What is Circular Fashion?

What is Circular Fashion?

All About Circular Fashion 

Circular fashion is an innovative approach to fashion production and consumption that challenges the traditional way we consume and discard clothing. The aim of circular fashion is to maximise the use of materials by implementing strategies such as recycling, upcycling, and designing products for circularity. This approach seeks to keep materials in use for as long as possible, reducing waste and conserving resources.

person cutting denim

Closed-loop Systems

One key aspect of circular fashion is the idea of closed-loop systems. This involves designing products with the end of their lifecycle in mind, so that they can be easily reused or recycled. For example, a garment made from biodegradable materials could be composted at the end of its use, or a pair of jeans could be recycled into new denim. By designing for circularity, products can be kept in use for longer, reducing waste and conserving resources.

Sharing Economy

Another important aspect of circular fashion is the sharing economy. Sharing platforms like AirRobe and Glam Corner enable consumers to rent clothing for a short period of time, reducing the need for individuals to purchase new garments for every occasion. This not only reduces waste, but also offers economic benefits, as consumers can access high-quality clothing at a fraction of the cost of buying new items. 

Additionally, clothing rental platforms can be a way for high-end designers to reach a broader audience, increasing their customer base and reducing the environmental impact of producing new clothing.

Resale Market

Circular fashion includes the resale market. Secondhand clothing has long been a way to reduce waste and save money, but with the rise of online resale platforms like Depop and Poshmark, the market has grown exponentially. By reselling clothing, consumers can keep items in use for longer, reducing the demand for new production and conserving resources. The resale market offers economic benefits to both sellers and buyers, as well as promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.

 

What is RCYCL doing to contribute to the fashion industry?

At RCYCL, our unwavering commitment lies in creating a better fashion future by providing innovative solutions that empower individuals to make sustainable choices. Our current product line, RCYCL Return Satchels, offers a convenient way to recycle worn-out clothes. 

Our upcoming repair service will enable customers to simply send in items that are in need of repair. We understand that in today's fast-paced world, finding the time or expertise to fix clothing can be a challenge. That's why we want to make the process as effortless as possible for our valued customers. By offering a seamless and convenient way to repair items, we aim to extend the lifespan of clothing, reduce waste, and promote a culture of mindful consumption.

Finally, we are working towards launching a system to give back to the community by filtering and identifying donatable clothes, ensuring that they reach the appropriate charities. Any garments that do not meet the donation criteria are now recycled into new yarn and other useful products.

 

Circular fashion is a promising approach to fashion production and consumption that prioritises sustainability and waste reduction. By implementing strategies like recycling, upcycling, and designing products for circularity, circular fashion seeks to keep materials in use for as long as possible, reducing waste and conserving resources. While there are challenges to implementing circular fashion in the fashion industry, the benefits are significant, including environmental and economic advantages, as well as promoting innovation and creativity. As consumers continue to become more conscious of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, the adoption of circular fashion becomes increasingly crucial as a sustainable solution to address this pressing issue.

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