Circular Economy in Fashion: Revolutionising Textile Waste Management

Back in those days, there were people who used to sew their torn clothes, shoes, and bags and use them for longer periods. Unlike the people of this linear fashion industry, where the trend is not to repeat an outfit for a second time. As a result, the production of garments has increased so much that it has become an alarming issue. And the world is going back to history and collecting the memory of reusing the same fabric in different ways. Yes, the Circular Economy in the fashion industry is becoming a thing recently because of the growing sustainable consumption attitudes. Advanced technologies like Digital Product Passport contribute to sustainability in textile waste management.

How Textile Waste Contributes to Environmental Damage

The trend of production, consumption, and dumping of fabric costs the environment hugely, with a lingering and complex supply chain process. The fashion industry demands high levels of water and energy, depends heavily on chemical substances, waste production, and microplastic release. The increasing volume of textile and clothing waste, which produces more greenhouse gases, is a major concern.

Circular Economy in the Rescue of Textile Waste Management

The fashion industry is currently striving for greater sustainability across all production stages, with the ultimate aim of transitioning to a circular fashion model.

The Concept of Circular Economy in the Textile World

The businesses need to redesign their model for reusable garments. Besides, the fabric’s longevity & recyclability should be considered for sustainability. The goal is to support reusing and repairing clothes and restore natural ecosystems through eco-friendly practices. Circular fashion focuses on closed-loop systems, where consumers will keep reusing textiles. Hence, the fabric will not end up in landfills.

Advancement of Recycling Technologies

To manage textile waste effectively, it is vital to introduce advanced technologies in the recycling of garment waste. Chemical recycling is ahead of mechanical recycling in this case. Chemical recycling helps regenerate the fibres at the molecular level, which increases the chances of sustainability. On the other hand, mechanical recycling breaks down fibres, leading to the production of new yarns. Use of biodegradable fibres sourced from plants and bioengineered sources also reduces the impact at the end of a product’s lifecycle. Upcycling is also another effective way to reduce the demand.

Brands and Brand Ambassadors’ Role in Promoting Circular Fashion

Top fashion brands are promoting circular models, resulting in a huge positive outcome in recycling fashion. Their repairing services, take-back schemes, and sustainable collections are impacting consumer behaviour for sustainable fashion choices. Besides, celebrity brand ambassadors can popularise the idea of being eco-friendly and sustainable styling. The brand promoters or influencers can also increase awareness among people about the benefits of circular fashion.

Digital Technologies in Support of the Circular Economy in Fashion

Digital tools have greater roles in enabling the circular economy in the fashion world. Consumers can track materials and certification of the products through supply chain transparency platforms. The use of the Digital Product Passport contributes to making sustainable production and consumption easier. Overproduction can be controlled by improved inventory management using predictive analytics.

Conclusion

More investments need to be made in support of establishing the circular economy in the fashion industry. Innovations need to be continued to scale circular businesses throughout the fashion world. Consumers’ awareness and change of consumer behaviour regarding circular fashion need to be given importance. Advanced studies, automation, and policy enforcement in a circular fashion can bring a revolution in textile waste management.

Resources:

Circular economy action plan: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/circular-economy-action-plan_en

European Innovation Council: https://eic.ec.europa.eu/index_en

Waste Framework Directive: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/waste-framework-directive_en