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 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% of all textiles and shoes in a continuous, everlasting cycle by 2030. In order to achieve this challenging aim, we need new innovative ideas", says Stephan Wiegand, Board of Directors, I:Collect AG.

The I:CO AWARD will be given for the first time this November at the Nutec trade show in Germany. All nominees are invited to the Nutec trade show to present their ideas. The winner will be announced there, be publicly honoured, and receive the I:CO AWARD and EUR5,000.

Applications for the I:CO AWARD are being accepted until July 31, 2010. According to Stephan Wiegand, "There are no limits to the creativity of the projects: from converting used shirts into coffee filters to the development of a formula for the 100% recycling of shoe soles. Every application is welcome." Additional information and terms of participation can be found at http://www.i-co.ag/ico-award.

Recycling