#Recycling / Circular Economy

2021-11-25

Circular business models in the fashion industry - new study identifies USD 700 billion opportunity

Launched today, Circular Business Models: Redefining growth for a thriving fashion industry explores how circular business models offer significant potential for greater revenue, while cutting the volume of new clothing and accessories produced.

Following on from the Foundation’s first fashion report A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning fashion’s future and following Vision of a circular economy for fashion - the study takes a deep dive into fashion industry sectors such as rental, resale, repair, and remaking which represent a USD 73 billion market.

“Not only do circular business models have massive potential to become mainstream, they provide new and better growth for the fashion industry. Clothing production doubled between 2000 and 2015, while the time we use clothes fell by more than a third. Circular business models can help turn this around and create a thriving industry that takes a lead on tackling global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.”

- Marilyn Martinez, fashion initiative project manager, Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

These models are expected to continue growing as customers become increasingly motivated by affordability, convenience, and environmental awareness and additionally, sectors such as rental and resale, have the potential to claim 23% of the global fashion market by 2030 and grasp a USD 700 billion opportunity.

However, highlighted in this study is also the notion that these models do not always lead to environmental benefits, particularly, if they are seen purely as ‘add-ons’ to a traditional wasteful model as opposed to central to all business activities.

For example, incentivising product take-back for resale, remaking or recycling by offering vouchers for new products may fuel more production. Rental models that offer clothes not designed to withstand many wears and cleaning cycles increase the chances of that model being economically and environmentally unviable. Ultimately, if not designed to be part of the system in which it sits, clothing will end up in landfill after very few uses.

To maximise the positive outcomes of circular business models and realise their full potential for better economic growth and environmental impacts the Foundation has recommended four key actions:

• Rethink performance indicators, customer incentives, and customer experiences

• Design products that can be used more and for longer

• Co-create supply networks able to circulate products locally as well as globally

• Scale a wider range of circular business models

Take a look at our circular business model case studies and read the full study on our website.

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, has been signed into law by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. This groundbreaking legislation establishes the country’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling program, marking a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability.

Modtissimo promotes sustainability with 28 coordinates in the Green Circle

Modtissimo is proving more and more to be a textile and clothing show that delivers the latest innovations in the area of sustainability, with the iTechStyle Green Circle being the main showcase for companies' creations. In this 60+4 edition, taking place on 12 and 13 September, 28 coordinates will be exhibited in a section organised by CITEVE and curated by Paulo Gomes.

The EU and Egypt team up to mobilise private sector investments at Investment Conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning €1 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt

At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

CirTex Community discusses technical, social and regulatory pathways for textile circularity

Around 50 participants joined the third meeting of the DATIpilot Innovationscommunity Circular Textiles (CirTex) on 19 November 2025. The online event was organised in cooperation with the Dialog Textil-Bekleidung e.V. (DTB) and the Recycling Atelier at the Institute of Textile Technology Augsburg, and was held under the motto “MAKE IT CIRCULAR.”

Techtextil India 2025 commences: Ushering in a new era for functional textiles

Techtextil India 2025, a premier trade fair for technical textiles, non-wovens and composites, organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India, has opened today at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, marking its 10th edition. Running from 19 – 21 November 2025, this landmark edition connects 215 exhibitors, including 100 first-time exhibitors to the textile value chain, featuring innovations across 12 application-based textile segments.

Solution for lower energy consumption proves itself in practice

Getzner Textil is one of KARL MAYER’s first customers to use PROSIZE with CASCADE. The innovative weaving specialist has tested the steam and condensation system by KARL MAYER and determined the energy savings it achieves. Karl-Heinz Vaaßen, Head of Textile Drying at KARL MAYER, assisted Getzner Textil’s production specialists both with the tests and with all questions relating to CASCADE. In a conversation with Werner Egger, Head of Weaving, and Thomas Rossi, Head of Warp Preparation at Getzner Textil, he learnt more about the system’s benefits for his customer.