WRW2016
H&M is joining forces with artist and singer M.I.A. for H&M’s latest global initiative World Recycle Week. Max Larsson

Budget fashion retailer H&M has joined forces with singer and refugee activist Mathangi Arulpragasam, better known by her stage name M.I.A, to promote World Recycle Week. It comes as H&M was named one of the most ethical companies in 2016.

The collaboration is set to include an exclusive music video debuting on April 11 and an ambitious global Garment Collecting initiative. Coined ‘Close the Loop’, the initiative will see H&M collect 1,000 tonnes of unwanted or damaged garments from customers from their 3,600 flagships to highlight the environmental impact of clothes that end up in landfills around the world.

Those wishing to recycle their unwanted clothes can bring them — regardless of brand or condition — to an H&M store, where they'll receive a store voucher in return.

In the H&M media release, the retailer expressed their commitment to sustainability after becoming a signatory to a 2013 commitment to creating safe working environments after the collapse of one of their primary factories at Rana Plaza in Bangladesh.

The initiative is a step in the right direction as 2,100 litres of water can be saved if just one T-shirt is recycled.

The "Borders" singer is also at home with the collaboration, with her strong political and social views often embedded in her songs.