South Africa, June 18 -- H&M says that this year's winners bring fresh perspectives to next-generation materials and bio-based alternatives, alongside advances in textile-to-textile recycling and low-impact production, showing how these fields continue to evolve through new ideas and approaches.

"Many of the solutions are grounded in the innovators' own experiences, shaped by real-world challenges and designed to deliver tangible benefits for the communities they serve," said the fashion brand in a statement.

"Together, they target some of fashion's most emissions-intensive challenges at a time when the industry must accelerate progress towards net zero."

The textile industry remains a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas ...