Research Prize for Innovative Ideas in Shoe and Textile Recycling

HAMBURG, Germany, March 8, 2010 - I:Collect AG and EPEA International Environmental Research are
awarding the international Research Prize "I:CO AWARD - rethink. recycle.
reward." with EUR5,000 for cutting-edge ideas in the field of shoe and
textile recycling. The application deadline is July 31, 2010.

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.

I:CO is also supported by Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart of EPEA
International Environmental Research, Hamburg and creator of the Cradle to
Cradle concept. Cradle to Cradle's objective is the production of zero waste,
and to win back valuable raw materials. During the initial manufacturing of
consumer products it should be taken into consideration whether or not these
products are biologically degradable, and if they will be able to serve as a
fertilizer, or completely recycled in some other way. Dr. Braungart
challenges: "How can we succeed in keeping these valuable raw textile
materials in a recycling circuit? What can we improve at the initial
production of shoes and clothing? We want to take shoe and textile recycling
to a new level and make its significance for our environment clear." He and
I:CO have initiated the International Research Prize "I:CO AWARD - rethink.
recycle. reward.".

"I:CO AWARD" will be given for the first time this November at
the Nutec trade show in Germany. A jury of european environmental experts and
a delegation from I:CO's partner affiliates will decide on the nominees and
winners of this internationally advertized Research Prize. All nominees are
invited to the Nutec trade show to present their ideas. The winner will be
announced there, be publicly honored, 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 www.i-co.ag/ico-award.

Reprint free of charge/ receipt requested

    Anna-Lena Band, John Warning Corporate Communications GmbH
    Gurlittstr. 28, D-20099 Hamburg
    Telephone: +49(0)40-533-088-87, E-Mail: a.band@johnwarning.de

Anna-Lena Band, John Warning Corporate Communications GmbH, Gurlittstr. 28, D-20099 Hamburg, Telephone: +49(0)40-533-088-87, E-Mail: a.band at johnwarning.de .