time.
Changemakers behind the idea: Lena Strobl & Ludwig Morgenstern
Pulpatronics
United Kingdom
Pulpatronics has developed a revolutionary metal-free and chipless RFID paper tag which is laser printed using a carbon-based material. These tags are cheaper, recyclable, and significantly reduce the environmental footprint of RFID tag production. Say goodbye to resource-intensive RFID’s and hello to the next generation of sustainable tags!
Changemakers behind the idea: Chloe So & Barna Soma Biro
www.linkedin.com/company/pulpatronics
Sustainable Materials & Processes
Ideas in low-energy materials, sustainable energy practices, new and recycled fibres and alternative wet processes, treatments and finishes.
Brilliant Dyes
United Kingdom
This progressive start-up is developing a non-toxic, biodegradable alternative to synthetic dyes using Phycocyanin, a natural pigment from cyanobacteria. Their low-cost, energy-efficient extraction process aims to make sustainable dyes more accessible and commercially viable, reducing pollution and cutting emissions in the fashion industry.
Changemaker behind the idea: Mohammad Redwanur Rahman
Decarbonization Lab
Bangladesh
The Decarbonization Lab for Textile Process Innovation is a dedicated R&D space focusing on low-emission dyeing, finishing, and material treatment. By introducing low-carbon techniques, this lab aims to disrupt outdated practices and promote sustainable production methods.
Changemaker behind the idea: Mohammad Abbas Uddin
Nordic Blue
Denmark
Nordic Blue has developed an enzymatic method for eco-friendly denim dyeing, reducing environmental impact and improving work conditions for textile workers. Their vision is to produce denim with a clean conscience.
Changemaker behind the idea: Ditte Hededam Welner
www.nordicblue.dk
CircularFabrics
Germany
CircularFabrics has developed NYLOOP® technology to recover high-quality nylon from blended textile waste. This method creates a sustainable and fully recyclable nylon supply, minimizing waste and reducing reliance on virgin materials.
Changemakers behind the idea: Josephine Mayer, Miguel Chacon-Teran, Ruben Serrano
https://www.linkedin.com/company/circularfabrics
Pneedles
Nigeria
Pneedles turns plastic waste into buttons for the fashion industry, reducing plastic pollution and creating reliable employment for waste pickers. Their innovative approach transforms discarded materials into useful fashion elements, promoting environmental and social sustainability.
Changemaker behind the idea: Joshua Attat
https://www.instagram.com/getpneedles
Renasens
Sweden
Renasens uses waterless, clean technology to recycle blended textile waste into valuable raw materials without fibre depolymerisation. The scalable process avoids water, harmful chemicals, and high energy, turning waste into a sustainable resource.
Changemaker behind the idea: Jade A. Bouledjouidja
www.renasens.se
Reselo
Sweden
Reselo has cracked the code for turning forest waste into 100% bio-based rubber. This rubber can save as much as 92% of the greenhouse gas emissions compared to synthetic rubber and can be used in everything from shoes to outdoor gear.
Changemaker behind the idea: Henrik Otendal
RubyLab
Spain
RubyLab is shaking up the textile industry by tackling the impossible: recycling stretch textiles that were once destined for the landfill. Their process not only cuts greenhouse gas emissions but also spins out new fibre-to-fibre polyamide (nylon) textiles.
Changemaker behind the idea: Jo-Anne Godden
www.rubylab.tech
Sequinova
United Kingdom
Sequinova’s biodegradable sequins are set to revolutionise fashion by replacing traditional plastic sequins with more sustainable alternatives. These sequins are made from bio-based materials, breaking down naturally and reducing microplastic pollution.
Changemaker behind the idea: Clare Lichfield
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sequinova
Tera Mira
United Kingdom
Tera Mira is on a mission to transform the textile industry with a biobased alternative to elastane, harnessing the power of seaweed cultivation. This innovative approach not only addresses the pressing issue of plastic pollution but also champions sustainable textile manufacturing.
Changemaker behind the idea: Jeanne Begon-Lours & Lucy Dain-Williams
www.linkedin.com/company/saol-nua/
A Blunt Story
India
UNCRUDE® by A blunt story is a plastic-free sole material made from agricultural waste, bio-based materials and recycled components. This innovation addresses the footwear industry’s reliance on crude oil and microplastic pollution, promoting inclusive sustainable solutions benefitting everyone from farmers to workers and consumers.
Changemaker behind the idea: Chandni Batra
Mindful Consumption
Solutions that extend garment life cycles, enable circular business models, and reshape demand.
Loom
United Kingdom
Loom connects individuals and brands with skilled designers to upcycle unworn clothes into bespoke designs. Their tech-powered platform makes upcycling effortless, reducing textile waste and driving a circular future.
Changemaker behind the idea: Daisy Harvey
www.theloomapp.com
NaCRe-recycling silk and wool
Switzerland
NaCRe has unlocked the secret to breaking down protein materials like wool and silk into their building blocks – amino acids. These amino acids can then be transformed into high-value proteins, turning waste into wonder.
Changemaker behind the idea: Francesco Stellacci
The Revival Circularity Lab
Ghana
The Revival Circularity Lab is a community-driven hub reimagining circular solutions for textile waste in Ghana’s Kantamanto Market. This initiative transforms waste materials into upcycled products, empowering local artisans and reducing environmental impact.
Changemaker behind the idea: Yayra Agbofah
Wildcards
Unexpected, game-changing ideas that could accelerate industry-wide transformation.
Electric Skin
United States
Electric Skin is redefining wearable electronics with bio-powered textiles that generate electricity from humidity. Using bacteria that create an electrical charge from moisture, they’ve designed compostable, flexible materials that power wearables without external inputs.
Changemakers behind the idea: Catherine Euale, Sequoia Fisher, Nada Elkharashi, Paige Perillat- Piratoine
www.electricskin.org
SiSource
India
SiSource is a groundbreaking digital registry that bridges the gap between textile, agriculture, and food value chains. By tracking environmental and social metrics, SiSource supports CSR and ESG goals, ensuring that sustainable practices are at the forefront of production.
Changemaker behind the idea: Ruchika Kuthari
Note to editors
Assets
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