Whilst the concept may at first seem sound, the study highlights that the ways in which circular fashion is being implemented are not as green as they first appear. After reviewing 20 pieces of non-academic literature (grey literature), the conclusion found was that CF concepts are not well defined and are disconnected from academic economic theory. This means that CF ultimately serves the interests of dominant fashion brands instead of consumers or workers.
Dr Talia Hussain calls for more scrutiny into how CF is being implemented...
The current way in which CF is implemented as a policy, something that has been taken up by many governments, means that it is not fully able to confront the pollution that the high street generates. From overproduction and textile waste to the polyester microfibres polluting our water and bodies, lead author Dr Talia Hussain calls for more scrutiny into how CF is being implemented by governments and businesses alike.
The report outlines the key ways in which CF has failed, which include the overlooking of both labour concerns and overconsumption as well as the fact that the industry is in control of the discourse surrounding sustainability. This only reinforces the centrality of dominant fashion brands, whilst decentralising the issues that those same brands cause.
All in all, not enough is being done to counteract the years of pollution and damage that the fashion industry has inflicted on the world. This report calls for more scrutiny and research into sustainable fashion policies. If there is going to be real change, businesses and governments need to act with research like this in mind.