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Circular fashion: The eco-friendly alternative to disposing of fashion products

Circular fashion, a new trend in the fashion industry entails producing, recycling, and reusing fashion products in an environmentally friendly manner.

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Quantumrun Foresight
February 1, 2022

Insight summary

Circular fashion, an offshoot of the circular economy model, aims to minimize waste and pollution in the fashion industry by promoting the longevity and recyclability of clothing items. This approach encourages practices such as swapping, repairing, recycling, and reusing clothes, fostering a culture of mindful consumption and environmental friendliness. The adoption of circular fashion can transform business models, create new job opportunities in materials science and recycling, and help governments achieve environmental targets.

Circular fashion context

Dr. Anna Brismar, one of the two people who coined the term circular fashion in 2014, defines it as “clothes, shoes or accessories that are designed, sourced, produced and provided with the intention to be used and circulated responsibly and effectively in society for as long as possible in their most valuable form, and hereafter return safely to the biosphere when no longer of human use.” Circular economy or circularity is a recent economic model that tackles global problems like environmental safety. The primary goal of circularity is to reduce or eliminate waste and pollution.

The opposite is linear economy where products are disposed of after use. Circular fashion is one of the many offshoots of the circular economy, this one specific to the fashion industry and which encourages people to use clothes for as long as possible by swapping, repairing, recycling, and reusing refurbished clothing. This term regulates the manufacturing of fashion products, from sourcing materials all the way to the end-life of the product.

This concept is not exclusive to just fashion products, sportswear and everyday wear are also inclusive. The criteria for the circularity of fashion products are as follows: the product should be durable, biodegradable, resource-efficient, non-toxic, recyclable, ethically produced, and usable for as long as possible, thus achieving the primary goal of environmental friendliness.

Disruptive impact

Circular fashion can offer a more sustainable and cost-effective way to stay stylish. By participating in clothing swaps, buying secondhand, or choosing brands that prioritize circularity, consumers can reduce their environmental footprint and save money. Moreover, the practice of repairing and repurposing clothing can foster creativity and a deeper appreciation for the value of garments.

For businesses, circular fashion presents an opportunity to build a more resilient and sustainable business model. By designing products for longevity and recyclability, companies can reduce their reliance on raw materials, which can fluctuate in price and availability. This approach can also foster customer loyalty, as consumers increasingly value brands that align with their environmental and ethical values. Furthermore, the resale and recycling of products can create new revenue streams, contributing to a more diversified and resilient business model.

On a governmental level, promoting circular fashion can help achieve environmental targets and stimulate economic growth. By implementing policies that encourage circular practices, such as extended producer responsibility regulations or incentives for sustainable design, governments can drive industry-wide change. These policies can also stimulate innovation and job creation in recycling technology and repair services. Moreover, by reducing the fashion industry's environmental impact, governments can make significant strides towards their climate goals.

Wider implications of circular fashion

Wider implications for circular fashion may include:

Fashion industries recycling, refurbishing, and reselling clothes.

Individuals being able to swap and possibly monetize old clothes, likely through various existing or future marketplace apps.

New fashion trends conceived with circularity principles first, and style second.

Circularity bleeding into industries related to or influenced by fashion, such as furniture and interior design.

A reevaluation of societal values, with a greater emphasis on sustainability and longevity over disposable consumerism, fostering a culture of mindful consumption and waste reduction.