05. DESIGN TO LAST,
DESIGN TO RECYCLE
Creating products within a circular economy requires a new, holistic approach to design. Longevity and cyclability are the key tenets.
Quality garments capable of longer life spans, constructed with repair in mind, and ultimately in ways that make recycling or composting viable once discarded.
KEY ACTIONS FOR:
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Use mono-materials where possible and minimize complex blends. Use circular design framework to produce products that are compatible with available recycling technologiy. Procure recycled cotton (it currently represents less than 1% of the global fiber market in 2022)
Industry needs to bring the share of mechanically recycled polyester from 14 to 90% by 2030, to stay within the 1.5C pathway, incorporating recycled polyester into designs can help achieve this goal.
Evaluate elastane’s use, reduce or eliminate where possible. Explore elastane alternatives where stretch is a functional requirement
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Consider repair or refurbish services for garments within manufacturing operations.
Work with brands to set durability standards and encourage life cycle assessments to inform design and development
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Educate teams on circular design principles as defined by leading industry experts. Engage with textile recyclers to understand requirements and barriers to their processes.
Minimize fiber blends and overall chemical usage within textiles. Focus on durable garment construction and improved testing of materials from resistance to piling and wash care
Offer virtual fitting rooms for citizens as 70% of returns are a result of garments not fitting properly
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Set a minimum warranty for products
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Diversify portfolio to fund companies specifically focused on textile recycling, not only general circularity funds.
Support businesses in educating their teams on circular design principles