The Pros and Cons of a Closed-Loop System | Circular Fashion
Fashion has always been a self-absorbed pursuit and sets a relentless “take, make, dispose” cycle into motion. As the piles of waste produced by this industry keep ominously mounting, a pressing question arises- where does all this waste go?
Our Earth is bearing the brunt of this excess. And we are watching it turn into a wasteland, slowly but surely.
Whether used or unused, the clothing we discard sits in landfills and stays put for almost 200 years! Yet, we continue to make more. The clothing industry is projected to surpass the 2 trillion US dollar mark by the year 2028. Consumers, on average, now buy 60% more clothes than they previously did. This voracious appetite for new clothes results in overwhelming waste, which poses serious environmental concerns.
In the face of such monumental challenges, the fashion industry has made a major shift towards circular fashion initiatives implementing closed-loop systems. A closed-loop system comes with many advantages against the previously employed linear economy.
Let's find out all there is to know about it.
What is a Closed-Loop system?
It is a way of designing and creating fashion and textiles so that materials are kept in circulation for as long as possible, helping minimise waste generation. Fashion companies adopting this sustainable approach to production keep the end product in mind, ensuring product longevity and suitability for recycling, repairing, or repurposing.
The products at the end of their life cycles are utilised all over again through these means, thus closing the loop. The result is a significant decline in waste and the most effective utilisation of resources.
Let's take a look at some pros and cons of this business model.
Pros of a Closed-Loop System
Introducing a closed-loop system into any industry has manifold advantages.
- The first and most significant is the environmental impact such a business model has. Sustainability is given a high priority, waste is reduced to a minimum, and the earth’s natural resources are conserved.
When products are reused, reduced and recycled, greenhouse emissions are considerably decreased and pollution levels are drastically lowered.
- A closed-loop system ensures that all materials are kept within the system and in the end, waste products are diminished to a minimum. By designing products for longevity, repairability, and recyclability, circular fashion ensures the clothing sent to landfills is the least amount possible. This helps in countering the problem of fashion waste in a major way.
- This way of doing business promotes the efficient use of materials and resources throughout the extensive supply chain of the fashion world. When materials are recycled, resources are conserved, energy is used efficiently, and in the bargain, our environmental footprint is reduced.
- Embracing closed-loop systems encourages innovation and creativity in design, manufacturing, and materials sourcing. Brands can explore innovative recycling technologies, develop new circular business models, and create unique products that appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Cons of a Closed-Loop System
However, all this is easier said than done. Countless challenges are posed in its adoption.
- This set-up needs significant investment and infrastructure. Many brands face challenges at various stages; in acquiring sustainable materials, establishing reverse supply chains, etc. Incorporating circular principles into their existing business models is a tough ask.
- Consumer awareness is a major driving force behind the widespread adoption of circular fashion. Encouraging consumers to embrace sustainable fashion practices, such as repairing, recycling, and buying second-hand, requires concerted efforts in marketing, communication, and advocacy. And that takes time!
- The choices brands need to make to attain sustainability need to be balanced with consumer preferences, market trends, and economic viability. This, in itself, can pose challenges for designers and brands.
So, while closed-loop systems are sure to bring significant environmental benefits and economic opportunities, they come with serious implementation challenges. These policies require concerted efforts from all those involved in the industry so the hurdles can be overcome and a positive impact can be felt.
CELYSTM, A Benchmark Step Towards Attaining a Closed-Loop System
CELYSTM Compostable Fibre is a significant milestone in the journey towards establishing a closed-loop system in the fashion industry. This innovative technology represents a workable solution to the massive environmental challenges faced by the apparel industry.
CELYSTM’s groundbreaking technology has allowed designers and manufacturers the luxury to create garments that are not only stylish and functional but also environmentally responsible. Unlike traditional synthetic fibres that contribute to pollution and waste pile-up, CELYSTM fibres are designed to biodegrade naturally, within 179 days under industrial composting conditions.
CELYS™ polyester, boasting a great combination of attributes thanks to its unique chemical structure, can outperform normal PET fibres any day.
One of the key advantages of CELYSTM is its versatility. It is suitable for various applications in the textile industry and can be woven into textiles, knitted into garments, or incorporated into accessories. This flexibility empowers designers to explore new creative possibilities while complying with sustainable practices. Ultimately innovation and progress have a chance to go hand in hand within the industry.
CELYSTM represents a major technological breakthrough. By embracing and investing in sustainable solutions like CELYSTM, the fashion industry can redefine its role in shaping a healthier planet for generations to come.
What is Circular Fashion?
This brings us to another phrase, namely “circular fashion”. Circularity is a relatively new, revolutionary approach and has become a buzzword in the fashion world.
In the linear fashion model prevalent throughout the industry, the main focus lies on mass production and over-consumption of apparel and textiles. In the exhaustive production processes, no heed is paid to the depletion of the earth’s resources. No consideration is given to the copious amounts of waste being generated.
In contrast to this linear approach to fashion, circular fashion is a sustainable and responsible way forward. It means designing clothing that is durable, repairable, and recyclable. Adopting practices to extend the lifespan of garments such as reselling, recycling or upcycling is encouraged.
Circular fashion also adopts the use of eco-friendly materials and production processes so environmental impact is at a minimum. Overall, the goal of circular fashion is to create a closed-loop system where resources are continuously reused, repurposed, and regenerated.
The Main Principles of Circular Fashion
The main goal of circular fashion is to make the most of the available resources, maximising their value. Once the lifecycle of a product ends, it should be repurposed to be made usable again.
The following are the main principles behind circular fashion;
- Design products using sustainable reusable materials
- Encourage repair and upgrading of garments
- Focus on longevity and recyclability of products during the production phase
- Minimise wastage of resources during production
- Follow a system where materials are returned into the cycle instead of being sent to waste
Final Word
Closed-loop systems and circular fashion present a compelling picture. We can almost begin to dream of a more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion industry. While there are countless environmental benefits to taking on this system it is essential to acknowledge the implementation challenges.
Addressing these challenges will require us to join forces. From brands to consumers, policymakers to all others involved, all need to pitch in. Only then can we overcome barriers and bring about meaningful progress toward a circular fashion economy.
Despite the obstacles, the momentum toward circularity is continuously growing, and now there is no looking back!
