Turning the Tide on Fashion Waste: Why Circular Models Matter Now
- Anna anna@beamberlin.com
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
Today’s fashion industry confronts two intertwined crises: mountains of waste and soaring carbon emissions. A recent Business of Fashion report, Fashion’s Plastic Addiction, highlighted how two-thirds of global textiles are now polyester, a fossil-fuel-based plastic that alone emits CO₂ equivalent to nearly 200 coal-fired power plants annually. Meanwhile, another Business of Fashion column by Maxine Bédat (Dear Fashion CEOs…), warns that despite lofty goals, many brands still greenwash—while causing destructive waste—unless they truly embrace circularity .
But the facts are clear: reusing just 1 kg of clothing saves 25 kg of CO₂. Life-cycle assessments show second-hand use can cut climate impact by up to 42% per garment use. As Kaisa Tikk, Maersk’s head of sustainability, notes: “Logistics is an integral part of any successful circular system”.
Why Reverse Logistics is a Game-changer
Reverse logistics—the systems that reclaim, inspect, recondition, and reintroduce returned or surplus garments—unlock real sustainability:
It reduces waste and landfill reliance.
Generates new revenue streams through resale, rental, repair.
Cuts carbon emissions by extending product life.
Global Fashion Agenda and Maersk estimate that circular models can unlock up to US $560 billion in value and prevent 347 million tonnes of CO₂ by 2030.
How CIRQUEL Brings It Together
At CIRQUEL, we power this transformation with our AI‑driven reverse logistics platform:
Fast processing—we aim to make returned or unsold garments fresh and re‑issuable in just a few days.
Smart inspection—using AI and our app we prepare cleaning or repairs before stock arrival.
Local orchestration—minimizing transport distances and CO₂ to keep returns within 150 km.
By optimizing inspection, cleaning, repair, resale or rental—all within a streamlined circular loop—we help brands slash waste, recover value, and reduce emissions.
A Call to Action
The EU’s Sustainable Textiles Strategy and rising US state-level regulations mean the pressure isn’t going away. CIRQUEL aligns perfectly with UN SDGs 12 (Responsible Consumption), 13 (Climate Action), and 9 (Industry Innovation), helping brands comply and lead.
Let’s move beyond greenwashing. Circular fashion isn’t just buzz—it’s essential. Reusing garments saves emissions, conserves resources, and delivers financial return:
25 kg CO₂ saved per kg of reclaimed clothing
42% reduced climate impact per use of re-worn items
US $560 billion opportunity unlocked via circular systems
CIRQUEL stands ready to help brands pivot from disposal to value, from linear to circular—and rewrite the future of fashion together.
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