Fashion District is delighted to announce that the winner of the Manufacturing Futures Innovation Challenge Prize 2026 is Pulpatronics, a London-based company developing fully recyclable, metal-free RFID tags that reduce carbon emissions, costs and electronic waste in inventory management.
This year’s runners-up are Tera Mira, a biomaterials company developing a compostable seaweed-based alternative to conventional elastane, and Danu Water, whose technology closes on-site water loops to help manufacturers reduce freshwater use. Highly commended was awarded to Infinity Blue, which recovers indigo from denim waste to reimagine colour as a continuously regenerative resource.
The winner and runners-up were announced by Shailja Dube, Deputy Director of the Institute of Positive Fashion, BFC, at a special awards ceremony last night at ALFI in Spitalfields Market. Speakers also included: Vanessa Perez Sanchez, Director of Small Business, London & Partners; Nathalie Lethbridge, Chief Outreach and Marketing Officer, EIT Culture & Creativity and Tom Adeyoola, CEO of Innovate UK. Following the reception, guests were seated in Spitalfields Market for the Fashion District Showcase in partnership with SXSW London and Spitalfields E1, and supported by London College of Fashion, UAL.
Pulpatronics receives a cash prize of £15,000, alongside a year-long desk membership at The Trampery Fish Island Village, UKFT membership, legal support from Bates Wells, advisory hours from Chelsea Franklin Studio, and branding and communications guidance from Westbrook. Each runner-up receives £5,000 and access to the same package of support.
This year’s judging panel comprised Adam Mansell, CEO, UKFT; Georgia Parker, Innovation Director, Fashion For Good; Lauren Bartley, Sustainability Innovation Manager, GANNI; Philly Grogan, Sustainability Manager, Nobody’s Child; and Matthew Drinkwater, Head of Fashion Innovation Agency, UAL: London College of Fashion.
Adam Mansell, CEO of the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), said: “This year’s cohort showed a strong systems-thinking approach to manufacturing innovation. It was encouraging to see continued focus on early-stage processes such as dyestuffs, alongside practical solutions for retailers and manufacturers, ranging from RFID to water conservation. These start-ups have real potential to help address some of the industry’s key challenges – it has been really exciting to be part of the judging process.”
Pulpatronics is developing fully recyclable, metal-free RFID tags to enable more sustainable inventory management. By replacing traditional components with paper-based conductive materials, the company reduces carbon emissions, costs and electronic waste.
Tera Mira is developing a fully biobased elastomer derived from seaweed as an alternative to conventional elastane. Designed for both performance and circularity, the material is compostable and compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
Danu Water develops industrial water recycling systems designed to close on-site water loops. Its technology treats wastewater to a process-ready quality, helping manufacturers reduce freshwater use, minimise discharge and improve operational efficiency.
Infinity Blue is pioneering a circular colour system that recovers indigo from denim waste. Using a natural, chemical-free process, it transforms discarded materials into a reusable dye source — reimagining colour as a resource that can be continuously regenerated.
ABOUT FASHION DISTRICT
Fashion District at London College of Fashion, UAL, is a hub for fashion innovation in east London. It connects fashion, technology, business and education to provide innovation networks, affordable space, business support and investment.
ABOUT LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION, UAL
London College of Fashion, UAL, leads the world in fashion business, media and design education. From their new home at East Bank, the UK’s newest cultural quarter at the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, they’re forging partnerships, opening up opportunities, and creating connections with east London’s schools, community and industry. They’ll continue to pioneer how we use fashion business, media and design to shape culture, economics, and society. And through fashion, shape lives.
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