The 7 Rs of Circular Economy: Rethinking Fashion Sustainable Practices Understanding circular fashion

Understanding circular fashion

Circular fashion emerged as a solution to this era where sustainability is more than a necessity. Unlike the traditional linear model of "take, make, dispose," circular fashion aims to create a closed-loop system where products are reused, recycled, and refurbished. This new business model not only minimises waste but also enlarges the lifecycle of products and materials.

The importance of circular fashion principles

The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. From excessive water use to the release of harmful chemicals, fashion's environmental footprint is too large and requires a structural change. 

Circular fashion principles offer a sustainable alternative, focusing on resource efficiency and waste reduction. This principle can be resumed as the 7 Rs of the Circular Economy.

The circular economy 7 Rs

Rethink: Innovating Business Models

One of the foundational principles of circular fashion is to rethink existing business models. This involves questioning the status quo and exploring innovative solutions that prioritise sustainability.

• Business Innovations: Several textile companies have invested in new innovative sustainable materials development. Fabrics made from recycled content are some examples of how circularity brings new business models to the fashion industry. Other opportunities that came up with the circular economy are related to technology and software development. Recovo launched a SaaS to help companies manage their own leftover stocks while measuring their environmental impact.
• Personal Consumption: At home, we can rethink our consumption habits by evaluating whether we truly need a new purchase. For instance, before buying a new outfit, consider if it can be rented or borrowed.

Recover: Convert Non-Recyclable Waste

Recovering embedded energy from non-recyclable waste is one alternative to managing it. It is very important to avoid waste from ending up in landfills, which create very dangerous and polluted areas such as the Atacama clothes dump.

• Industrial Applications: Industries can invest in technologies that convert waste into energy. For example, non-recyclable textiles can be incinerated to produce electricity, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
• Home Practices: Composting organic waste or using energy-efficient appliances to reduce overall energy consumption, contributing to energy conservation.

Reduce: Minimizing resource use

Reducing resource use is another critical aspect of circular fashion. This involves applying lean design principles to create products that are durable and resource-efficient.

• Lean Design: Designers can focus on creating minimal designs that do not go out of style quickly. Using high-quality, ethically sourced materials ensures that products last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
• Energy Efficiency: Investing in low-consumption appliances and alternative self-supplying renewable sources of energy can reduce significantly a company’s climate impact, avoiding fuel fossil-based energies.

Reuse: Extending Product Lifespan

The principle of reuse’s objective is to extend the lifespan of products by transferring them to new users or finding new uses for them.

• Marketplaces: Platforms like Recovo offer a wide range of deadstock fabrics from different characteristics to give a new life to non-used fabric surplus from popular textile brands and suppliers. These platforms provide a sustainable way of sourcing and the possibility to sell a brand’s leftovers and get benefits from them.
• Creative Reuse: Consumers can also reuse their old garments and find new uses for their old items, selling them into second-hand markets, or bringing them to clothing collecting points.

Repair: Maintaining and Fixing Products

Repairing products instead of discarding them is another essential principle of circular fashion that the EU will guarantee due to its Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, extending the life of products and reducing the need for new resources. 

Businesses and fashion brands can offer repair services for their products, encouraging consumers to fix rather than replace items, being particularly effective for high-quality, durable goods.

Recycle: Transforming Waste into Resources

Recycling involves disassembling products and separating their components to create new materials. This process helps in reducing waste and conserving resources.

• Industrial Recycling: Industries can invest in recycling technologies that break down textiles into their raw materials, which can then be used to create new products.
• Home Recycling: At home, make it a habit to separate recyclable materials from non-recyclable ones. Many communities offer recycling programs that make it easy to recycle paper, plastic, and glass. By participating in these programs, we can contribute to a more sustainable society.

Refurbish: Transform Old Products

Refurbishing involves giving old products a new lease on life by repairing and updating them. This principle is particularly effective in reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Textile companies can refurbish returned or damaged products and resell them at a lower price to reduce their environmental impact and supply costs.

Implementing the 7 Rs in Everyday Life

Implementing the 7 Rs of circular fashion in everyday life may seem daunting, but small changes can make a significant impact. Start by choosing one principle and making a conscious effort to incorporate it into your daily routine.

Practical Tips

• Rethink: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you need it.
• Recover: Use energy-efficient appliances and consider composting organic waste.
• Reduce: Invest in high-quality, durable products that will last longer.
• Reuse: Buy and sell secondhand items on platforms like eBay.
• Repair: Fix small appliances and mend clothing instead of replacing them.
• Recycle: Separate recyclable materials from non-recyclable ones.
• Refurbish: Upcycle old furniture and transform old clothing into new pieces.