Circular fashion gains traction

Increasing concern for environmental preservation among brands and retailers has resulted in the emergence of circular fashion.

Image by annca from Pixabay

It is no longer a secret that fashion has a pollution problem. The emergence of fast fashion has resulted in a wasteful use of resources and great harm to the environment. In fact, a report published by environmental research firm Quantis revealed that apparel and footwear industry combined for an estimated 8 percent of the world's carbon emissions in 2016, ranking next only to the gas and oil industry.

Fast fashion's linear economy, which is based on "take-make-dispose" model, contributed heavily to this.

This alarming figure is what led to several international brands to take measures reducing their ecological footprint.

Enter circular fashion. Fashion's circular economy is based on several REs – repair, reuse, recycle, refurbish – meant to lengthen the life span of an item. This can be done by recycling old apparel by turning them into reusable yarns, selling second-hand items or even putting clothes for rent.

Among the brands taking the sustainable route are H&M, Patagonia and Zara, which have their own clothing collection and recycling system in place. At present, the H&M makes 57 percent of its products from sustainably sourced materials. The Sweden-based label's goal is to manufacture all its clothes in a circular loop.

Inditex, the company which owns Zara, Stradivarius, Massimo Duty, Bershka, and Pull and Bear, pledged that by 2020 all of its US stores will have an active apparel collection scheme in partnership with local organizations that can re-distribute and recycle the garments.

For its Worn Wear initiative, Patagonia was awarded the Accenture Strategy Award for Circular Economy Multinational at the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters in 2017.

While circular fashion is not a cure-all solution to the fashion industry's pollution problem, it is a positive step toward sustainability.

Below are some releases from Global Sources Verified Suppliers going the earth-friendly route.

Women's sports top uses recycled PET

Company: Xiamen Hengpu Import and Export Trade Co. Ltd

The HPTS-18-011 model from Xiamen Hengpu Import and Export Trade Co. Ltd is a women's sports top made of recycled PET fabric. It has a round neck and short sleeves, and is available in US, Europe and Asia sizes. The T-shirt is moisture-wicking and custom-dyed. Logos can be silk-screened, heat-transferred, embroidered, puffed, flocked, or digital- or sublimation-printed.

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Punk-style unisex polyester T-shirt

Company: Baoding Longshuai Electronic Commerce Llc

From Baoding Longshuai Electronic Commerce Llc, the model TX-016 punk-style unisex T-shirt features colorful printed pattern. It is made of polyester and comes in custom designs.

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Women's shirt in eco-friendly worsted cotton

Company: Dongguan Qunjian Sportswear Co. Ltd

Dongguan Qunjian Sportswear Co. Ltd offers the QJ-Shirts77 model, a women's round-neck T-shirt made of eco-friendly worsted 85:5 cotton-polyester, weighing 140gsm. The garment is breathable, and shrink- and wrinkle-resistant. Size ranges from S to XL. Designs and logos can be buyer-specified.

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Quick-drying, anti-pilling cotton women's T-shirt

Company: Dongguan Sunfire Sports Co. Ltd

Dongguan Sunfire Sports Co. Ltd's model HQ101-1 women's V-neck T-shirt uses 100 percent environment-friendly cotton. Fabric weight is 120 to 200gsm. The garment is breathable, quick-drying, anti-pilling, and shrink- and wrinkle-resistant. Size options are XXS to XXXL. Designs and logos can be customized.

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Knitted women's casual shirt with ruffle hem

Company: Jiaxing Wintwo Import & Export Co. Ltd

The WTW-002-000249 model from Jiaxing Wintwo Import & Export Co. Ltd is a long-sleeved women's shirt made of 100 percent polyester lace. It is available in XS to XXXL US, Europe and Asia sizes, and has a round neck. Colors and dimensions can be buyer-specified.

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Women's T-shirt utilizes dry-fit polyester

Company: One Meter Sun Ltd

From One Meter Sun Ltd, the model OMS001-WRNT007 women's round-neck T-shirt adopts 100 percent dry-fit polyester. It comes in S to XXXXXL sizes. Designs can be embroidered, printed or in the form of patches. Hues are based on Pantone’s color chart.

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Tote bag made of oxford fabric

Company: Quanzhou Redheart Bags Co. Ltd

This tote bag from Quanzhou Redheart Bags Co. Ltd, T-B181101 model, has an oxford fabric shell and T/C lining. It incorporates a zipped main compartment, and zipped front and inner pockets. Product dimensions are 45x30x17cm.

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Polyester school bag in floral pattern

Company: Quanzhou Rodger Leather & Plastic Co. Ltd

Quanzhou Rodger Leather & Plastic Co. Ltd's model 17B-ND204-3632 school bag adopts 600d polyester pongee and has floral patterns. It measures 26x24x10cm and comes in various colors. ODM and OEM orders are accepted.

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One-size-fits-all reflective coverall

Company: Zhejiang Yinguang Reflecting Material Mfg Co. Ltd

The model YG-608 coverall from Zhejiang Yinguang Reflecting Material Mfg Co. Ltd uses 100 percent cotton, and incorporates hi-visibility reflective tape on the chest, waist and legs. Color options are navy, yellow, orange and black. The workwear comes in a one-size-fits-all construction.

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Circular fashion gains traction

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