Fashion brands are looking to improve the impact that they are having on both the industry, and the world around them; one option is circular economy.
What is circular economy?
A circular economy is an alternative to fashion’s, and pretty much every other industry’s, traditional linear model whereby an item is manufactured, used and disposed of. To create more sustainable processes, many fashion brands are seeking to become more circular: to find ways to reuse, recycle or repurpose old garments. This causes significantly less environmental damage and allows for the recovery and regeneration of garments after their original use.
C&A foundation has just announced EUR1.29m in funding to support circular fashion initiatives. In total, five pilot schemes have been chosen to receive the funding. The foundation note that circular business models are an essential part of transforming the fashion industry, also capable of providing safe working conditions, regenerating ecosystems and strengthening communities and economies.
Landfill prevention
Currently, approximately 300,000 tonnes of fashion waste enter landfills each year, with UK households owning on average, £4,000 worth of clothes. A 2017 report by the Ellen McArthur Foundation estimated that the cost of land-filling clothes and household textiles to the UK government at approximately £82m.
John Lewis’ buyback scheme
A new scheme by John Lewis sees customers being able to sell items back to the retailer if they are no longer wanted – and they’ll get paid regardless of condition. The pilot scheme, developed alongside social enterprise Stuffstr is an extension of a similar process that occurs within the home section of the business.