The Pursuit of Circularity: The Realities of Building a Closed-Loop Fashion System

Circularity in fashion is no longer optional, but designing for a perfect system in an imperfect world is a recipe for failure. At Celys, we believe real progress starts upstream: with materials that are built not just for ideal closed-loop systems, but for the messy realities when those systems fall short. In a recent panel at HKTDC Fashion InStyle, we shared why Celys exists — to fill a critical gap in the textile value chain with a certified compostable, high-performance alternative to polyester. Because true circularity isn’t just about innovation. It’s about honesty, resilience, and designing for when things don’t go to plan.