Back in late 2025, Green Prophet began asking uncomfortable questions about what’s really inside your yoga pants, from transparency failures (yes, those infamous see-through leggings) to the less visible and scarier issue: Your sweat is unlocking microplastics and chemical coatings sitting in the most absorbent parts of the human body.

Now, regulators in the United States are catching up. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a formal investigation into Lululemon, issuing a Civil Investigative Demand to determine whether the athleisure giant misled consumers about the safety of its products, specifically the potential presence of PFAS, or “forever chemicals.”

Though microplastics, which we wrote about are persistent, PFAS are distinct and often co-occur. PFAS are synthetic chemicals used for waterproofing and non-stick coatings, while microplastics are tiny solid plastic particles.

PFAS chemicals are widely used for water and stain resistance. They also persist in the environment and the human body, and have been linked in scientific studies to cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive issues. Paxton framed the probe as a consumer protection issue:

“Americans should not have to worry whether the products they purchase are safe for themselves and their families,” he said.

And more sharply, and what’s interesting here is that he is targeting the brand’s positioning: “Companies that market themselves as leaders in health and wellness should not sell harmful, toxic materials under the guise of sustainability or safety.”

Why Lululemon? Dollar store items may use the same microplastics. But this isn’t a random enforcement action.

Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) to Lululemon USA Inc. (“Lululemon”) as part of an investigation into whether the company has misled consumers about the safety, quality, and health impacts of its products.

Healer Jasper Neil tells Green Prophet, “Synthetic fibres inhibit energy flow. If you’re an energy sensitive practitioner you can feel the difference between natural and synthetic fibres. Nice looks don’t compensate for the fact that these clothes shut your energy down.”

Lululemon is a leading activewear brand that generated over $11 billion in fiscal year 2025 alone. The company markets itself as a wellness-focused lifestyle brand emphasizing sustainability and performance. Brand ambassadors spotted wearing the pants include Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Kate Middleton, Selena Gomez, and Taylor Swift. Lessor known influencers peddling the brand include Lewis Hamilton, Sidney Crosby, Connor Bedard, Jordan Clarkson, Frances Tiafoe, and Leylah Fernandez.

However, emerging research and consumer concerns have raised questions about the potential presence of certain synthetic materials and chemical compounds in their apparel that may be associated with endocrine disruption, infertility, cancer, and other health issues.

“The health and safety of our guests is paramount, and our products meet or exceed global regulatory, safety, and quality standards,” Lululemon said in a statement. “We require all our vendors to regularly conduct testing for restricted substances, including PFAS, by credible third-party agencies to confirm ongoing compliance.”

According to the Attorney General’s Office, Lululemon occupies a unique space of premium pricing, wellness branding, and direct-to-skin products worn during heat, sweat, and friction. The investigation is expected to examine the company’s restricted substances list, product testing protocols, and global supply chain disclosures.

The legal question isn’t simply whether PFAS were used. It’s whether consumers were led to believe they were buying something cleaner than reality allowed. Sort of like Zentera’s so-called “ethical” and “kind” wool that PETA has exposed to be exploitive to animals.

The company’s response? Lululemon says the issue is already addressed.

In statements it has released on the issue that Green Prophet brought force in 2025, the company has said it phased out PFAS in its products in 2023, and that such chemicals were previously used only in limited applications, such as water-repellent finishes. It maintains that its products meet all applicable safety standards and undergo third-party testing.

The bigger issue: exposure where it matters most. If talcum powder exposure or asbestos exposure happened in the past, consumers have a right going forward to claim damages if a link can be made. The problem is that the source of immune disease such as lupus or cancers are hard to tracer.

How do I know if my leggings have PFAS?

PFAS treatments cause the fabric to strongly repel water. If you drop a water droplet onto a PFAS-treated fabric, it will bead up, roll around, and typically leaves no residue. In contrast, a droplet dropped onto an untreated fabric will soak in.

What regulators are only beginning to explore now is what Green Prophet flagged months ago. They know that synthetic fabrics shed microplastics during wear and washing. And that tight athletic clothing creates heat and friction zones, while hemical finishes may interact with sweat and prolonged skin contact.

This includes areas of the body where absorption risks are highest, such as in the crotch area, which is not abstract, but practical and daily.

Paxton didn’t go after every spandex manufacturer. He chose a category-defining brand called Lululemon which is one that sells not just apparel, but a narrative of health, control, and well-being.

If that narrative proves misleading, the implications extend far beyond one company and can shake up the health and wellness space that makes claims about products and services that are unfounded, or worse, bad for one’s health. My mother can remember a time when smoking was considered good for your health, but we know how that played out. Let’s hope the plastics lobbies aren’t so strong.

Now we ask Green Prophet readers: Can synthetic performance wear ever truly be marketed as “clean”? Green Prophet raised the question first. Now, the regulators are asking it on the record.

Is microplastics and forever chemicals something we can avoid? Basically everything (from food and water to air, from blender for your healthy smoothie to cutting board for your veggies that themselves are chemical by default and salt you season them with) contains microplastics, and as per recent studies, we thought that consuming them is the major source, actually it is inhaling,” says Lilia Khalitova. “So polyester clothes are bad, and washing them only makes them shed more. Plus add heat (UV), friction, your mat  and here we go… plastic fantastic you. Realistically it is impossible to avoid or cleanse, but can be minimised through mindful exposure.”

“But will natural cotton or bamboo pants keep your ass tight and round like the plastic ones do? That’s a trade off not many are willing to do I suppose,” sums up Ra Sa.

The post Lululemon pants leech PFAS and plastics into bodies, Texas attorney general claims appeared first on Green Prophet.

Artificial turf was sold as a low-maintenance dream for dry climate cities like Los Angeles, Dubai, and Tel Aviv: no mowing, no mud, no watering. But for many homeowners, it is starting to look more like a plastic trap. It is leaking microplastics which are a health and eco-hazard. Biohacker Bryan Johnson spoke about the need to get rid of his astroturf for health reasons, but how?

Synthetic grass can get dangerously hot in the sun, cause skin burns, trap chemical dust, and shed microplastics into your soil and drains and these also end up in our air and bodies. Many products also contain crumb rubber infill made from recycled tires, along with plastic fibers and backing materials that do not belong in a healthy backyard.

For families with kids, pets, or anyone trying to build a cleaner outdoor space, removing old astroturf is one of the simplest ways to reduce unnecessary exposure to plastics and heat. Some past studies suggest that if kids have played on these surfaces you need to wash their hands.

The good news is that you do not need to turn your yard into a construction zone, as getting rid of artificial turf is a sooner the better idea. You just need to remove it carefully, contain the mess, and dispose of it responsibly.

5 simple tips to safely remove astroturf from your yard

1. Pick a cool, dry day

Do not remove turf in extreme heat or on a windy day. Hot turf releases more dust and becomes harder to handle. Wind can spread loose fibers and crumb rubber around your yard and into drains.

2. Wear gloves, shoes, and a mask

Old turf can contain dust, rubber particles, sharp staples, sand, and degraded plastic fibers. Wear: work gloves, closed shoes or boots, long sleeves and wear an N95 or dust mask if the turf is old or crumbly. Keep the kids and pets away while you work.

3. Roll it up slowly, don’t rip it apart

Cut the turf into manageable strips with a sharp utility knife if it’s large. Roll each strip carefully instead of dragging it across the yard. This helps stop plastic fibers, infill, and backing crumbs from spreading into your soil. If there is black crumb rubber or sand infill, use a shovel and broom to gather it first before rolling.

4. Bag the loose plastic and vacuum the area if the turf is on a hard surface. If it’s on sand or earth sweep or rake visible plastic bits and use a shop vacuum for small fibers and rubber crumbs. Better to collect some sand with the plastic bits using a shop vac. Collect debris into heavy-duty contractor bags

Do not hose the area down aggressively. That can push microplastics deeper into soil or into storm drains or into your backyard to keep emerging years later. Wait for a week or too. Natural air flow should gather some of the plastic fragments at corners for you to sweep away and contain.

5. Don’t burn it or dump it illegally

It’s not asbestos so you don’t need to bring it to a biohazard site. A local dump will do, or ask your city what to do and how to mark it if they do collection. Never burn artificial turf. It can release toxic, plastic fumes. And do not cut it into tiny pieces and throw it loosely into regular trash if you can avoid it.

Instead:

Ask your municipal waste center if they accept artificial turf. Check for construction and demolition waste disposal sites near you. Ask local landscaping or junk-haul companies if they handle turf removal. If the turf is newer, ask the installer or manufacturer if they have a take-back or recycling option for what you’ve pulled up.

Some places treat artificial turf as bulky plastic or construction waste, not regular yard waste.

How to reduce microplastics left behind from astroturf 

You probably will not remove every last plastic fiber, but you can reduce what remains. Try this simple cleanup plan:

• Hand-rake gently to collect visible fragments
• Shop-vac hard surfaces like patios, pavers, and edges
• Remove the top layer of contaminated infill or dust if there’s a heavy buildup
• Add fresh compost and mulch to help cover and stabilize remaining particles
• Replant with groundcovers, native plants, clover, gravel, or permeable stone

If the turf sat there for years, replacing the top few centimeters of soil in high-use areas may also help, especially where children played barefoot.

What should replace astroturf?

The best replacement depends on your climate, but healthier choices include:

• native drought-tolerant plants
• clover or low-water living groundcovers
• mulch play areas
• permeable pavers
• gravel with shade trees
• tiled or shaded courtyard spaces

The smartest yard is not the greenest-looking one. It is the one that stays cooler, drains properly, and supports life instead of shedding plastic.

The post How to safely remove astroturf and plastics from your backyard appeared first on Green Prophet.

Is artificial turf bad for your health? Artificial turf, the green plastic surface designed to look like grass, has been sold to homeowners as a clever compromise: a green-looking yard without mowing. It survives heavy use and, in dry places like the Middle East, California, or Texas, it can replace thirsty lawns. Yeah it paints a nice verdant green cover in dry places or under trees where the grass won’t grow, but if you start using it, it’s function is just tricking your eyes.

Related: how to safely remove artificial turf from your backyard

But the evidence points to a more inconvenient truth we’ve known all along. Synthetic grass can bring real health and environmental trade-offs.

Some risks are immediate and obvious. Artificial turf can run dramatically hotter than natural grass in full sun, increasing the risk of heat stress, dehydration, blistering, and burns to your skin. Real grass respires and releases moisture throughout the day. Plastic grass does not. Field measurements and reviews have repeatedly found synthetic surfaces can become dangerously hot, especially in direct sunlight. A 2024 study in Frontiers in Sustainable Cities noted that artificial turf can reach very high surface temperatures and worsen urban heat island effects. They’ve even proposed ways for cooling it down in cities using water, the very thing that astroturf was designed to solve.

A 2025 evidence summary from Canada’s National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health reached similar conclusions, highlighting heat, skin abrasions, and exposure concerns. “Human exposure to chemicals from artificial turf playing fields can be reduced by washing hands and avoiding infill and fibre ingestion by infants and children,” they write. Is that something we want kids playing on?

Even Bryan Johnson, the longevity entrepreneur known for trying to optimize every aspect of his life so he can live forever, recently posted on X: “Guys, I’m an idiot. All this time I’ve spent trying not to die, I had toxic turf in my backyard.” He added that artificial turf contains crumb rubber infill made from recycled tires. His phrasing was dramatic, but the underlying point stands: you can spend heavily on health while surrounding yourself with industrial plastics.

He wrote:

“Artificial turf contains crumb rubber infill made from recycled tires, which leaches chemicals including PFAS, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These compounds are linked to hormone disruption, carcinogenicity, and systemic inflammation. I don’t know how I missed it. It makes me question my basic competence in life. What gets me is that I try so hard to survey the world of potential idiocy. Then I find out there’s a monument to idiocy sitting right in front of my face that I was blind to. I’m removing the turf, yet I’m still stuck with this seemingly unsolvable problem of how to not be an idiot.”

Then there are injury patterns. Several reviews have found that some lower-extremity injuries, especially certain non-contact injuries, may be more common on artificial turf than on well-maintained natural grass, though results vary by sport, footwear, and field condition. Sliding on astroturf can cause turf burns, which are not only painful but can become infected if not treated properly. Children and athletes are particularly exposed, as they fall, slide, and breathe close to these surfaces.

The harder question is chemical exposure. Many synthetic fields use crumb rubber infill made from recycled tires. A growing body of research shows these materials can contain metals, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, PFAS, and other chemicals of concern. A 2024 systematic review in Environmental Health Insights and a study by the NIH found potentially hazardous concentrations of chemicals in turf infill and fibres, with exposure pathways raising concern, especially for children.

The NIH writes, “Cancer risks were identified for ingestion exposure to PAH in children with pica and heavy metal exposure via dermal, inhalation and ingestion pathways. Non-carcinogenic risks were identified for the ingestion of cobalt in a child spectator and the ingestion of arsenic, cobalt, thallium and zinc. Potentially hazardous concentrations of chemicals were found across both artificial turf infill and artificial turf fibre samples; bioaccessibility of these chemicals varied.”

A 2022 review in Environmental Pollution was more direct, concluding that chemicals identified in artificial turf include known carcinogens, mutagens, and endocrine disruptors, while noting that human evidence remains limited and under-studied.

It would be false to say science has definitively proven that artificial turf causes cancer in everyday users. It has not. Science is methodical and slow, and long-term effects take years to measure. But it would also be false to say the issue is settled or harmless. Even the US EPA’s crumb rubber research effort, updated in 2024, did not conclude there was no risk; it characterized exposures and acknowledged that a full risk assessment is still incomplete. In plain terms: chemicals are present, exposure happens, and long-term health impacts are not fully understood.

The ecological problem of astroturf

Artificial turf is essentially a plastic carpet. It sheds fibers and dust that can enter drains, soils, and waterways, contributing to microplastic pollution. It also seals the ground. Natural grass supports soil life, cools the air, and participates in ecological cycles. Plastic turf does not. It does not cool like vegetation, does not support biodiversity, and does not age well. When it wears out, disposal becomes another environmental problem.

In arid cities, synthetic turf is often marketed as a “green” alternative to water-hungry lawns. But replacing one ecological problem with a heat-trapping plastic surface is not real progress.

Alternatives include native planting, shaded courtyards, permeable surfaces, gravel, regional groundcovers, and climate-appropriate design.

Artificial turf is not automatically poisoning everyone who touches it, but it is not a neutral surface either. Plant local species, use permeable materials, and design for life—not plastic.

Related Green Prophet reading:
Microplastics in plastic aligners
Qatar’s World Cup groundwork and the logic of synthetic surfaces
More Green Prophet coverage on microplastics

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If you are the kind of person who heroically eats a few pounds of salmon every week, chases it with sardines, and lectures your friends about the virtues of oily fish, congratulations: you are doing the best thing for your body. 

In the modern nutrition universe, that level of commitment deserves an applause. But for those who don’t live in a Nordic fishing village, the nutrition company Zinzino has built its omega-3 research and formulations around these principles, combining biomarker testing, antioxidant protection and traceable sourcing across both sustainably harvested small-fish oils and a vegan marine-microalgae alternative. It’s biohacking at the next level. 

They explain why: Because omega-3 fatty acids, the famous EPA and DHA found in marine foods, remain among the most important structural fats in the human body. They support brain signaling, heart health, immune balance and cellular communication. Unlike trendy nutrients that cycle through wellness blogs, omega-3 has survived decades of scientific scrutiny.

But here is the catch: most people are not eating enough of the right seafood. And supplement companies may be giving you confusing information.

Walk into any health store and you’ll see shelves lined with omega-3 oils promising brain health, heart health, joint support and more. Yet not all omega-3s are created equal, and the differences go far beyond price or flavor. You might assume the best oils are the ones that taste the strongest or come from the coldest waters on Earth. But before you shop, it helps to understand what you’re actually getting. Where does the oil come from? Is fishing sustainable? Can vegan sources really replace fish? And does the body actually absorb what’s written on the label?

These questions sit at the intersection of environmental integrity, science-backed innovation and sustainability and we ask these questions today to a company that makes the gold standard omega-3 for pescetarians and vegans. 

Founded in Norway and headquartered in Sweden, Zinzino approaches omega-3 as both a nutritional and biochemical challenge. Rather than simply sourcing oil and labeling it, the company focuses on how to deliver EPA and DHA in a form the body can actually use while protecting fragile fatty acids from oxidation.

Think Mediterranean oil-pressing traditions adapted to modern nutrition science.

Its BalanceOil+ blends purified oil from small wild-caught fish such as sardines, mackerel and anchovies with cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil rich in early-harvest polyphenols. Small fish, they say,  are less likely to accumulate heavy metals from the food chain. The olive oil antioxidants come from Picual olives grown in Spain and Koroneiki olives from Cyprus, creating a protective environment for the omega-3 while supporting absorption. 

Recently Emmalee Gisslevik, PhD, Senior Research & Development Specialist – BalanceOil, spoke to Green Prophet to talk about environmental integrity, science-backed innovation and sustainability, and how omega-3 supplements are evolving alongside these priorities.

Omega-3 science, algae versus fish, and why quality, source and oxidation protection may matter more than most people realize. Below is our conversation.

Let’s start simple: why are omega-3s still such a big deal nutritionally today?

Because omega-3s are not just fashionable nutrients—they are structurally important fats that are incorporated into cell membranes throughout the body to facilitate key functions in the body such as heart, brain and immune health. The long-chain marine omega-3s, EPA and DHA, are especially relevant because they are the biologically active forms most closely linked to established physiological functions, while the body converts only limited amounts from plant omega-3 (ALA). They also remain highly relevant today because many people do not eat oily fish regularly, even though marine foods are still the main dietary source of EPA and DHA. So from a practical nutrition perspective, omega-3 remains important because intake is often inconsistent, while the physiological need does not disappear.

Many people assume eating fish once in a while is enough. From your research, when does supplementation actually make sense?

Eating fish is a very good strategy—but ‘once in a while’ is not the same as consistently reaching the usual target of about two servings of fish per week. Supplementation makes the most sense when seafood intake is low or irregular, when someone avoids fish, follows a vegan diet, wants a more standardized daily intake, or wants to check whether their actual omega-3 status matches what they think they are getting from food. In practice, this is where testing becomes useful: it moves the conversation from assumptions to actual biological status.

Zinzino offers both fish-derived and vegan omega-3. From a biological perspective, do they deliver comparable EPA and DHA? And what’s the price point compared to other oils?

From a biological perspective, the key question is how much EPA and DHA the product delivers—not whether the source is fish or microalgae. In Zinzino’s standard 12 ml serving, BalanceOil+ provides about 2.0 g EPA+DHA (approximately 1.3 g EPA + 0.7 g DHA), while BalanceOil+ Vegan provides about 1.9 g EPA+DHA (approximately 0.8 g EPA + 1.1 g DHA), and with SDA for endogenous production of EPA. So the total long-chain omega-3 delivery is broadly comparable, although the profile differs. The fish-based version is more EPA-forward, while the vegan version is more DHA-forward. That distinction can matter depending on what aspect of omega-3 nutrition you want to emphasize, but both are designed to deliver meaningful amounts of long-chain marine-type omega-3. One challenge with vegan formulations is achieving robust EPA delivery, because many algae oils are naturally more DHA-rich than EPA-rich. 

Our vegan formulation addresses that by combining microalgal oil with Ahiflower® oil, which contains SDA—an omega-3 fatty acid that converts to EPA more efficiently than ALA does. Combined with olive oil, this creates a broader fatty acid strategy than a simple single-source algae oil. From a pricing perspective, vegan omega-3 oils are typically more expensive than standard fish-based omega-3 oils, largely because microalgal EPA/DHA production is still costlier and more technologically controlled. In practice, that means the vegan option is usually positioned as a premium product.

Sustainability is a major concern for our readers. How do you ensure your fish oil sourcing doesn’t contribute to overfishing or marine damage?

Using sustainably sourced, natural ingredients is an essential part of our brand’s core values. We strongly believe that to maintain balance in our body, we also have to respect the balance of the planet and its resources. Our omega-3 supplement is certified by Friend of the Sea, the global certification standard for upholding a sustainable marine environment, Zinzino was first certified by Friend of the Sea in 2018 and we have since maintained our commitment towards sustainability. The fish oils used by Zinzino are derived from short-lived, wild-caught fish, harvested by sustainable fisheries in authorized areas, and following the Friend of the Sea criteria.   

Vegan omega-3 often comes from algae, essentially the original source of marine omega-3. What makes microalgae oil effective compared to plant oils like flax or chia? How do we know that the algae is clean and free from microplastics and PFASs?

Microalgae oil is effective because it provides preformed EPA and DHA directly. By contrast, flax and chia mainly provide ALA, which is nutritionally valuable, but the body converts only a limited amount of ALA into EPA—and very little into DHA. So if the goal is specifically to increase long-chain omega-3 status, microalgae offers a more direct and efficient route. In terms of purity, one important advantage is that microalgae is cultivated in controlled production systems rather than harvested from open marine ecosystems. That gives much tighter control over sourcing, consistency, and raw material quality.

Your formulations combine omega-3 with early-harvest olive polyphenols. This isn’t common in most supplements? What problem does this solve? Or how do you stand out in this regard. 

This solves a real formulation problem: Omega-3s are delicate—they can break down and go rancid pretty easily. So instead of just putting omega-3 into a capsule on its own, we pair it with extra-virgin olive oil that’s rich in natural antioxidants; polyphenols. That way, we’re not simply adding “another oil”—we’re building extra protection right into the blend.

Those olive polyphenols help defend the omega-3s against oxidation, and the olive oil also changes the overall fat environment in a way that’s more supportive than a basic fish oil or algae oil by itself. The goal is simple: help keep these sensitive fatty acids more stable, both in the product and once you’ve taken it. That’s one of the ways our formula stands out. We don’t treat omega-3 as a standalone ingredient—we build it into a more complete fat system designed for stability, function, and context.

Third-party certifications: Friend of the Sea, Informed Sport, Cologne List, The Vegan Society, Halal, GMP, EU and EFSA. Tell us how difficult it is to get some of these certifications. 

Some third-party certifications are relatively straightforward if your documentation is solid and your suppliers are well organized — while others are genuinely demanding because they require ongoing testing, deep traceability, or even regulatory-level scientific evidence. The toughest ones tend to be “continuous-control” programs. Informed Sport is a great example: it’s considered difficult because it typically involves rigorous quality requirements and regular batch testing for banned substances, not just a one-time audit. Cologne List can also be demanding in practice because products are often tested and listed by batch, which means you need consistency and repeat testing to stay current.

Audit- and traceability-based certifications sit in the middle — but can become hard with complex supply chains. Friend of the Sea usually requires strong sourcing transparency and traceability (sometimes through multiple suppliers). GMP can be smooth if your manufacturer already runs a mature quality system — but if not, it can take real work to build the documentation, procedures, training, and audit readiness needed. Ingredient- and process-driven labels are very achievable — as long as you can prove what’s in (and not in) the product. The Vegan Society and Halal typically hinge on ingredient verification, supplier declarations, and preventing cross-contact in production (especially if lines are shared with non-vegan or non-halal materials). They’re very doable, but they get more complex when you have lots of raw materials or shared facilities.

And a quick nuance: “EU and EFSA” aren’t really certifications like the others — they’re regulatory frameworks. If you mean getting an EFSA-backed health claim approved in the EU, that’s usually one of the hardest routes because it requires a formal scientific dossier and a high standard of evidence.

 Fun but honest question: if someone says, “I hate fish and I don’t trust supplements,” – I get my nutrition from eating a kilo of salmon a week. And I buy sardines. Real food is the best. What would you tell them?

If you hate fish but are still heroically eating a kilo of salmon a week and buying sardines, then you are already doing the hard part. Regular intake of oily fish is the gold-standard way to get preformed marine omega-3. That is the ideal, and it is the most natural and biologically complete way to obtain EPA and DHA. So to me, this is not really an argument about food versus supplements. 

The real question is whether a person’s life and habits actually allow them to eat enough quality fish, consistently enough, to reach the blood levels they want. If that works, that is the superior option. If not, a well-designed supplement can help close that gap. And if your relationship with fish is a little on-and-off, it is good to know there are well-designed alternatives— and if you are skeptical, there are blood tests that can tell you whether they are truly effective for you.

How and where do we find your products in America, Canada, Europe and the rest of the world? 

Zinzino’s products are not available for sale in retail stores because better health is personal, and all bodies are unique. Getting individual guidance is critical for a successful outcome. We want to connect with customers directly, build trust, understanding and mutual respect, and offer personalized solutions tailored to meet their specific needs and goals. 

To this end, all our products are sold exclusively through a Zinzino Independent Partner who will join the customers on their health journey. We currently have at least 50 000 working at markets across the globe, and you may find the one nearest you on zinzino.com

Tell us more about the blood sampling and how and if biohackers can get involved? I know people who’d like to share that data. 

The blood sampling is a finger-prick dried blood spot test that can be done at home. The current BalanceTest measures 11 fatty acids, does not require fasting, and you register it online using an anonymous test code. That makes it practical for repeat use and for before-and-after comparisons over time to monitor your body’s response to changes in diet and lifestyle. What makes it interesting to data-driven users is that it does not only report absolute omega-3-related values.

 It also looks at the relationship between different fatty acid groups—for example, the balance between long-chain omega-3s and other fats—and includes calculated markers that help summarize different aspects of fatty acid status. For biohackers, that means it can be used as a structured feedback tool: test, adjust diet or supplementation, and retest after a meaningful interval. If people want to share their data, the important part is that this should be done through a clear, consent-based framework, with appropriate respect for privacy and data handling. That is where personal experimentation can become genuinely useful rather than just anecdotal.

::Zinzino

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Plastic products are ubiquitous in our food supply chain, shedding microplastics into every part of the human ecosystem. As they degrade, microplastics break down into even smaller fragments called nanoplastics — tiny particles that can affect biological molecules in ways not fully understood.

In a new study, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examined what happens when nanoplastics interact with Salmonella, potentially affecting food safety and human health.

“Salmonella enterica is a major foodborne pathogen that is often found in meat, poultry, and ready-to-eat food. We are testing ground turkey from grocery stores in our lab for a study on food safety, and finding that it is frequently positive for Salmonella.

“If you cook the meat properly, you should not have a problem. However, ground turkey is often packaged in plastic, and we wanted to explore how Salmonella react when they come into contact with plastic polymers,” said senior author Pratik Banerjee.

Banerjee’s team previously studied the interaction of nanoplastics and an E. coli strain responsible for major outbreaks of severe gastroenteritis. In this study, they focused on Salmonella enterica and polystyrene, a commonly used plastic material for food packaging and disposable utensils.

“We examined the physiology of Salmonella in response to nanoplastics, and we found an increased expression of virulence-related genes. The bacteria also formed thicker biofilms, which further indicates they are becoming more virulent,” said Jayita De, a graduate student in Banerjee’s lab and lead author on the paper.

Biofilm is an agglomeration of microorganisms growing together to form a protective layer, increasing survival for pathogenic bacteria under physiological stress. You might see biofilms as a slimy film in your kitchen sink or on your cutting board after handling raw meat.

However, while Salmonella initially showed increased virulence, prolonged exposure to nanoplastics slowed its stress response.

“When the bacteria first encounter nanoplastic particles, they go into offensive mode and become more virulent. But after a while, they start losing their resources and energy, so they switch to defensive mode, which allows them to persist in the environment for a longer time. If the concentration of nanoplastics rises, they can again switch to an offensive mode. It’s a trade-off between offense and defense,” De said.

The overall conclusion is that interaction with nanoplastics induces behavioral changes in Salmonella enterica, but further research is needed to determine the direction and impact of those changes.

Equally concerning is the possibility that nanoplastics can affect antibiotic resistance in Salmonella, Banerjee said.

“Any compound that puts physiological stress on the bacteria can trigger antimicrobial resistance. Nanoplastics are not antimicrobials, but mere exposure to them could convert bacteria that previously were not resistant to a particular antibiotic in a process called cross-resistance,” he explained.

This is the topic of an ongoing study, but initial findings indicate that polystyrene nanoplastics can cause Salmonella to increase the expression of antimicrobial-resistant genes, Banerjee added.

“However, we don’t want to sound the alarm and advocate that people stop using plastics. Plastic packaging provides a lot of benefits, such as reducing food spoilage and waste while keeping expenses low. We don’t know yet whether this is something we should be worried about,” he said.

Banerjee’s research team is among the first to examine the interactions between foodborne pathogens and plastic particles, thereby advancing this emerging field from a food safety perspective. He hopes other researchers around the world will pick up the mantle, because there is a lot more to learn about consequences, risks, and tolerances before any policy recommendations can be made.

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When I first studied forestry at the University of Toronto with Professor Sandy Smith, I didn’t realize how deeply the school’s ecological roots would shape the way I look at the world. The University of Toronto has always been, at its core, an environmental university. from its forestry program and plant biology labs to courses in sustainable cities.

So it’s not surprising that one of Canada’s emerging cleantech companies tackling plastic pollution also began there. Meet erthos, a Toronto-area startup developing plant-based materials designed to replace traditional petroleum plastics and help move the global economy toward a circular model.

The company began as a student project at the University of Toronto, where the founders started exploring alternatives to plastic while studying subjects ranging from environmental economics to plant biology. Their early work focused on whether agricultural byproducts and plant-derived ingredients could replicate the performance of conventional plastics, without leaving behind the same environmental legacy.

What began as a campus sustainability idea has since grown into a cleantech company that uses AI to design bio-based resins that can replace common plastics such as polypropylene or polystyrene, while still working within existing manufacturing systems. One of their recent talks was with Colgate-Palmolive.

That compatibility with industry matters. One of the biggest barriers to replacing plastics is the massive infrastructure already built around them. Factories, molds, and production lines are designed for petroleum-based materials. If a sustainable material requires entirely new manufacturing systems, adoption slows dramatically. We see that working with big brands isn’t enough. The pineapple textiles and leather company Pinatex, which uses pineapple waste, emerged to great fanfare and worked with brands like Stella McCartney, but one-off and non-committal marketing opportunity can’t build a business. We need more commitment and responsibility taken by brands such as Colgate-Palmolive, H&M, and all ranges of food and plastics industries.

Can erthos help? It focuses on designing materials that can fit into the systems companies already use, making it easier for brands to transition away from fossil-fuel plastics without rebuilding their supply chains. Getting a product to fit into existing moulds and machines is the key for change from plastics to bio-plastics.

The company combines biomaterials science with advanced data tools, they say, to design plant-based formulations made from renewable ingredients such as plant fibers, starches, and oils. By using AI to test and refine formulations quickly, the goal is to create materials that match the durability and functionality of traditional plastics while reducing environmental impact. See Tipa, a brand that works.

The stakes are enormous. Hundreds of millions of tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year, and only a small portion is recycled. The rest accumulates in landfills, waterways, and ecosystems where it can persist for centuries. Worse even, bits of plastics called microplastics are getting into our lungs, our waterways, our food, our brains.

Startups like erthos are trying to change that equation by addressing plastic at its source, replacing the material itself rather than simply managing the waste it creates.

Today the company works with brands exploring alternatives for packaging, consumer products, and other plastic-heavy industries, helping design materials that can be recyclable, compostable, or derived from renewable feedstocks.

Erthos is a Canadian cleantech startup developing plant-based materials designed to replace petroleum plastics and support a circular economy. Founded in 2019 by Nuha Siddiqui, Kritika Tyagi, and Chang Dong at the University of Toronto, the company combines biomaterials science with artificial intelligence to create sustainable plastic alternatives.

Its proprietary platform, ZYA, uses AI to design bio-based resins that can perform like traditional plastics while working within existing manufacturing systems.

Erthos has raised $11.2 million in total funding, including a $6.5 million oversubscribed Series A led by Horizons Ventures, with participation from The51 Food & AgTech Fund, Thrive Venture Fund at BDC Capital, Francis Family Fund, TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good, DcarbonVC, Middle Cove Capital, and earlier investors Golden Ventures and Bee Partners.

::erthos

More Bio Plastics News from Green Prophet

• This Plastic Is Made From Corn: A Biodegradable Alternative to Fossil Plastics
• Sustainable Plastics That Emerge From the Sea
• Teen Scientist Creates Bioplastic from Banana Peels
• Eco-Friendly Compostable Food Packaging for Restaurants
• DuPont Turns to Algae to Create Alternative Seafood

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When my kids were around seven, dry, itchy, eczema patches appeared behind their knees. A Chinese skin doctor told me eczema is “asthma of the skin.” It sounded strange at the time — neither child had breathing problems — but the idea stayed with me. Skin, like lungs, is an interface with the environment. What we breathe, what settles in our homes, the air pollution outside, even microplastics, all of it may shape how a child’s immune system learns to respond.

Now a new study from researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell Medicine, and collaborating institutions offers a biological explanation for why eczema so often begins in childhood. Published February 25 in Nature, considered the best science journal, on the planet, the research identifies a brief early-life window when the skin’s immune system is wired to overreact to allergens.

Eczema affects nearly one in four children and frequently appears in infancy. It can also precede asthma and food allergies, a progression sometimes called the “atopic march.” Until now, scientists have struggled to explain why allergic skin disease is so tightly linked to early childhood.

The team focused on dendritic cells, the immune sentinels in the skin that detect environmental triggers. In young mice, these cells behaved differently than in adults. They didn’t overreact to everything. But when exposed to common allergens such as dust mites and mold, infant mice developed strong skin inflammation, while adult mice did not.

The difference appears to lie in timing and immune programming.

“We found that allergy risk is shaped very early in life, when the skin’s immune system is biologically programmed to overreact to allergens, with important consequences for understanding how immune-mediated diseases emerge and should be treated,” said senior author Shruti Naik, PhD.

In early life, dendritic cells were unusually active and quick to trigger allergic inflammation. When researchers blocked this pathway, the young mice did not develop skin allergies. The team also discovered that infant mice lack normal levels of stress hormones that later help keep immune reactions in check, effectively removing a natural brake on inflammation.

Importantly, signs of the same immune activity were found in skin samples from children with early-onset eczema, but not in adults. That suggests this early-life immune window may also operate in humans.

“This work was only possible through a true clinic-to-lab collaboration—where insights from pediatric patients shaped the questions we asked in the lab,” said co-author Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, PhD.

The findings reinforce something environmental health researchers have long argued: early life is not simply a smaller version of adulthood. It is a distinct biological phase with its own rules and vulnerabilities.

“Children are not simply small adults when it comes to immunity,” said Dr. Naik. “Their immune system follows a unique set of rules, and recognizing that difference is essential for understanding—and ultimately preventing—allergic, immune-driven diseases that begin in childhood.”

According to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, “The skin is the largest organ in the body and plays many essential roles, including maintaining a protective barrier, providing immunity, and communicating with the outside world.” 

To manage eczema the clinic suggests managing triggers like dry skin, heat, and allergens, alongside using thick, fragrance-free moisturizers, soap substitutes, and prescribed steroids to control symptoms. I did notice that my kids’ skin problems started when we were living in the Middle East when the air was polluted and the temperatures hot and dry.

Related: Air pollution causes asthma in Cairo

For Green Prophet readers, the takeaway is clear. The first years of life may represent a critical window when environmental exposures: dust, mold, indoor allergens, pollutants, microplastics, all shape immune trajectories in lasting ways. If scientists can find safe ways to calm this early-life immune pathway, it may be possible to prevent allergic disease before it spreads from the skin to the lungs or gut.

The study is titled “Peripheral immune-inducer (pii)-DCs drive early life allergic inflammation.”

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Montchavin, a small alpine village in Savoie, in the French Alps

Researchers found that this French ski village was known for eating this one thing

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is often described as a cruel mystery: it’s a neurodegenerative disease that appears without warning, progresses relentlessly, and in most cases has no clear genetic cause. But research over the past decade has increasingly suggested that ALS may be shaped as much by environment as much or maybe even more than biology.

Investigations identified 14 cases by 2021, with some reports extending this to 16 people affected by ALS in the area between 1990 and 2019. These numbers are too high to be a coincidence.

Related: is working with artificial now, or Snomax, a health concern? 

One of the most compelling examples comes from a small mountainous village in the French Alps, where scientists documented an unusually high number of ALS cases concentrated within a single community. A 2024 study published in eNeurologicalSci revisits this cluster and offers new insight into what may have contributed to it: the long-term consumption of certain wild mushrooms.

The researchers examined medical histories, dietary habits, preserved mushroom specimens, and metabolic genetics of people diagnosed with ALS in the village. A consistent pattern emerged. Many of those affected had regularly eaten foraged wild fungi known as false morels collected locally over many years.

At the time, the mushrooms had been identified as a relatively less toxic species. But when mycologists re-examined dried samples using modern techniques, they discovered the fungi were actually members of the Gyromitra esculenta group, including species known to contain far higher concentrations of gyromitrin.

Why false morels raise concern

Gyromitrin is not just a cause of acute mushroom poisoning. Once metabolized in the body, it breaks down into monomethylhydrazine, a compound with well-documented neurotoxic and genotoxic effects. Monomethylhydrazine can damage DNA and interfere with cellular repair processes, mechanisms increasingly suspected to play a role in neurodegenerative disease.

In this Alpine village, which is home to a ski resort, false morels were not eaten once or twice. They were consumed seasonally, often year after year, prepared according to traditional methods believed to reduce toxicity but not fully eliminate it. The study suggests that this pattern of repeated low-dose exposure may be particularly relevant.

One of the most important conclusions of the research is what it does not support. ALS in this community does not appear to be primarily genetic.

The vast majority of ALS cases worldwide are classified as sporadic, meaning they are not caused by inherited mutations. This study reinforces that understanding. However, genetics still played a role in how individuals responded to environmental toxins.

Many ALS patients in the village were found to have slow- or intermediate-acetylator profiles, linked to variations in the NAT2 gene. People with these metabolic traits process certain toxins more slowly, allowing harmful byproducts to persist longer in the body. This helps explain why some individuals became ill while others, exposed to similar environments, did not.

Rather than genetics causing ALS directly, the findings point to a gene–environment interaction, where biology influences vulnerability to external exposures.

A pattern beyond one village

The French findings are not isolated. Similar concerns about hydrazine-containing mushrooms have been documented in North America, including a recent long-term assessment of mushroom poisonings in Michigan. Earlier studies in France also identified ALS clusters linked to genotoxic fungi, reinforcing the idea that repeated dietary exposure deserves serious attention.

Researchers are careful not to claim that false morels alone cause ALS. Toxin levels vary widely between species and even within individual mushrooms. Still, the accumulating evidence suggests that some traditional foraging practices may carry neurological risks that were previously underestimated.

Other factors that could have contributed to the onset of disease is high levels of athleticism, tobacco smoking, and exposure to chemicals (like Snomax used for snowmaking) were mentioned in the study.

Public discussion of ALS often centers on genetics or well-known figures living with the disease, including Israeli-American entrepreneur Jon Medved, who has spoken openly about his diagnosis. Like most ALS cases, Medved’s is not genetic, underscoring how urgently researchers need to understand environmental contributors. Some of the companies he’s help find as an early stage investor might help solve the questions.

Recent studies increasingly frame ALS as an exposome-related disease, shaped by a lifetime of interactions with chemicals, pollutants, dietary compounds, and naturally occurring toxins. These influences may accumulate silently for decades before symptoms appear. That’s why we need to avoid pesticides and microplastics as much as possible from an early age.

What the Alpine village teaches us

The French Alpine study does not offer a simple explanation or a single culprit. What it offers instead is something more valuable: a realistic picture of how everyday exposures, cultural practices, and biological vulnerability can intersect.

ALS may not arise from one dramatic event, but from many small ones over time. In that sense, the story of this village is less about mushrooms alone, and more about how closely human health is tied to the environments we inhabit, harvest from, and trust.

___

In the scientific literature the French village is often referred to as Montchavin (Tarentaise Valley) rather than being named prominently in headlines, but this is the community where researchers identified the ALS cluster linked to repeated consumption of false morels (Gyromitra species) in multiple studies by Lagrange, Vernoux, Camu, and colleagues.

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Few fashion accessories carry the environmental burden of sunglasses. Most frames are constructed from petroleum-based plastics and acrylic polymers that linger in landfills for centuries, shedding microplastics into soil and waterways long after they’ve been discarded. Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt López, president of the Spanish eyewear brand Hawkers, saw this problem differently than most industry executives. Rather than viewing sustainability as a cost center or a marketing gimmick, he treated it as both an ethical obligation and a business opportunity.

Hawkers launched in 2013 with a €300 investment from four university friends in Elche, Spain. Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt López entered the picture three years later, leading a €50 million funding round and assuming the presidency in November 2016. Under his direction, the company expanded from a scrappy e-commerce startup into an international brand selling more than 4.5 million pairs of sunglasses across 50 countries. But Betancourt López wasn’t satisfied with growth alone. He pushed Hawkers to rethink what its products were made of and where those materials came from.

Pulling Profit From Pollution

The H20 collection, launched as a limited-edition capsule line, marked Hawkers’ most ambitious sustainability initiative. Each pair of sunglasses in the series incorporated plastic waste recovered directly from ocean waters. The company collected tens of thousands of plastic bottles that had been polluting marine environments and transformed them into functional eyewear. The name itself referenced water, signaling the collection’s origins and purpose.

“We always have been conscious about sustainability, and we know that the market is shifting toward that direction,” Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt López said. “Everyone is getting more conscious and wanting to understand how the product they buy impacts their life, but also the world and environment as well.”

Hawkers didn’t stop at the frames. Both the frames and lenses across all six H20 models use materials designed to minimize planetary harm. Some models feature bamboo-based biodegradable compounds combined with recycled plastics. Others employ biodegradable acetate or plant-based co-polyesters. The lenses themselves break down into biomass, carbon dioxide, and water when disposed of properly. Even the packaging received an overhaul: the typical plastic wrapping was eliminated in favor of recycled paper tape, and the carrying pouches were fabricated from ocean-recovered plastic bottles.

The Business Case for Sustainability

Skeptics often assume that environmentally conscious manufacturing erodes profit margins. Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt López has argued the opposite. When he joined Hawkers, the brand carried a valuation of approximately $60 million. After implementing sustainability initiatives alongside aggressive expansion into retail and international markets, the company’s worth climbed past $100 million, with annual sales exceeding that same threshold.

The economics of sustainable eyewear reflect broader shifts in consumer behavior. The global sunglasses market reached $39.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $58.8 billion by 2033, according to IMARC Group research. Within that expansion, sustainability has emerged as a significant differentiator. Roughly 12% of new sunglasses lines now incorporate recycled or bio-based frame materials, a figure that continues to climb as younger buyers prioritize environmental responsibility.

Hawkers recognized this shift early. The company built its reputation on selling designer-quality sunglasses at a fraction of luxury prices—frames that might cost €20 to €25 compared to €100 or more from competitors like Ray-Ban or Gucci. Adding sustainable materials to that value proposition strengthened rather than diluted the brand’s appeal. Customers weren’t just purchasing affordable eyewear; they were buying into a set of values.

“We know from first-hand experience how to revolutionise the eyewear industry,” the company stated when launching the H20 line. “So, we also recognize that—having become market leaders—it’s also our responsibility to lead by example by promoting sustainability.”

The decision to abandon acrylic—a thermoplastic that takes years to decompose and produces harmful microplastics during degradation—proved central to this repositioning. Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt López directed the company toward alternatives including bamboo-based biodegradable materials, biodegradable acetate, and recyclable carbon compounds. Manufacturing shifted in-house, with production facilities operating in Spain, Italy, and China, allowing tighter control over material sourcing and quality.

Meeting Demand From Eco-Conscious Buyers

Consumer preferences have moved decisively toward products that align with environmental values. Market research indicates that brands prioritizing sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices resonate strongly with younger demographics, particularly millennials and Generation Z shoppers who treat purchases as expressions of identity. Hawkers built its customer base precisely among these groups, using influencer marketing and social media campaigns to reach college students and young professionals.

The H20 collection addressed what many in this demographic consider non-negotiable: transparency about environmental impact. Each element of the product—from ocean-recovered plastic pouches to biodegradable lenses—told a story buyers could share. Knoji, an independent review platform, assessed Hawkers products as both ethical and sustainable based on evaluations from environmentally conscious shoppers.

Hawkers also expanded its One Eco line, featuring models like the One Eco Polarized Green, constructed from bamboo-based biomass combined with recycled plastic. These frames carry TR18 lenses with excellent optical quality and durability while remaining environmentally responsible. Polarized options provide UV400 protection and anti-glare properties, ensuring that environmental credentials don’t compromise performance.

Beyond the Product: Rethinking the Supply Chain

Sustainability at Hawkers extended past materials selection into manufacturing infrastructure. COVID-19 exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, prompting Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt López to reconsider the company’s dependence on external suppliers. Beginning in early 2021, Hawkers invested in building an in-house production facility, ramping output from 30,000 units monthly to 90,000 units. This vertical integration allowed tighter oversight of environmental practices throughout the production process.

The factory uses high-end Italian machinery, with molds costing up to €80,000 compared to roughly $10,000 for cheaper Chinese alternatives. These polished molds create shiny and matte finishes through injection molding rather than painting—a distinction that matters for sustainability. Chinese competitors often rely on paint or stickers for surface effects, which contaminates materials and prevents recycling. Hawkers’ approach enables the company to recycle defective raw materials directly into new production batches, eliminating waste that would otherwise reach landfills.

“We believe that pollution and deforestation are major factors contributing to global warming,” the company stated, noting that Hawkers sees itself at a tipping point regarding environmental responsibility. Owning production facilities meant the brand could control not just what materials entered the supply chain but how waste was handled at every stage.

Scaling Responsibility Across Markets

Hawkers now operates in more than 50 countries, with offices spanning Hong Kong, Barcelona, Mexico City, Los Angeles, and Elche. Mexico alone accounts for 35-40% of sales, driven partly by sponsorships with athletes like Formula 1 driver Sergio Pérez. Across these markets, Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt López has pushed the sustainable product lines as core offerings rather than niche experiments.

The company maintains over 60 retail locations, primarily across Spain and Portugal, alongside robust e-commerce operations that still generate the majority of revenue. Each channel reinforces the sustainability message. Online listings highlight eco-friendly materials, while physical stores allow customers to examine the quality of bamboo-based frames and recycled components firsthand.

Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt López has described environmental responsibility as inseparable from long-term business health. “You have to use all the tools you have in marketing, creativity, reinvent yourself constantly,” he said regarding the challenge of maintaining relevance in fashion markets. Sustainability functions as one of those tools—a way to differentiate Hawkers from competitors while addressing genuine consumer concerns about planetary impact.

The numbers suggest this approach delivers results. Hawkers has sold more than 4.5 million pairs of sunglasses globally, with the brand generating over $100 million in annual revenue. Facebook featured the company as a marketing success story, citing an 86% increase in engagement and 51% return on advertising spend. These metrics reflect not just effective promotion but a product that resonates with buyers seeking both style and substance.

For Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt López, the H20 collection and broader sustainability initiatives represent more than corporate responsibility checkboxes. They demonstrate that environmental consciousness and profitability can coexist—that pulling plastic from oceans and transforming it into fashionable eyewear creates value for shareholders, customers, and ecosystems alike.

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One of the things I regret in my life is not buying a pair of Stella McCartney mushroom leather shoes at a TJ Max shop in Berlin. The price was within reach and they looked and felt so sturdy and iconic. All of us may have more chances to dance in sustainable style as Stella McCartney, the sustainable fashion icon and daughter of Paul McCartney, is working again with the fast fashion label H&M. Fast fashion, Zara, Shein, Mango and COS, show us that they aren’t going anywhere. What we can do is when we shop at these international chains is choose sustainable choices over those made from synthetics that leak microplastics.

“I’m excited to reunite with H&M after 20 years since our first collaboration. Reworking pieces from my archive brought back so much energy and joy. This second partnership feels like a chance to look at how far we’ve come on sustainability, cruelty-free practices and conscious design – and to stay honest about how far we still have to go—together.

Related: make mushroom paper and leather

“I am thrilled to have H&M join me on this road, real change only happens when we push from both the outside and the inside, and I’ve always believed in infiltrating from within to move the industry forward,” said Stella in a press announcement.

Stella not only delivers fashion, she’s the first of the big brands to actually integrate fungus, and plant-based plastics into her pieces, runways and collections. With Balena, she chose the Israeli biodegradable plastic company for her running shoes, she’s worked with cinnamon waste in these biodregadable shoes. And she uses a mushroom based leather for her fashion pieces in clothing and footwear.

What’s the plan with H&M? The collection isn’t launched yet but let’s hope it will be bold.

H&M’s Creative Advisor Ann-Sofie Johansson (pictured above) said: “Stella’s designs have changed the course of fashion history: they championed sustainable practices long before that conversation became mainstream.

“Her work is always joyful, playful, energetic.”

The Stella McCartney H&M collection will launch in stores and online in Spring 2026. The collection will feature certified, responsible materials – many of which are recycled – showcasing examples of alternatives for conventional fabrics and textiles.

This announcement comes 20 years since McCartney’s first collection for the label where they celebrated sustainability, cruelty-free practices and conscious designs. We can’t wait to preview the collection soon!

::Stella McCartney and sustainability

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