#Circular Fashion

[suburbanfairy]

[bumblebeeappletree]

Every year, nearly 100 billion items of clothing are produced – and 65% of them end up in a landfill within 12 months. New technologies in textile recycling may be able to curb that waste – while producing a host of sustainable materials.

#planeta #recycling #fastfashion #circulareconomy #textileindustry

We're destroying our environment at an alarming rate. But it doesn't need to be this way. Our new channel Planet A explores the shift towards an eco-friendly world — and challenges our ideas about what dealing with climate change means. We look at the big and the small: What we can do and how the system needs to change. Every Friday we'll take a truly global look at how to get us out of this mess.

Follow Planet A on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dw_planeta?la...

Credits:

Report: Dave Braneck

Video Editor: Frederik Willmann

Supervising Editor: Michael Trobridge

Fact Check: Alexander Paquet

Thumbnail: Ém Chabridon

Read More:

McKinsey - Scaling Textile Recycling in Europe

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/r...

NY Times - Will We Ever Be Able to Recycle Our Clothes Like an Aluminum Can?

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/30/st...

EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles https://environment.ec.europa.eu/stra...

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:46 Textile waste's global impact

02:47 How do you actually recycle clothes?

03:50 New approaches to textile recycling

07:41 What else needs solving?

11:41 Can we even recycle all the clothes we make?

[uptodatehome]

A Comprehensive Examination of Ethical and Environmentally Conscious Clothing

The fashion industry, while celebrated for its creativity and influence, is also notorious for its environmental and ethical impacts. From labor exploitation to massive waste generation, the sector has faced increasing scrutiny. This article delves into the realms of ethical and environmentally conscious clothing, exploring sustainable fashion principles, the harmful consequences of fast fashion,…

[poonamcmi]

Global Circular Fashion: Embracing Fashion Globally to Create a Sustainable Fashion Future

The Rise of Fast Fashion and its Circular Fashion Over the past few decades, the rise of fast fashion has transformed the global apparel industry. Where consumers once upgraded their wardrobes a few times a year through planned purchases, they now shop more frequently, with trends changing at an ever more rapid pace. Major clothing brands now release new collections every two weeks and low prices enable frequent purchases. However, this business model has come at a huge environmental cost. The United Nation estimates that the fashion industry generates 10% of global carbon emissions annually and consumes more energy than the aviation and shipping industries combined. With increasing production volumes tied to falling garment lifespans, vast amounts of textile waste is dumped in landfills every year instead of being recycled or reused. If trends continue, the fashion industry's environmental footprint will expand significantly.

The Need for Circular Systems To create a more sustainable future, it is Global Circular Fashion away from the linear "take-make-dispose" model to a circular economy approach. Circular systems aim to design out waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. For fashion, this means rethinking the entire lifecycle of garments - from design and material sourcing to production, distribution, consumption, and end of use. The goal is to transition from a disposal-oriented system to one that retains value, reuses resources, and minimizes environmental impacts. Some circular strategies that brands and policymakers are exploring include extending garment lifetime through durability and repairability, using recycled and biodegradable materials, implementing take-back and resale programs, and investing in closed-loop recycling technologies.

Corporate Leadership and Innovation Leading brands have already begun embracing circular principles to varying degrees. Swedish retailer H&M launched a garment collection program in 2013 allowing customers to drop off old clothes in stores. So far it has collected over 35,000 tons globally that are sorted and recycled or reused. Meanwhile, fashion company Ecouterre designs digitally printed collections with minimal waste using plant-based dyes and biodegradable fabrics. Outdoor brand Patagonia runs “Worn Wear,” a program promoting product repair to extend lifespan. It recently began trials for a closed-loop recycling facility in Europe. On the materials front, companies like Adidas and Reebok have launched shoe collections incorporating post-consumer recycled plastics and other sustainably sourced inputs. From design to end-of-use, these examples demonstrate feasible innovations that can scale with broader corporate adoption.

Policy Push and Regional Actions Market forces alone may not be enough to drive the systemic change required for circular transition globally. Coordinated policy push and regional cooperation are also needed. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) concept extends a producer's responsibility for its product to the post-consumer stage of the product's lifecycle. Laws making brands financially and physically responsible for collecting and recycling textiles will incentivize design for durability and recyclability. The European Union recently unveiled plans for a more robust circular economy via its European Green Deal policy package. It aims to cut down on textile waste and establish EPR schemes across member states by 2025. Meanwhile, the UK has issued reforms to boost clothing resale and encourage design for longer use-phases. On a city level, Amsterdam and Paris are piloting fashion collection bins linked to brands' takeback programs to improve recycling rates. Combined top-down policy nudges and bottom-up innovations could help deliver on the promise of circular fashion globally.

Challenges of Adoption in Developing Markets While circular initiatives are gaining steam in developed markets, their adoption faces considerable challenges in emerging economies that are big fashion consumers and producers. Commercial RESALES programs are yet to meaningfully take off in regions like Southeast Asia due to low standards for used clothing and resale platforms. Collection and sorting infrastructure also remains underdeveloped compared to brand-run programs in the West. Local recyclers lack access to recycling technologies and face supply chain barriers. Affordability further affects consumers' ability to pay premiums for sustainable options or access garment rental/repair services popular in wealthier nations. Overcoming these socioeconomic obstacles will require hybrid business models tailored for lower-income demographics together with public investments in waste management infrastructure. Cooperation between international brands, domestic manufacturers, and regional stakeholders can help accelerate the circular transition process in developing economies.

Need for Multilateral Action and Public Engagement As fashion globalizes, the shift towards circularity similarly demands coordinated action worldwide. Issues like plastic pellet pollution, carbon leakage across supply chains, and global trade in textile waste underline the need for binding multilateral agreements. The UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework, but more concrete international regulations and collaborative platforms are still lacking. Public awareness and individual consumer choices also prove influential. As citizens demand transparency from brands and opt for resale over disposable trends, it pressures companies to clean up act. Governments must educate masses and incentivize sustainable behavior through programs like subsidies for repairs. Lastly, multi-stakeholder organizations coupling businesses, non-profits and researchers can aid knowledge sharing to speed up circular innovations globally. Only through united efforts across public, private and non-profit spheres will the vision of an inclusive circular economy take true shape worldwide.

In conclusion, making sustainability the status quo requires transitioning the trillion-dollar fashion industry onto a circular path. While different regions and actors will progress at varying speeds, collective action supported by policy, innovation and public advocacy offers hope. By addressing the root causes of waste embedded in today's linear take-make-waste model, the industry can evolve to better protect people and planet for generations to come. A circular future demands new systems of design, production and consumption but change begins with individual and joint determination to create a fashion industry that nurtures natural and social capital for all. Get More Insights On, Global Circular Fashion For More Insights Discover the Report In language that Resonates with you

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About Author: Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)

[cedence]

Petitions against Waste Colonialism and for EPR

In the fashion industry, esp. Affecting people in the secondhand industry. Take a moment to sign and share ❤️

[attheideality]

The Dilemma Of Ethical Fast Fashion: A Closer Look

[midwest-core]

and suddenly I am a depop seller

I have been selling clothes from my closet for a very long time at this point.  Not very seriously, just as a passive income to experiment more with my wardrobe.  Over time I became more aware of the fashion industry's effect on the environment.  Thrifting became one of my favorite hobbies and it is impossible to ignore the quality difference between current fast fashion and clothes that were made 20+ years ago.  And the more I have learned, the more passionate I have become about both collecting and selling these items.  I truly believe that "reselling" (however controversial that word may seem) is one of the most ethical jobs that a person can have in these almost apocalyptic times.  (At least it feels apocalyptic to me.) So basically I have gone from a passive seller to someone who is trying to become a full time seller.

Throughout this time I have had another job and even though my sales on depop the last month have been down, I have been hoping that I would be able to quit and pursue my passion very soon.  Unexpectedly, my employer is most likely changing ownership and I will soon be given the chance to leave.  And while I feel excited, I also feel scared as hell.  It’s kind of feeling as if the rug has been pulled beneath me.  Do I fall or do I land on my feet?  At the worst, I start applying at other local second hand stores and work in a field that is more interesting to me.  

This puts me in a unique position where I almost desperately and passionately have to advertise my shop.  It’s not something that comes easy because I worry about being annoying or how other people who aren’t neck deep in learning about the effects that textile waste has on the planet will think of me.  But I want to prove to myself that I can succeed and I (no matter how fucking difficult it may be) can step up to the plate.

[infostylerave]

Circular Fashion: What It Is + Is This The Solution?

Circular fashion is something we need in this ever evolving fashion world To care for the environment, we have to

[2ndtimestyle]

What is Circular Fashion Design?

Circular fashion design aims to create a closed-loop system, minimizing waste and promoting sustainability. It prioritizes the entire lifecycle of a garment, focusing on eco-friendly materials, longevity, repair, and recycling, to reduce the environmental impact and foster a circular economy in the fashion industry.

[greentechspot]

Unleash Your Creativity: Ten Upcycling Ideas for Sustainable Living

In a world where waste continues to burden our environment, upcycling offers a creative and sustainable solution. Upcycling involves transforming unwanted or discarded materials into new and useful products, reducing waste and conserving resources. We will explore ten specific ideas for upcycling that you can easily incorporate into your daily life. From repurposing household items to breathing…

[earaercircular]

Joline Jolink makes biodegradable fashion: 'Fashion should not be at the expense of the earth'

Joline Jolink in front of her shop in Rotterdam.

From vegan grape leather sandals to a biodegradable linen jacket. The Rotterdam fashion designer Joline Jolink hopes to change the fashion industry from within. “Everyone sees that things can no longer go on like this.”

Joline Jolink started her label in 2006, after completing her fashion studies at the Artez and Fashion Institute Arnhem.[1] “Everyone said: there is little market for fashion in the Netherlands, you have to go abroad for that. So I did. But soon I started to think differently about it.” Around her, she sees how mass-produced clothing is sold at an ever lower price and what consequences this has for the makers of the clothing and the planet. “The more I learned about it, the more I realised that this is not a sustainable situation for the future. Things need to change,” she says.

Sail your own course

She decided to steer her own course and to do business according to her own values. In 2008 she became the first Dutch designer with her own web shop and was no longer dependent on buyers. In order to “break free from the system” even further, she also stopped sales in 2016 and campaigned against Black Friday.[2] “I produce as sustainably as possible and make timeless products. By consciously not making too much, a sale is not necessary.”

With the design of a vegan sneaker in 2019, she takes another step. In 2021 she will launch the sale of second-hand clothing under the name New Love. And this year, the vegan grape leather sandal and a biodegradable linen jacket will be added. “I want to show that it is possible, that it is possible to make more sustainable choices. That you can include consumers in that process. I still think fashion is magical and design is still fantastic, even within the 'limitations' I have imposed on myself. There are always options, if you are creative. Fashion should not be at the expense of other people or the earth.”

Grape leather sandal

After launching vegan sneakers, biodegradable sneakers and apple leather sneakers and boots followed. [3]  This year, Jolink adds grape leather sandals to its collection. The grape leather comes from Portugal, where it is processed in a family business. “The slide slipper is tough and chunky. Grape leather is made from residual flows from the wine industry. It is a nice alternative to materials that are made entirely from fossil raw materials or animal skins,” she explains.

The slippers consist of 55 percent grape residues and other natural fibres from agriculture and 45 percent water-based polyurethane. Jolink: “These sandals are largely composed of renewable and recycled plant materials. They are 100 percent vegan, human and animal friendly.”

Biodegradable jacket

In collaboration with The Linen Project[4] and Enschede Textielstad[5], Jolink also launched a biodegradable jacket a few weeks ago. “It is made from Dutch linen, the flax of which grew on the Horsterhof farm in Duiven[6]. Organic cotton stitching thread has been used and no zippers or buttons have been added. The labels are printed with natural paint. This makes the design biodegradable. After hopefully a hundred years or so, after being worn and passed on, it can go back into the ground. The material is then once again food for the earth.”

She is very proud of this project. “With this we show that it is possible to achieve a beautiful end product with a local chain for raw materials. It is a very precious material, but as a designer I have decided that it is important to me that this story is told,” she says.

Don't stay unique

Her ultimate dream is that she will not remain unique in the use of these types of materials. “By investing in such a linen jacket, I want to show everyone: look, it is possible. It would be fantastic if a larger party, with much more impact, also tacks after me. When chains decide to make more sustainable choices. I throw the ball up, but I hope that I actually set something in motion. I don't want to be unique in this," she says.

Source

Chantal Blommers, Joline Jolink maakt biologisch afbreekbare mode: 'Fashion mag niet ten koste gaan van de aarde', in:Change Inc, 22-06-2023, https://www.change.inc/retail/joline-jolink-maakt-biologisch-afbreekbare-mode-fashion-mag-niet-ten-koste-gaan-van-de-aarde-40102

[1] The four-year bachelor course Fashion Design, a component of the faculty Art & Design at ArtEZ University of the Arts in Arnhem, has a long and illustrious history. The department of Fashion Design and Fashion Illustration was founded in 1953 by Dutch fashion legend Elly Lamaker, and despite its humble beginnings, soon established its rightful place in the eyes of existing visual art institutes, the fashion industry, and comparable international design programmes. The fashion programme of ArtEZ Art & Design Arnhem continues to set the standard for education to this day. Since that time, the Fashion Design department at ArtEZ has continuously thrived. A highly skilled team of more than 20 lecturers stands ready to share their expertise with the 100-plus students, both local and international. There are two freshmen classes with 20 students each, and class sizes in the subsequent years vary between 20 and 25 students. https://arnhemfashiondesign.nl/en/information

[2] Black Friday is a colloquial term for the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It traditionally marks the start of the Christmas shopping season in the United States. Many stores offer highly promoted sales at discounted prices and often open early, sometimes as early as midnight[2] or even on Thanksgiving. Some stores' sales continue to Monday ("Cyber Monday") or for a week ("Cyber Week"). Black Friday has routinely been the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States

[3] Read also: https://www.tumblr.com/earaercircular/677442405046321152/we-make-a-sneaker-out-of-apples?source=share

[4] Initiated by ArtEZ MA Practice Held in Common and Crafts Council Nederland in 2018, The Linen Project investigates and works towards reactivating the economic viability of small-scale local flax cultivation and linen production in the Netherlands. The Linen Project’s various activities are developed with a view to its broader relevance. Establishing a dynamic environment for research and production, the learning by doing approach to all stages and forms of flax and linen production unites and highlights the value of our natural, social and cultural resources. https://thelinenproject.online/about/

[5] Enschede Textielstad is an industrial weaving mill where fabrics for the fashion and interior industry are produced with natural and local yarns. It is our goal to produce as locally as possible and to provide brands that are already involved in sustainability and/or reshoring with high-quality fabrics in an accessible manner. We are currently developing fabrics such as chambray, canvas and upholstery fabrics for various brands and designers. Raw materials for this include recycled denim, recycled cotton (both post-industrial waste and post-consumer material), recycled PET, Tencel, hemp and flax. To indicate the possibilities, we have developed a small basic collection. However, we normally produce demand-driven. https://enschedetextielstad.nl/over-ons/

[6] De Horsterhof is an organic farm near Arnhem. Our goal? Reconnecting people with nature. We grow a wide variety of local and seasonal vegetables. https://horsterhof.nl/

[tendaderetalhos]

Banjo bag sewed with textile recycling.

[ecoroundup]

How to Shop for Sustainable Vintage Clothing

How to Shop for Sustainable Vintage Clothing @thegoodtrade @remakeourworld @Fash_Rev @fashionrevolution.org @TextileExchange @apprlcoalition @apparelcoalition #sustainablefashion #vintageclothing #secondhandclothing #thriftstorefinds #ecofriendlyfashion

Sustainable fashion is becoming increasingly popular, and one of the most significant ways to reduce your fashion footprint is by shopping for sustainable vintage clothing. Not only is vintage clothing unique and stylish, but it also has a lower environmental impact than newly produced clothing. In this blog post, we will explore how to shop for sustainable vintage clothing. First, it’s…

[poonamcmi]

The Rapid Rise of Europe Fast Fashion first emerged in Europe in the 1990s as clothing retailers started

The Birth of Fast Fashion Fast fashion first emerged in Europe in the 1990s as clothing retailers started noticing consumers' desire for more affordable and on-trend pieces. Retail giants like H&M, Zara, and Topshop pioneered the fast fashion model by slashing production cycles and getting new designs from the runway to stores in just a few weeks. They were able to achieve this speed through vertically-integrated supply chains, large scale manufacturing, and data-driven demand forecasting. Fast fashion allowed mainstream consumers to participate in short-lived fashion trends without breaking the bank. Retailers were able to turn inventory over much more quickly and boost profit margins. By the 2000s, fast fashion had completely disrupted the traditional clothing industry and become the dominant retail model across Europe fast fashion .

Fueling Rapid Consumption Europe Fast Fashion is based around constant newness and encouraging high consumption volumes. Retailers release new collections almost weekly to give shoppers a reason to return to stores frequently. Pieces are designed to be worn a few times before being replaced. Affordability is key so consumers can build whole new wardrobes several times a year. ing heavily features celebrity endorsements and runway trends at low prices. This has compelled customers, especially younger generations, to view clothing as disposable. Rental and resale s have also boomed as people tire of pieces more quickly. Fast fashion has supersized the clothing industry but also contributed to overconsumption. The average consumer now buys 60% more clothing items but keeps them half as long compared to 15 years ago. A Mounting Environmental Toll The rapid pace of fast fashion has come at enormous environmental cost. The textile industry is one of the most polluting globally due to excessive water, chemical, and energy usage at each stage of the supply chain. Synthetic fabrics like polyester are resource-intensive to produce yet end up in landfills. Greenhouse gas emissions from clothing have risen significantly due to surging demand. An estimated 92 million tons of textile waste is produced annually but less than 1% is recycled into new materials. Dump sites in developing countries have been inundated with cast-off clothes from Western consumers. Dyeing and finishing processes also contaminate waterways with harmful chemicals. There are also serious human impacts as many fast fashion factories have poor working conditions and pay unlivable wages. The breakneck speed of production exacerbates these societal and ecological problems. Regulations and Initiatives for Reform In response to mounting sustainability concerns, policymakers in Europe fast fashion  have introduced various regulations on the fashion industry. Legislation like the EU Green Deal aims to mandate greater circularity, reduce waste, and promote eco-friendly materials by 2030. France banned destroying unsold stock while Italy levied a tax on landfill disposal of textiles. Retailers are pushing for extended producer responsibility schemes to finance take-back and recycling programs. Meanwhile, a growing number of sustainability-focused startups are partnering with brands. Technologies like solvent-free dyeing, waterless manufacturing, and garment-to-garment recycling aim to green transformation from within. Some major fast fashion companies have also pledged commitments to reduce environmental impact, increase sourcing transparency, and empower factory workers. While these are positive steps, bolder systemic changes are still needed given the fast fashion business model's inherent unsustainability. Looking ahead, the future of Europe fast fashion  remains uncertain. In the short-term, demand is rebounding strongly after COVID-19 disruptions buoyed sales. But long-term projections show declining appetite for disposable trends among younger and more values-driven consumers concerned about waste and exploitation. Resale platforms are gaining popularity as an alternative that supports extended use. Increasing regulation and public pressure may compel brands to shift strategies or face stiff penalties. Those able to transition to genuinely sustainable, circular systems will be better positioned for longevity. Others must adapt or potentially fall behind. Innovation in areas like digital manufacturing customization, rental platforms, and technology-enabled traceability are revealing new paths for industry transformation. While fast fashion currently dominates the , its dominance may be limited if it cannot align with mounting expectations for responsible production and consumption.

Get More Insights On, Europe Fast Fashion

For More Insights Discover the Report In language that Resonates with you

French

German

Italian

Russian

Japanese

Chinese

Korean

Portuguese

About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)

[daguerreotyping]

Carte de visite of a French naval officer with perfectly curled hair and a matinee idol face, c. 1860s