As we witness the rise of more sustainable fashion brands across the globe, the linear model of “take, make, dispose” fashion appears to be falling by the wayside as well. As more people begin to recognize the true impact of traditional fashion on the environment and on humankind, there is an increased demand for clothing choices that are as both sustainable and ethical as they are stylish.
Enter the concept of circular fashion: an alternative model that aims to minimize energy consumption, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and textile waste.
What Is Circular Fashion?
Circular fashion refers to a regenerative system that is meant to minimize waste and pollution, primarily by keeping fashion materials in use for as long as possible. In this closed-loop model, resources are continuously cycled through the system, thus minimizing waste and reducing the utilization of resources.
While circular fashion can certainly be considered “sustainable,” the term “sustainable fashion” is not necessarily synonymous with “circular fashion.” The latter encompasses more concrete parameters, whereas the former may reference a broader approach targeting the minimization of environmentally-unfriendly materials and resources during the manufacturing process itself. Circular fashion, on the other hand, places a heavier emphasis on reusing, repairing, and reselling clothing products that already exist (as well as constructing them to be more durable).
Key Principles of Circular Fashion
There are several key principles of the circular fashion model as follows:
- Designing for longevity and durability – Garments are designed with quality at the forefront, allowing them to better withstand everyday wear and tear. This, in turn, reduces the need for frequent replacement.
- Using sustainable materials and production methods – In producing new garments, eco-friendly materials (such as organic cotton and recycled fibers) are used to promote sustainability as much as possible. In some cases, innovative textiles made from waste products may even be used to create new, high-quality fashion items.
- Promoting reuse and repair – Garments in a circular fashion model are designed to be passed down, swapped, and repaired rather than discarded. This thereby extends the usable life of the clothing, keeps items out of landfills, and reduces the need for further resource depletion.
- Recycling and upcycling materials – The proverbial loop of the fashion circle is closed using innovative technologies and processes that effectively recycle textiles and transform them into new products. This can be done by taking pieces of existing garments and so-called “textile waste,” then using the material to create new pieces through patchwork, embroidery, and the like.
The Environmental Impact of the Fashion Industry
In the traditional linear fashion model that has long dominated the industry, garments were made, worn, and disposed of once they reached their end of life. Unfortunately, this model has had a severely negative impact on the environment, with consequences including resource depletion, pollution, and waste generation. In fact, some studies estimate that the fashion industry alone is responsible for up to 10% of carbon emissions worldwide.
Water Consumption and Pollution
In the linear model, the fashion industry is a major consumer of water resources. This is especially true when it comes to the processes of cotton cultivation and textile dyeing, both of which require a substantial amount of water. Additionally, textile processing results in a great deal of water pollution due to the toxic chemicals often used that can have a serious impact on waterways and their respective ecosystems.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Another major problem within the linear fashion model is greenhouse gas emissions, which occur in shocking numbers during the production of raw materials as well as the transportation and disposal of garments. Currently, it is estimated that the fashion industry alone emits up to 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere — and that number is only expected to increase if major changes don’t occur throughout the entire supply chain.
Textile Waste
Finally, there is the growing problem of textile waste in the traditional linear model of fashion. When clothing is manufactured with low quality standards and low-quality materials, garments don’t last very long before they are discarded. This results in an excessive amount of clothing being tossed into landfills each year. Consider, for example, that up to 92 million tons of clothing end up in landfills each year, and about 85% of textiles are thrown away in the United States each year.
Strategies for Implementing Circular Fashion
When the industry has been following the linear model for so long, the idea of shifting toward a more sustainable and circular model may seem far-fetched. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. The key to change is for stakeholders at all stages of the product life cycle to be invested in implementing a more circular fashion model. This should include not just brands and retail management professionals but also consumers.
Design for Circularity
For starters, clothing designers face the responsibility to create clothing that is durable, easy to repair, and made from recyclable or biodegradable materials. Most likely, this will also require a shift toward more modular clothing design, where garments can be easily disassembled so that their individual components can be reused or recycled.
Extending the Life of Clothing
Meanwhile, fashion consumers are tasked with the responsibility of extending the usable life of their garments by learning about proper clothing care, repair, and even resale as a means of reducing the need for new clothing production. Consumers can get involved in clothing rental services, attend garment repair workshops, and explore online platforms for buying and selling secondhand clothing to take part in this global initiative.
Recycling and Upcycling
In addition, clothing retailers must continue to explore innovative technologies and approaches for recycling and upcycling textiles in order to create new products and close the loop. This includes the development of new and sustainable materials as well as production processes that facilitate responsible textile recycling and minimize waste.
Challenges and Opportunities in Circular Fashion
Of course, there are some inherent obstacles when it comes to moving toward a circular model within the fashion industry. Specifically, challenges related to infrastructure, cost, and consumer behavior must be overcome in order to drive any meaningful change. On the bright side, though, a circular fashion model brings opportunities for innovation, job creation, and much-needed environmental protection.
Overcoming Infrastructure Changes
Supporting a circular fashion model will require a significant up-front investment in recycling infrastructure, collection systems, and sorting technologies. To drive and encourage these investments, governments may need to implement special incentives or other policies that lessen the financial burden while supporting these critical infrastructure improvements.
Changing Consumer Behavior
Consumers play a central role in demanding change from the fashion industry. More than ever, it is crucial for consumers to educate themselves and encourage others to embrace circular fashion practices. This should include initiatives to purchase secondhand clothing, repair existing clothes, and buy from sustainable brands as much as possible.
At the same time, clothing retailers can encourage the shift toward more sustainable fashion with their own marketing and communication efforts, which can have a major influence on consumer attitudes and behaviors.
Addressing Cost and Scalability Issues
Initially, circular fashion practices will likely be more expensive than traditional linear models. However, it’s important to look at the big picture and consider how a circular fashion model can reduce costs, protect the environment, and lead to more responsible manufacturing processes overall.
Likewise, various effective strategies can help reduce costs and scale circular solutions to make them more affordable and accessible for all. If making a difference in the fashion industry is something you’re passionate about, learn more about a career in fashion merchandising.
Brands and Initiatives Leading the Way
Numerous brands and organizations across the globe have already begun pioneering the idea of circular fashion. For instance, per Kearney’s 2023 Circular Fashion Index (CFX) report, some prime examples include:
- Patagonia, an outdoor fashion brand that has committed to using 98% recycled materials in its production practices.
- Levi’s, a denim brand committed to extending the life of its denim through DIY tips and tailoring options.
- Madewell, through which consumers can recycle or resell old jeans and denim in exchange for credit.
- Pact, a clothing brand that has led circular economy initiatives and made the switch to sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions.
Embracing Circular Fashion for a Sustainable Future
If we really wish to change the impact the fashion industry has on the planet, everybody must strive to do their part. This includes not only manufacturers and producers of fashion but also the end consumers.
So, what can you do to support the transition to a circular fashion model as a means of mitigating environmental impact and creating a sustainable future? There are plenty of small steps you can start taking today — such as supporting sustainable fashion brands, participating in circular practices, and advocating for a more responsible and ethical fashion industry.
For scale, the sustainable fashion market was valued at approximately $7.8 billion as of 2023 and is projected to reach $33 billion by 2030, highlighting robust potential.
Looking at the bigger picture, a circular fashion system as part of a global, circular economic model could work to reduce the production of clothing while increasing use over its life cycle. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, altering this system could present billions of dollars in opportunity for the clothing and textile industry. They present three core areas of focus that could drive the realization of this vision:
- New business models that increase the use of durable (instead of disposable) clothing
- Safe, renewable resources as inputs
- Solutions that recycle used clothes into new, usable products
Learn More About Fashion and Merchandising
With a renewed focus on minimizing waste and taking proactive steps to protect the planet, the fashion industry is full of potential and visions for how a future centering circular fashion might look. If you’d like to be part of the circular fashion revolution, now is a great time to pursue a degree in fashion, merchandising, or a related field.
Johnson & Wales University is proud to offer an online Bachelor’s in Fashion Merchandising & Retailing to help students break into the field. Get in touch to learn more, or start your application for enrollment today.
For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].