It is believed that the fashion industry is worth billions of dollars, and it is responsible for the employment of millions of people all over the world. Cotton fields, manufacturing floors, and lastly recycling facilities are all places where these persons find employment first. Supply chain management and waste management are two areas in which wealthy nations play a large role, whereas poor countries are responsible for labor-intensive industry. There is an increasing amount of criticism directed at the fashion industry due to environmental and social issues, despite the fact that it is a significant economic sector. Some of them include the depletion of resources, the use of harmful chemicals, the generation of garbage on a massive scale, and the exploitation of people in dangerous working conditions.
A further escalation of these issues is brought about by fast fashion, which is defined by the rapid turnover of low-cost clothing and excessive manufacturing. Employing exploitative actions in order to increase earnings is encouraged by this approach. Consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of sustainability, which raises a basic question: Is it possible for the industry to embrace environmentally friendly methods without further exacerbating socioeconomic disparities?
One approach that shows promise is the implementation of projects related to the circular economy (CE). via the reduction of waste and the extension of product lifetime via resale, repair, and recycling opportunities, the concept of circularity seeks to decouple economic development from the exploitation of resources. Nevertheless, the social effect of these new business models is still not fully understood, as shown by the results of a research that was conducted over the course of four years and supported by the Laudes Foundation.
The Apparel Value Chain and Its Challenges
The garment value chain encompasses a number of nations, beginning with the extraction of raw materials and continuing through manufacture, sale, and disposal. Through the creation of millions of employments in developing nations, it makes a substantial contribution to the economy of such countries. Nevertheless, workers in this industry, especially those at the bottom of the chain, are placed in a position of tremendous economic and social vulnerability, and there are few chances for advancement within the industry.
In addition to widespread abuses of human rights, such as forced labor and dangerous working settings, a significant number of workers are subjected to deplorable working circumstances. Women, who make up the bulk of the workforce in the garment industry, are regularly subjected to pay discrimination, gender-based violence, and a dearth of possibilities to assume leadership roles. There are a lot of workers that are not provided with basic labor safeguards, get pay that are below the minimal criteria, and work excessive hours. The most vulnerable workers will be the ones who bear the brunt of the demands that corporations make to cut expenses.
Can Circularity Address Fashion’s Challenges?
The circular economy seeks to minimize waste by extending resource use. This is achieved through strategies like reducing production, reusing materials, repairing goods, and recycling various products. CE principles aim to decouple economic growth from resource consumption, prioritizing sustainability while creating employment. Circular techniques are gaining traction in the textile and clothing value chain, with businesses adopting rental, resale, and repair-based models. Some brands have made repair and resale central to their strategies, while other fast fashion companies have introduced recycling and take-back programs. Yet, despite the potential of these circular strategies, they often have a limited reach and tend to focus on wealthier economies.
Recent Study on the Social Impacts of Circular Fashion
While circular practices have clear environmental benefits, their social implications are less understood. Research indicates that jobs in circular sectors like repair, resale, remanufacturing, and recycling are often characterized by low wages, gender pay gaps, and job insecurity. This pattern persists in both emerging and developed economies. These circular jobs frequently replicate the precarious conditions seen in traditional linear production models. Marginalized groups, such as migrant and informal workers, are disproportionately affected.
The findings underscore the need to address both environmental and socioeconomic concerns through circular approaches. Without focused efforts to improve working conditions, the shift to circularity risks perpetuating the inequalities that plague the current industry.
Fundamental Shifts Needed for a Fair Circular Economy
To transition to a circular fashion industry that is both fair and inclusive, companies must radically rethink their operations. The report suggests several key changes, including implementing long-term contracts, establishing living wage laws, promoting social dialogue, and addressing gender inequality in the workforce. Circular strategies should go beyond waste reduction to create high-quality jobs that offer economic security. Integrating social justice into sustainability goals is crucial, with businesses giving equal priority to employee well-being and environmental impact.
Governments must also play a crucial role. By enforcing international labor standards and mandating human rights due diligence, they can help protect vulnerable workers. Policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) can ensure that circularity benefits both the environment and the people involved in production and recycling across borders. Envisioning a future where the fashion industry fully embraces circularity while promoting social equality is both feasible and necessary. By incorporating justice into their circular strategies, businesses, governments, and workers can transform fashion from an exploitative industry into a driving force for sustainable development. The industry has the potential to lead the way toward a future where no one is left behind.
Conclusion
The fashion sector is now undergoing a transition towards a circular economy, which provides an extraordinary potential to solve both environmental and social concerns. Brands like Jeanologia joined HKRITA and H&M Foundation for pushing circular fashion. One way for the sector to achieve sustainable development without perpetuating existing disparities is to reassess the business structures and rules that are now operational. It is imperative that governments and businesses collaborate in order to construct a future in which social justice and sustainability are integrated. This will ensure that the fashion industry is both responsible and equitable for all individuals.
