Measuring the State of Circularity in the UK Fashion Industry
Introduction
Executive Summary
10
Part 2
Part 3
Conclusion
Part 1
Introduction
The UK fashion and textiles industry is at a pivotal moment of transformation, offering unparalleled opportunities to redefine how clothing is designed, manufactured, and consumed. It contributes £62bn to the UK economy and supports over 1.3 million jobs 1 . The sector holds significant potential to drive innovation in sustainable practices while fostering economic growth. With environmental initiatives gaining traction and consumer awareness of sustainability rapidly increasing, the industry is well-positioned to lead the shift towards more responsible practices. Circular fashion has emerged as a “megatrend,” as highlighted in the Circularity Gap Report 2024 2 , with discussions on the concept tripling over the past five years. This growing momentum provides businesses with an exceptional opportunity to unlock new revenue streams and competitive advantages through circular innovation. Circular business models aim to minimise waste and resource use while creating value by designing for longevity, repairability, and recyclability. Strategies such as take-back schemes and service based offerings like renting or sharing are at the forefront of this transformation, enabling companies to align economic success with environmental stewardship. The linear fashion model, however, remains a significant challenge, driving the fashion and textiles industry’s substantial environmental impact. Responsible for an estimated 3–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions 3 , the industry is one of the largest polluters. This linear approach—”take, make, use, dispose”—places immense strain on the environment by depleting natural resources, generating excessive
waste, and contributing to widespread pollution. Transitioning to circularity is essential to mitigate these harmful effects and build a more sustainable future. In contrast, circular fashion prioritises sustainability and reuse, extending a product’s lifespan and treating disposal as a last resort. By adopting environmentally friendly practices wherever possible, circular fashion seeks to minimise harm, reduce resource depletion, and create a regenerative ecosystem. Businesses that embrace these principles can address growing consumer and regulatory demands for sustainability while fostering resilience and efficiency. Understanding and measuring the UK fashion industry’s progress towards circularity is critical for driving change. CFIN has been established to embed circular fashion ecosystems across the UK. In collaboration with Newton, experts in delivering complex organisational change, CFIN is gathering valuable insights into the current state of circularity. This research seeks to identify barriers faced by organisations and the support needed to transition to more sustainable systems. Armed with these findings, CFIN aims to empower UK fashion businesses to implement circular practices successfully. By supporting this transformation, the initiative aspires to reduce the industry’s environmental impact, foster innovation, and build a sustainable and prosperous future for UK fashion.
Credit: 16ARLINGTON
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