Fashion has become a highly unsustainable industry. Because of the fashion waste and pollution it causes. In recent years, the development of recycling programs has helped to reduce this fashion waste – but what if we could go further? What if we could create a future where the environment was preserved and actually improved? Read on to find out how Circular Fashion aims high to secure this goal!
What is circular fashion?
Circular fashion is the idea that we should re-use and recycle products rather than create new ones. This can be done by re-using garments, repairing them, or donating to organizations. Where they will be resold. The campaign was started in 2013 when some environmentally conscious designers decided that it was time for a change. They wanted to promote sustainable practices, like organic fabrics and eco-friendly dyes. There are also many other ways to upgrade circular fashion. On top of them is donating unwanted clothes to charities for distribution.
Circular Fashion – A novel fashion movement
Fashion has been around us even when we didn’t know it was a thing. From a very early age, we are driven to specific trends without even being conscious of fashion and style. Nonetheless, fashion has been associated with, or I might say been, limited to extravagance and luxury for a certain period. However, the horizon of modern fashion and style is seamless. In addition, it has been used for the betterment of society and the environment on various levels. Circular fashion is one of these novel achievements of the fashion industry.
Many big names in the industry are endorsing circular fashion. The campaign has already made strides, with many designers adopting circular principles. Moreover, the consumers are becoming aware of what they’re buying. Not only does it have the potential to improve sustainability in the industry. But it also has an opportunity to create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and new jobs.
The Circular Fashion Revolution is the next generation of sustainable fashion. It’s a perfect time for us to start thinking more creatively about what we’re doing.
New York Fashion Week Founder and Producer – Tim Gunn
Circular Fashion and Recycling
Circular fashion refers to the creation of new garments without affecting the environment. Designers need to think outside the box when designing clothing. And try to opt to recycle. Designers endorsing recycling understand that old clothes are resources that can be re-used in several ways. In addition to recycling, these companies focus on durability, longevity, and sustainable mono-fabrics and rental streams. For example, re-purposed jeans, dresses, and sweaters are more eco-friendly.
Circular fashion has become the latest trend, and brands adopt this idea in various ways. Often, re-working garments is an excellent way to reduce production costs. For example, re-using old sweaters is an eco-friendly way to use old yarn and create a new skirt or dress. Even fabric waste from old furniture can be used to make purses. This kind of thinking is becoming more popular, and brands are starting to take action.
Take-Back Program
Another essential consideration along with this campaign is implementing the take-back system. Take Back Program is an initiative organized by manufacturers to assemble utilized products and materials from consumers. This material is then reintroduced to the initial processing and manufacturing cycle. Companies can implement this program in collaboration with end-of-life logistics and textile processing firms. Eleven Radius developed a take-back system, and many other companies followed suit. The company is committed to creating a better world through sustainable products.
When it comes to the fashion industry, conscious consumers will continue to exert pressure to change. A circular fashion approach can be implemented by incorporating circular design strategies into your product. These strategies include choosing single-fiber materials and designing long-life and durable products.
Applying the Circular Economy to Fashion
The world has changed a lot in the past decade. We now depend on technology to survive. However, the demands of this new era have also caused fashion production to be unsustainable. High-speed production methods have led to the waste of excess fabric. This results in creating an oversupply that is then discarded and left to deteriorate. More than 10 million tons of clothes are dumped into landfills. The waste causes environmental pollution and releases potent greenhouse gas emissions. Our clothes are made from synthetic materials. Synthetic materials are difficult to recycle therefore, it is necessary to burn synthetic waste material at inhumane temperatures.
Products created for the fashion industry are often made with materials that are not readily biodegradable and can end up in landfills. A circular economy flips this dynamic. It allows recycling products, sourcing from local markets, and reducing carbon emissions. The Circular Fashion project will propose ways to mainstream sustainable practices, which will lead to more innovative ways of making clothes and accessories.
The Global Competition for Sustainable Fashion
The Global Competition for Sustainable Fashion has the goal of triggering creativity, spurring innovation, and increasing collaboration with stakeholders. The competition is designed to simulate the fashion industry of 2030. The challenge is open to all designers, entrepreneurs, engineers, architects, and creatives who have a passion for sustainable fashion.
The Circular Fashion Challenge is a global competition for sustainable fashion. The challenge is open to creative and commercial designers, brands, and organizations from around the world. Participants have to create sustainable apparel that showcases innovative technology, materials, and production methods, as well as proposals for new business models and opportunities. The goal is to build a sustainable circular fashion industry with zero waste in our garment system.
Conclusion – The Bottom Line
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries globally. The demand for fast fashion is having a severe negative impact on natural resources. Circular fashion aims to create a sustainable future for fashion by involving more people in circular design and encouraging designers, manufacturers, and consumers to make conscious decisions about sustainability.
At the end of this article, I would like to share some suggestions for making sustainability a reality. Some of my tips include:
- Only buy clothes that you really need
- Buying second-hand clothes
- Donating your old clothes
- Avoiding fast fashion
The conclusion of this blog post can be summed up in the following sentence:
We will all have to take responsibility, and start to think about what we consume and what it costs, not just for today, but for all those who follow.
