Tom Ford, the renowned American fashion house, has recently unveiled the eight finalists of its Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize. The aim of this prize is to find alternative solutions to the use of single-use plastics within the fashion industry. Tom Ford, in collaboration with environmental organization Lonely Whale, announced this partnership last year. Shockingly, it has been reported that the fashion industry currently utilizes over 180 billion plastic bags each year, accounting for 46% of the plastics present in our oceans.
After an extensive selection process involving 64 applications from 26 countries across six continents, the competition jury has chosen eight companies to progress to the semi-finals. These companies include Genecis from Canada, Kelpi from the United Kingdom, Lwanda Biotech from Kenya, Marea from Iceland, Notpla from the United Kingdom, Sway from the United States, Xampla from the United Kingdom, and Zerocircle from India. Interestingly, over half of these companies are focused on algae-based solutions, while others are exploring innovative options such as reprogramming bacteria that grow on organic waste (Genecis), reusing agricultural waste (Lwanda Biotech), or incorporating plant-based proteins like peas (Xampla).
Moving forward, these selected solutions will undergo thorough testing for a year under real-life conditions. The testing will take place in the Caribbean Sea and the waters of the Northwest Pacific Ocean. Additionally, laboratory tests will be conducted by the New Materials Institute at the University of Georgia and the Seattle Aquarium. Approximately 20 brands have committed to incorporating these materials into their supply chains for further testing and research purposes. Notable brands involved in this coalition include Tom Ford and Tom Ford Beauty, Stella McCartney (who is also a jury member), Nike, HP, and J.Crew.
During spring 2023, three winning solutions will be chosen and awarded a two-year support program, alongside a $1 million funding pool for investment capital. Furthermore, the eight finalists will each receive a $200,000 milestone prize to aid in their development and participation in the competition.
Links:
1. Tom Ford Official Website
2. Lonely Whale Official Website
