What are the leading trends and innovations in the world of circular fashion, and what will it take to bring these strategies to scale?

It’s no secret that the fashion industry has an environmental problem: The global fashion industry accounts for 10 percent of global carbon emissions, 20 percent of wastewater and relies on 98 million tons of non-renewable resources each year. And this is to say nothing of the dwindling life cycle of clothing and the resulting waste of more than 10 million tons of textile waste each year in U.S. landfills alone. The need for urgent action is clear. 

Fashion is ripe for a redesign, and applying circular principles to every phase of a garment’s lifespan has the power to revitalize and reimagine the industry as we know it. Revised design principles and new business models — like resale, rental, and repair — can extend product life and redefine ownership. Technological breakthroughs can enable new textiles made from recycled materials and biological sources. Redesigned recycling systems, manufacturing processes and supply chain flows can reduce inefficiencies and prioritize sustainable solutions. 

This half-day tutorial will follow a garment’s trajectory from sourcing and design to the business model within which it’s sold to its end of life management, uncovering leading circular solutions along the way. Bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the apparel value chain, together we’ll explore what it will take to redesign the apparel industry of today. 

How can you educate and upskill your workforce on the complexity of circularity, and what will it take to enable their success as your organization pursues a more circular future? 

Launching circular strategies — from piloting new business models to sourcing recycled materials to designing and taking back products with a new life in mind — requires new positions, mindsets and skills. Workers across your organization — and throughout the supply and value chain — will need relevant expertise and mindsets to adapt to this new approach to business. But what does it take to effectively explain the circular economy to your colleagues and teammates? What knowledge base does your work force need to pursue a circular strategy? What will a just, equitable transition look like and how can your company upskill both your workers and those your company relies on? Join this session to dive into what it will take to upskill your organization for circularity. 

How can authentic, meaningful social improvement align with strong economic performance? 

Upstream and regenerative circular economy platforms are not new, they've just never been prioritized in the modern take-make-waste economy. The circular economy is not just about shiny new product-as-a-service businesses — it's also about celebrating, empowering and growing traditional businesses like tailors, pawn shops, cobblers and electronics repair.  For many, the circular economy or circular cities remain abstract ideas, are considered a luxury or are simply deemed otherwise inaccessible for many residents. How can the circular economy create real value for historically marginalized communities? This session focuses on how companies, institutions and non-profits — when properly motivated by a common theory of change — can unlock good at scale and be a critical platform helping humanity live within the planetary boundaries. 

What role do waste collectors play in your company’s supply chain, and how can you ensure dignity and equity when procuring recycled materials?

The demand for post consumer recycled plastics is outpacing supply. To source this high-demand feedstock companies across industries have partnered with waste collector communities to identify, sort and sell plastics to be recycled. Beyond aiding recycled-content goals, these partnerships prevent waste in the environment and open up the potential for more socially responsible sourcing. But what will it take to build a meaningful engagement with waste collectors beyond one-off partnerships? How can your company do so with equity, dignity and respect for the work of these individuals? What human rights considerations should be top of mind when engaging with workers down the supply chain? Explore these questions with representatives of waste collector communities and the companies effectively partnering with them. 

What role can finance play in achieving ESG goals while accelerating the circular transition? 

Capital is a key enabler of the circular economy, encouraging innovation and enabling transformative companies to bring their solutions to scale. As more circular economy-focused investors join the space, each comes with unique financing objectives, skills and approaches. In this session, Closed Loop Partners will convene representatives from across the capital stack and share experience from uniting diverse groups of investors –– including institutional investors and strategic corporate investors –– to scale circular supply chains and meet diverse financial and impact commitments, including ESG goals.