Sweden's high-street retail giant H&M likes to push the envelope in terms of its sustainability, innovation and functionality. With its clout, the Stockholm-based company places itself at the cutting edge as it strives towards a toxic-free future for the fashion industry. H&M has made a pledge that by 2030, it will only use 100% recycled or other sustainably sourced materials in its clothing; currently, that figure stands at around 40%.
Enter the brand's tie-up with 23 students from Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), who have designed a full collection for the fashion brand."It all started with a simple idea of asking students to explore sustainable design," says Hanna Hallin, sustainability manager of H&M Greater China. "The team took this concept to the skies and created innovative, edgy and authentic pieces, challenging the way fashion is made and enjoyed today."
H&M already has an annual line called the Conscious Exclusive collection, which utilises and creates sustainable fabrics, with the long-term goals of having zero garments going to the landfill and saving on natural resources. Customers can see where the clothes were made, what materials were used and who made them.
