The circular economy is one proposed idea, a new way of thinking about how we all interact as a society. In theory, it sounds good, but how does the fashion industry fit into it? Also, the Covid-19 pandemic has added another wrinkle to an already complicated and polarising future.
Environmentalism, climate change, and sustainability are all at the forefront of this emerging future, with businesses, governments, and individuals all revising their actions, habits, and plans.
The circular economy’s goal is for all materials and products in society to be reused and circulated among people for as long as possible while remaining environmentally safe, effective, and fair. The current model promotes waste and increases profits, whereas the circular economy advocates for a refocus on societal benefits, aiming to transition to renewable energy sources while reducing waste products.
Fashion and textile industries playing one a vital part in our environment. Surprisingly, this industry emits more CO2 than international flights and maritime shipping combined. This enormous contributor to global emissions (around 10% ) needs to be reduced and adopting circular economy principles would go a long way toward that reduction.
Circular fashion is the industry’s take on the circular economy, and it focuses on three key areas: 1) Design; 2) Source; 3) Collaboration.
Design:
Before anything is sent to the factory to be manufactured, some research is done about the product. For example;
Duration of use of that product. One time use or can be used plenty times.
What will happen to that particular product life and its end?
Will it be recycled or disposed of in a landfill?
Focusing on finished structure, good, and production, researchers find more sustainable way to make into a finished good.
It is at this point that there is a significant opportunity to influence the overall process.
Source:
In a circular economy, sourcing textiles means using only natural, raw materials.
Most clothes are made of plastic and they are harmful to the environment by shedding microfibres with each wash. Textile manufacturers should strive to source and produce locally in order to save money on transportation while also supporting local producers. Of course, materials should be non-toxic and renewable, and while this may cost more, the goal is not profit, but sustainability.
Collaboration:
To make people aware of circular fashion, everyone must collaborate or everything will fall apart. To get the most out of clothing and reduce waste, everyone from designers to manufacturers, brands, and consumers must be carrying in mind we have to save our world and have to make it a better place to live. Our place to live is more important than the profit that industrialists are making. Collaboration, support, and promotion of circular fashion are the only ways for it to take off.
As circular fashion is the only way of future environment save way has been discovered we need to be more careful, focused and supportive towards it.
It takes the equivalent of two and a half years of fresh drinking water to make one T-shirt?
There is a reason why the textile industry is only second to the oil industry in terms of pollution.
Around 60% of our clothes are manufactured in developing countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, with the majority of their raw materials imported from other countries.
These garments are then transported all over the world after being manufactured at an incredible cost in terms of pollution from dyes and chemicals in these factories.
One massive shipping container emits the same amount of cancer-causing chemicals as 50 million cars.
When all of these garments are finally delivered to marketplaces around the world, they are only worn a few times before being thrown out and dumped in a landfill.
Real change must occur on a global scale, with production being reduced and consumer purchasing habits changing. Both as a company and for our clients, image is committed to a sustainable future.