The world’s largest fashion apparel retailer by revenue, Hennes & Mauritz (H&M), will begin selling clothes made from pineapple leaves, orange peels and algae in select stores from this month.

The sustainable fabric alternatives are to be part of the brand’s ninth Conscious Exclusive line, a collection that aims to highlight the need for a shift towards sustainable and ethical fashion. Other sustainable materials included in the collection are a 100% regenerated fibre from fishnets, organic linen and recycled polyester.

The brand is intent to prove that using these alternative materials doesn’t need to compromise on style and design. Included in the collection are both creative and everyday garments

“The innovation behind sustainable materials never ceases to amaze,” said Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative advisor at H&M, in a statement.

“The way the materials feature in our Conscious Exclusive collection shows how the latest technology can be incorporated with time-honoured techniques for spectacular results." 

The fashion industry is actively shifting towards sustainable trends as the environmental impact of the industry has become increasingly clear. A recent report from Stand.Earth found the industry is responsible for 8% of global climate pollution, with total emissions that would make it the fourth largest climate polluter on Earth as a country.

Harnessing the potential of innovative materials such as those manufactured from waste products like food scraps will be key to transforming the industry.

 

Positive Action

• The best thing consumers can do to encourage greater sustainability in the fashion industry is to exercise your power as a consumer. Always consider first whether you actually need more clothing and, if you do, use your purchase to send a message by choosing the sustainable option.
• If you have old or unwanted clothing always check RecyclingNearYou for options on how to recycle them responsibly before sending to landfill.

 

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Positive Environment News has been compiled using publicly available information. Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.