Research prize for innovative ideas in shoe and textile recycling

International Environmental Research are awarding the international research prize I:CO Award - Rethink. Recycle. Reward. with €5,000 for cutting-edge ideas in the field of shoe and textile recycling. The application deadline is July 31.

Every year, in Europe, more than one million tons of used textiles and shoes are thrown out with the domestic waste. I:Collect AG wants to avert this burden for the environment with their collection system, I:CO ("I collect") and accept used shoes, clothes and textiles in the branches of their associated partners.

I:CO recycles them professionally and they are environmentally-friendly; thereby keeping valuable raw materials in a cycle of re-use. Ideas for shoe and textile recycling will be rewarded with the Research Prize the I:CO Award.

"Consumers should be able to buy clothes and shoes with a clear environmental conscience, wear them proudly, and return these items to a cycle of circulation. We intend to contain 100 per cent of all textiles and shoes in a continuous, everlasting cycle by 2030. In order to achieve this challenging aim, we need new innovative ideas, said Stephan Wiegand, board of directors, I:Collect AG.

I:CO is also supported by Michael Braungart of EPEA International Environmental Research, Hamburg and creator of the Cradle to Cradle concept. Cradle to Cradle's objective is the production of zero waste and to win back valuable raw materials.

During the initial manufacturing of consumer products it should be taken into consideration whether or not these products are biologically degradable, and if they will be able to serve as a fertiliser, or completely recycled in some other way. Prof. Braungart challenges: "How can we succeed in keeping these valuable raw textile materials in a recycling circuit? What can we improve at the initial production of shoes and clothing? We want to take shoe and textile recycling to a new level and make its significance for our environment clear." He and I:CO have initiated the International Research Prize I:CO Award - rethink. Recycle. Reward.

The award will be given for the first time this November at the Nutec trade show in Germany.