Fashion Circular Economy Award for Three Companies – Solutions for Reusing, Repairing Clothing and Utilizing Finnish Wool

The Fashion Circular Economy Awards 2026 went to Ninyes, Sustinare and By Hinders. The companies awarded at the I love me fair held at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre promote the extension of the life cycle of textiles and the utilisation of domestic raw materials in the fashion industry.

The Fashion Circular Economy Awards were presented at the I love me fair in Helsinki on 16–18 October 2026. The aim of the competition, which is now in its fifth year, is to highlight fashion and textile industry players who are developing new circular economy business models and solutions.

The competition was organized by the I love me fair and the Jalotus Association. The prizes were awarded in two categories: Lifespan Extender and Inspirer.

It was decided to exceptionally share the award in the Lifecycle Extender category between two companies. Nines ja Sustain each received a 2,000 euro award from the Finnish Fair Foundation. The winner of the Inspirer category By Hinders was awarded 4,000 euros.

Resale and repair complement each other

Ninyes offers fashion brands a resale service that helps them resell used clothing and other products, customer returns, and surplus inventory. The goal is to extend the lifespan of products and make resale part of the fashion brands' business.

Sustinare, on the other hand, is developing a digital service that connects consumers, tailors and shoemakers. The purpose of the service is to make it easier to have clothing and other products repaired and to improve the accessibility of repair services.

The competition's expert jury considered that the companies represent two different but complementary ways of extending the life cycle of products.

According to the jury, Ninyes raises the value of used products and makes resale a natural part of the fashion industry's business. Sustinare, in turn, strengthens the repair services network and supports the preservation of craftsmanship.

Both solutions aim to change consumer behavior. The jury emphasized that promoting a circular economy requires both reuse and repair of products. Therefore, it was decided to share the award between the two actors.

By Hinders builds a value chain for Finnish sheep wool

By Hinders, which won the Inspirer category, develops fashion and textile production based on the utilization of Finnish sheep wool.

Jonathan Ingberg The company, founded by, combines domestic raw materials, local manufacturing and design expertise. The goal is to manufacture long-lasting products and create new opportunities for Finnish wool expertise.

The expert jury particularly praised the company's long-term development work and strong design vision.

According to the jury, By Hinders' operations cover the entire production chain from raw materials to finished products. The company demonstrates how a value chain can be built around Finnish sheep wool, from farm to finished product.

The jury considered the operating model an example of how domestic renewable raw materials can be used to develop internationally interesting and commercially credible fashion.

Competition highlights circular economy solutions in the fashion industry

The Fashion Circular Economy Competition is looking for actors who are innovatively utilizing the circular economy in the fashion and textile industry.

The winners were selected by a panel of experts, including the leading expert in sustainable business at the Finnish Textile & Fashion Association. Emilia Gadd, Professor Emerita of Fashion, Aalto University Pirjo Hirvonen and a sustainability expert and lecturer in craft science at the University of Helsinki Tarja-Kaarina Laamanen.

The following I love me fair will be held on October 22-24, 2027.

Text: Uusiuutisten editorial team

Photo: Messukeskus. Sustinare entrepreneur Elina Korri (pictured left) and sewing services manager Anita Wallin, as well as Ninyes production director Elli Jaakola (pictured right) received the Fashion Circular Economy Awards in the life cycle extender category.