The circular economy preserves the added and inherent value of resources while keeping them within the economy for as long as possible and capturing value at the end of their life to minimise raw material consumption, waste and value chain risks. The circular economy aims to preserve the value for as long as possible by minimising waste while returning materials and resources to the product cycle at the end of their use. The circular design concept is an integral part of the transition to the circular economy. By rethinking and redesigning products, services and systems based on the ‘take-make-consume-dispose’ mindset, it is ensured that they remain in use for a more extended period of time and increase resource efficiency.
The circular economy brings a systemic change to the agenda to build a livable world for younger generations. The circular design methods focus on finding solutions that extend the product’s life cycle and increase resource efficiency by using linear production processes’ renewable, recyclable and biodegradable resources.
Artwork by Jennifer Ho
In terms of circular design, we see that many brands have changed their regulations today. At this point, we can say that “Fairphone” is one of the first companies to take steps in the circular design field. Fairphone continues to develop circular designs focused on increasing the product’s uptime with innovative and accessible solutions to smartphones and offers the option to replace any broken or damaged phone component. In this way, the user can easily access the part they want to replace, renew and update their product.
The journey of circular design continues to show itself in the field of fashion as well. A circular fashion approach includes both production and consumption processes. The process based on the circular method, which starts at the design stage of the product, covers all production processes such as material selection, washing, cutting and sewing. However, circular fashion doesn’t end there: The purchasing and supply process also needs to be organised around recycling and reuse. The remaining part of the work for the consumers starts with choosing the right product at the sales points and continues with transferring the product to others or putting it back into the system as raw material.
Design by Anna Maria Voltatzi
Sources: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview https://www.triplepundit.com/story/2022/circular-economy-2021/734506
So, how to create a circular fashion approach?
Developing sustainable, reusable and recyclable materials is necessary to produce a circular fashion approach at first. Supplier companies should be selected from those who provide the circular economy input in the following process. In this regard, the carbon footprint should also be considered. It is also crucial to extend the life span of textile products employing repair, maintenance and second-hand use. Therefore, environmental awareness should be instilled. At the end of the process, including the unused products in the remanufacturing process is essential.
‘’Patagonia’’, which was established in the USA in 1973 and has won the hearts of its customers with its product quality, customer satisfaction and sustainable designs, continues to contribute to circular fashion and economy with its “Worn Wear” initiative. Being aware of the environmental damage and resource consumption of producing clothes, Patagonia encourages the preference of second-hand clothes with Worn Wear. It should also be noted that Worn Wear undertakes the necessary repairment processes before reintroducing each product within Patagonia into the cycle.
In conclusion, understanding our impact on the environment is vital in reducing our CO2 footprint because it allows us to monitor performance against our targets. Moreover, decreasing our carbon footprint is essential for building a strong, science-based environmental strategy. In this regard, it is indeed more important than ever to create sustainable and circular business models.
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