To fully understand the importance of circular fashion, it's vital to become aware and acknowledge the fashion industry's impact on the environment.

For many, it comes as no surprise that the current practices within the fashion industry makes it one of the top polluters in the world. This certainly isn't an accolade the industry wants to highlight.

From the production process to the disposal of clothing, it generates a significant amount of waste and contributes to the depletion of natural resources.

Staggering Stats on current practices

  • The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. 
  • The textile industry is the second-largest polluter of freshwater globally, after agriculture. It takes an estimated 2,700 liters of water to produce one cotton t-shirt. 
  • Polyester, which is commonly used in clothing, is a plastic that does not biodegrade and can take up to 200 years to break down. 
  • The fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water worldwide. It takes up to 10,000 litres of water to produce one pair of jeans. 
  • The fashion industry is responsible for 20% of global wastewater, with some textile dyeing and treatment plants releasing untreated wastewater into rivers and streams. 
  • The fashion industry is responsible for 92 million tons of textile waste each year, with most of it ending up in landfills. 
  • The fashion industry is one of the largest users of pesticides, with cotton production accounting for 16% of all insecticides used globally. 
  • The fashion industry is known for its exploitative labor practices, with low wages, long hours, and unsafe working conditions common in many factories. 

From the above stats alone, you can easily see that this is not sustainable. 

Current industry practices depend on large-scale extraction of raw materials, high energy consumption and unsustainable production and consumption patterns - all of which is in conflict with the finite resources of our planet.

 

What is Circular Fashion?

Circular fashion is a sustainable solution to these problems. It is an approach that aims to create a closed-loop system where materials are reused, recycled, or repurposed, reducing waste and minimising the environmental impact of fashion. 

Circular fashion is a relatively new concept that focuses on the sustainable use of resources in the fashion industry. It is an approach that aims to create a circular system where materials are reused, recycled, or repurposed, reducing waste and minimising the environmental impact of fashion.

Circular fashion involves designing products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable. It also includes the implementation of innovative technologies that enable the recovery of materials from discarded products, therefore creating a closed-loop system.

Is Up-cycling considered Circular Fashion?

Yes, up-cycled fashion is closely related to circular fashion, as both aim to reduce waste and create a closed-loop system. Up-cycling is a process of transforming discarded materials or products into new products of better quality or value. In the context of fashion, up-cycling involves repurposing old or unwanted clothing and materials into new garments or accessories, rather than throwing them away. By up-cycling, we can keep materials in circulation and reduce the need for new resources, which is a key principle of circular fashion.

In fact, up-cycling is considered one of the key strategies for achieving circularity in the fashion industry, alongside recycling, redesign, and reuse. Up-cycling allows designers and brands to create new products using existing materials, reducing the environmental impact of fashion and promoting sustainability. It also encourages creativity and innovation, as designers are challenged to come up with new ways to transform old materials into fashionable and desirable products.


How is Circular Fashion Sustainable? 

Circular fashion is a sustainable solution to the problems of waste and resource depletion in the fashion industry.

It is based on the principles of the circular economy, which aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible by regenerating and recycling them.

Circular fashion reduces waste by keeping materials in circulation, minimising the need for new resources. It also reduces the environmental impact of fashion by reducing the use of natural resources, such as water and energy, in the production process.


Interesting Facts on Circular Fashion:

  • If we keep one piece of clothing in circulation for nine months longer, we can reduce its environmental impact by 30%.
  • The use of recycled cotton can reduce water consumption by up to 90% compared to conventional cotton production.
  • The use of recycled polyester reduces energy consumption by up to 60% compared to virgin polyester production.
  • By 2030, circular fashion could save up to $560 billion annually in material costs.
  • The resale market for secondhand clothing is expected to reach $64 billion by 2024.

 

Karuna Dawn's Up-Cycled Collection of bags

Our innovative, unique 100% up-cycled denim collection partners with a company in India dedicated to zero waste practices.

Our denim collection is made using post-consumer and post-industrial denim (manufacturers' off-cuts), breathing new life into a garment that would have otherwise gone to landfill.

Our curated collection consists of 3 beautifully produced bags. The design and style are visually stunning and practical making it the perfect accessory for your outfits. 

 

Karuna Dawn Up-cycled Denim Bags
Chequered tote bag 

Beautiful patchwork designed bag that you can take anywhere. Super stylish and practical, you can fit all that you need for the day.

Customer love using this bag to take into Uni or work. Easily fits laptop, notebooks, water bottle, lunch, mobile phone and purse.

Perfect as an overnight or weekend bag.


Bento bag

The Bento bag originates from Japan and the unique design derives its value from a light-weight structure yet spacious enough to fit all your belongings. 

Perfect bag for a Bohemian look and our customers refer to this as their go to Boho bag.


Crossbody Bag

The perfect bag when you're on the run and conveniently leaving your hands free.

Use as a cross-body or over the shoulder.

The strap is easily adjustable to your liking.

 

If you'd like to find out more about our Up-cycled range visit our blog and learn the craft section

 

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