The H&M Foundation is extending an existing partnership with the
Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) for five
more years to launch a new initiative called the Planet First
program.
The program aims to find truly sustainable solutions for the
fashion industry through various projects. H&M said that it has
already invested 100 million dollars to reach a “planet positive
fashion industry.”
One of the first Planet First projects is an experiment using
clean, toxic-free cellulose powder to make garments. This project is
being carried out with Indian apparel manufacturer Shahi.
Additionally, the H&M Foundation and HKRITA are working to create
an open factory lab for innovators, researchers, suppliers and brands
to come together to test new ideas and scale faster. The lab will be
opened in Hong Kong, with more details to be revealed next year.
“We don’t know what a planet positive fashion industry will look
like, no one does,” said Erik Bang, the H&M Foundation’s innovation
lead, in a press release. “This goal is directional and requires
innovation and thinking outside the box in every step of the fashion
value chain. By signing up for five more years with HKRITA, we not
only dip our toes but take the plunge with this partnership to figure
this out, and we look forward to making the Planet First program a
revolutionary one.”
Image: H&M Group