A start-up that helps simplify the process of reusing and recycling textile products is among the winners of a competition launched by the European Commission to explore early-stage projects trying to change the way fashion is produced, brought, used and recycled.

The three winners from the 2020 ‘Reimagine Fashion’ competition were selected by an expert jury panel from 766 applicants across Europe. Each will receive EUR50,000 (US$59,948) to further develop and scale their idea after demonstrating significant potential to change behaviours around sustainable fashion. 

The winners are:

  • Resortecs (Belgium): A start-up that has developed dissolvable stitching thread and heat-dismountable rivets, helping simplify the process of reusing and recycling textile products.
  • Snake (Croatia): A digital commerce platform that enables users to wear limitless outfits in augmented reality, thus helping to change the way fashion is consumed.
  • Why We Craft (Romania): A legal support mechanism for craftspeople and designers. The project is empowering those who are maintaining traditional practices, by opening up access to otherwise complicated legal concepts.

An additional prize was awarded to 2019 finalist, Empower (Norway), in recognition of the impact it has made over the past 12 months.