Circular design Toolbox

WHAT IS A CIRCULAR FASHION SYSTEM

Today’s linear “take, make, dispose” economic model is reaching its limits, and natural resources are becoming increasingly scarce, threatening the growth of the fashion industry.

A circular system restores and regenerates materials, in addition to providing opportunities to reduce environmental pressures and ease demand on natural resources while securing future supply and capturing the value of a product to the greatest extent possible.

The public is becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impacts of the fashion industry. Consumers expect the industry to address issues related to production, such as extensive water usage, toxic chemicals and garments accumulating in landfills. Implementing circularity offers an opportunity to evaluate and improve current business models as much as it provides a unique opportunity to create a close relationship with consumers.

An essential part of creating a circular fashion system is to set up collection systems, integrate circular design and consider how to manage end-of-use of garments. This can happen through practices that extend usage, for example resale, or through recycling worn out garments and incorporating recycled post-consumer fibres into the production of new garments.

Circular Design Toolbox

This toolbox is designed to support fashion brands and retailers who would like to explore circular design within their company. It highlights the role design plays in creating a circular fashion system and is aimed to redefine the life cycle of garments by looping them continuously back into the fashion system. Download it below.

Other resources

GFA provides in-depth analysis, masterclasses and reports based on the latest industry data. GFA specialises in communicating complex sustainability content in a compelling and actionable manner and is responsible for leading industry publications such as the Fashion CEO Agenda, Fashion on Climate and Scaling Circularity.

    Unpacking Pay Equity in Fashion: Italy

    GFA and PwC have published a preliminary research report, Unpacking Pay Equity in Fashion: Italy, which explores the current perceptions and challenges regarding pay equity within one of Europe’s most influential fashion industries.

    Reverse Logistics for Circular Fashion Systems

    Reverse Logistics for Circular Fashion Systems explores the essential role of reverse logistics in helping the fashion industry transition to circular fashion models.

    Policy Hub: Celebrating 5 Years of Driving Circularity Change in the Textile & Footwear Industry

    The Policy Hub unites textile and footwear stakeholders to advocate for a regulatory framework that prioritizes environmental and social sustainability in Europe.