Tag: fashion

From Waste to Wardrobe: Circular Economy in the Fashion Industry

Textiles and clothing are a fundamental part of everyday life and an important sector in the global economy. Each year millions of tonnes of clothes are produced, worn, and thrown away. Every second, the equivalent of a rubbish truck load of clothes is burnt or buried in landfill. The fashion industry is one of the major contributors of plastic microfibres entering our oceans. Without doubt, clothing represents a basic human need. It is therefore understandable that the consumption of apparel has grown massively with population growth and human development. As such, the per-capita consumption of textile fibres as the main constituent of apparel has increased from 5.9 kg/capita in 1970 to 13.0 kg/capita in 2020. This growth is particularly exorbitant for fibres based on synthetic polymers, which are not sustainable per se, when produced from fossil resources. If this growth continues, the production volume will have doubled by 2032 compared to 2020, and in 2039 it will even break through the 200 million tonnes mark. The massive increase in per-capita consumption in mature markets in recent years is mainly due to the fast fashion business model. Fast fashion refers to a business model in the fashion industry characterized by the rapid production of inexpensive, trendy clothing that quickly responds to current fashion trends. This approach emphasizes quick turnover of designs, enabling retailers to bring new styles to market rapidly and at affordable prices. Fast fashion brands often prioritize speed and low-cost production, leading to shorter production cycles and a constant influx of new collections. While this model allows consumers to stay on top of the latest trends inexpensively, it has significant environmental and ethical implications. Fast fashion is associated with increased resource consumption, environmental pollution, and labor exploitation, as it encourages a culture of disposability and rapid turnover in clothing. Together, brands, mills and manufacturers from high street to luxury retailers have proven that circular design for fashion can become the norm. This deep dive explores how the principles of the circular economy can be applied to the fashion industry, beginning by covering why the fashion industry of today is not fit for purpose. Now, we must not only redesign the products of the future, but also transform the systems that deliver them and keep them in use. Dismantling the Threads: Unraveling the Flaws in Our Clothing System In a blink, another truckload of clothing meets its demise, either buried in landfills or engulfed in flames. The current clothing system operates on a linear trajectory, extracting copious nonrenewable resources to birth garments with fleeting lifespans. Often, these fashion creations enjoy a mere moment in the spotlight before succumbing to the ignominious fate of landfill or incineration. Shockingly, over half of the fast fashion frenzy faces disposal within a paltry year. This linear paradigm not only squanders economic opportunities but also exerts undue strain on resources, leaving an indelible mark on the environment and its delicate ecosystems. The repercussions echo far and wide, manifesting in pollution, degradation, and a plethora of societal woes at the local, regional, and global levels. The time has come to untangle the knots of this unsustainable system, weaving a new narrative that embraces circularity, sustainability, and a fashion ethos that transcends the transience of trends. In the dynamic landscape of the fashion industry, a glaring issue takes center stage: the massive underutilization of clothing. While certain low-income countries witness a commendable rate of clothing utilization, the narrative shifts elsewhere. Take the United States, for instance, where garments are donned for a mere quarter of the global average. Astonishingly, on a global scale, customers forfeit a staggering USD 460 billion worth of value annually by prematurely discarding clothes that still have a journey ahead. Some garments face abandonment after a meager seven to ten wears, painting a vivid picture of a wasteful trend that calls for a transformative shift in our approach to fashion consumption. An immense footprint The textiles industry casts an enormous ecological footprint, devouring a staggering 98 million tonnes of non-renewable resources annually. From oil powering synthetic fiber production to fertilizers nurturing cotton growth, and a chemical symphony for dyeing and finishing, the industry's voracious appetite for materials intensifies environmental strain. In a wasteful, linear system marked by minimal recycling, this colossal demand for resources perpetuates an ever-expanding problem. The industry's environmental impact transcends the consumption of raw materials, painting a stark picture of unsustainable practices and the urgent need for a paradigm shift. Catastrophic potential In the looming shadows of environmental peril, the fashion industry stands at a crossroads. If the current trajectory persists, a staggering 26% of the carbon budget linked to a 2C global warming limit could be devoured by this insatiable giant by 2050. The urgency to avert this catastrophe is crystal clear – breaking free from the shackles of the prevailing linear and wasteful textiles system is not just a choice; it's an imperative stride to safeguard the attainability of the 2C average global warming limit. The time to redefine our fashion narrative is now, as we stand on the brink of a pivotal environmental showdown. The vision of a circular economy for fashion Fashion's future lies in transformative business models—ones that restore and regenerate. Imagine a circular economy where clothes and textiles maintain peak value, never becoming waste, but seamlessly re-entering the cycle after use. It's more than just sustainable; it's an all-encompassing vision that benefits businesses, society, and the environment. The allure of a fashion industry that perpetually works, leaving no room for waste, is undeniable. Imagine a fashion system with these game-changing features: Accessible Style for Everyone: • High-quality, personalized clothing is within reach for all. • New business models offer flexibility and affordability beyond traditional sales. • Clothes are designed to be durable, versatile, and tailored to individual preferences. Maximizing Clothing Value: • A circular fashion economy extends the lifespan of clothes. • Value is fully captured by using clothes more frequently. • Recycling processes ensure materials retain value, aligning with today's capabilities. Renewable-Powered Fashion: • Fueled by renewable energy, a circular fashion economy boosts resilience and reduces resource dependence. • Utilizes renewable resources where input is necessary, from feedstock for plastic fibers to eco-friendly farming practices. • Embraces a shift to renewables, ensuring lower energy consumption and resource usage. True Cost Transparency: • Prices in a circular fashion economy reflect the comprehensive costs of production, including environmental and societal impacts. • Thorough analysis and reporting of costs precede transparent reflection in product prices. Nature-Regenerating, Environment-Friendly: • Extracts renewable resources through regenerative methods, rebuilding natural capital. • Prioritizes regenerative agriculture for biological inputs like cotton and sustainable forestry for wood-based fibers. • Ensures no leakage of harmful substances into the environment, preventing risks to workers and users. • Mitigates pollution, including the release of plastic microfibers, and designs out greenhouse gas emissions. Distributive Design for Thriving Ecosystem: • A circular fashion economy fosters inclusive growth, creating opportunities for enterprises of all sizes. • Retains and circulates value within the system, enabling businesses and employees to fully participate in the broader economy. • Promotes overall system health through a distributive design. A circular fashion economy offers a sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative path forward. It transforms the industry, aligning fashion with renewable energy, transparent pricing, and nature regeneration. This shift not only mitigates environmental impact but also fosters a thriving ecosystem of enterprises. It's a call to create a future where style is synonymous with sustainability and responsible choices.

Textiles and clothing are a fundamental part of everyday life and an important sector in the global economy. Each year millions of tonnes of clothes are produced, worn, and thrown away. Every second, the equivalent of a rubbish truck load of clothes is burnt or buried in landfill. The fashion industry is one of the […]

Sustainable Fashion: Reducing Environmental Impact, Empowering People

sustainable fashion

Fashion, a major industry with a keen eye for the latest styles and trends, is undergoing a shift. As the fashion industry faces mounting criticism for its significant environmental impact, an increasing number of consumers are becoming conscious of the impact their fashion choices have on the planet. From water pollution and waste to carbon […]

Sustainable Fashion: Best Fashion Ideas

sustainable fashion

The fashion industry has faced many challenges in the last two years. The events during the pandemic season have taught the fashion and clothing sector about sustainability, but the hard way. Much unsold stock during and after the pandemic has created a harsh situation for artisans and entrepreneurs alike. But the fashion industry has learned […]

The Most Important Fashion Trends For Spring Summer 2022

Fashion Trends For Spring Summer 2022

The days are getting longer and hotter. So, it is time to pay attention to revamping your wardrobe with fashion for spring summer trends 2022. You must be wearing some of the winter pants now. With all the other hoodies and sweaters back in your cupboard, it is time to rethink your strategy for makeup. It […]

Why Is Attar Fashion In Back? Impact on Fashion Industry.

Why Is Attar In Fashion?

There is not a single person who does not love scents. Moreover, perfumes, scents, sprays, attars, or whatever fancy name you want to call them are a part of our life. It is pretty well proven that scents can evoke various emotions in the human psyche. They also have therapeutic benefits. There is a specific […]

The secret of making sustainable fashion choices

secret to making sustainable fashion choices

The Secret to Making Sustainable Fashion Choices The fashion industry has faced a lot of challenges lately. In the recent turn of events during the pandemic season, the fashion and textile sector has learned about sustainability the hard way. If you go by records, this trend started in 2018 itself. With time, the fashion industry […]

This Summer know the latest fashion trend of 2021

fashion trend 2021

Confused about summer fashion? Want to know the latest fashion trend of 2021? Read on to know all you are confused about. Style and clothing speak volumes about you. The way you dress or the way you wear your clothing speaks on your behalf. Being a fashion lover, you will know people celebrate fashion trends […]

Is your fashion in sync with latest Monsoon fashion trend?

Fashion is part of daily life and it changes all the time, with all the events of the season. You can even see the approaching revolution in the clothes. You can see and feel everything in your clothes. ” — Diana Vreeland Monsoon is the best season to romance, be it with humans or your […]

Khadi and creativity paves way to unique collections

Khadi

Khadi is a popular fabric in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Coined by Mahatma Gandhi during the Freedom Movement of the Indian Subcontinent against the Britishers, the fabric is hand spun and woven from cotton. It is derived from the word khaddar. Amidst the good news that Khadi and Village Industry Commission (KVIC), India gets Trademark […]

Indian Jewellery – a fashion or science

Indian Jewellery

India is the land of Gods and Goddess, and gold. That is how foreigners identify Indians. Indians truly have a trove of secrets to share. Since the olden times, jewels seem to have enticed every queen, princess, and the landladies. There have been murders for jewellery and precious gemstones. Beautiful jewellery pieces have adorned the […]