Business case

Reduced green house gas emissions released into the biosphere

Reduce Emissions (SDG13)

Reduced use of virgin materials and/or an increase of the use of secondary and bio-based materials

Reduce Material Consumption (SDG12)

Minimise waste through diversion: Instead of sending waste to landfill, it is redirected into other industrial processes for handling, treatment, recycling, recovery, or reuse in various forms. 

Minimise waste through design: At the outset of a process of project, plan and design such that there is zero waste or minimal waste during production, use, and at end of life. 

Minimise Waste (SDG12)

Reduced use and withdrawal of water and rate of recycling and reuse of water

Save Water (SDG6)

Producing textile and leather products and processing them into apparel and accessories

Fashion and Textiles

Using materials that can be easily reused or recycled after use

Reusable, recyclable materials and inputs

Enacting measures that optimise water use

Water efficiency

Using waste materials that have been processed and recycled to produce new products within the same industry

Using closed loop recycled materials

VISION:
Products and services are designed for multiple use and material value retention, with maximum positive impact.

DETAIL: 
Imagine a time when…products flow via optimal collection and distribution streams into reusable and repairable product platforms. Reuse and access models are dominant, and products are designed for multiple recirculation before biodegrading (if designed to do so), or being broken down into reusable raw materials for production. People only consume what they need. Production and consumption wastes have been fully eliminated and multifunctional, season-less and timeless fashions are the norm, yet still fulfil our human need for expression and creativity without constraint. All business models, organisations, governments and citizens play a role in maintaining a healthy, functioning circular ecosystem.

Products and Services

Ensure renewable, reusable, non-toxic resources are utilised as materials and energy in an efficient way

Prioritise regenerative resources [Textiles]

Utilise bio-based, reusable, non-toxic and non-critical materials

Regenerative materials [Textiles]

Reusable, recyclable materials and inputs [Textiles]

Replace freshwater with less impactful alternatives and enact water efficiency measures

Regenerative water [Textiles]

Water efficiency [Textiles]

Impacts

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Industries

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The principles of a circular economy concern designing out waste, regenerating ecosystems and keeping items in use. Decoupling the economy from material flows—improving the rate of resource productivity faster than the economic growth rate—is also a consistent guide. By evolving with the growing number of applications of circular economy principles, and consolidating these strategies across thematic areas, Circle Economy’s Key Elements Framework (KE) renders the elements of the circular economy salient and serves as a basis to derive contextual strategies and interventions. 


The Framework consists of:
- Core Elements: Activities directly handling product or material flows; and uniquely,
- Enabling Elements: those that remove obstacles for core actors.


Key elements of the circular economy

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Circle Economy's framework of strategies and activities that define the circular economy

It is 2050.  Full systems change has taken place. This wouldn’t have been possible without the immediate action and radical steps taken from 2020 onwards. Many targets had to be identified in the early 2020s and achieved by 2030 to ensure that the 2050 goal happened in full. A sense of urgency, turbo stakeholder collaboration, supportive government regulation and clear, data driven targets enabled the mindsets and systems change needed to transform to a fully circular textiles ecosystem.

A circular economics model underpins what we have created. It reflects and supports a living organism made up of makers, users and restorers, interacting across vibrant and interconnected networks. Checks and balances, alongside transparency and accountability, ensure a healthy system. Financial, environmental, and social metrics have the purpose of serving communities and the planet. There is shared ownership of profit and loss – across all three metrics – throughout the value chain.

This is what we’ve achieved over the last 30 years:

WCTD Themes

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The Textiles Key Elements Framework is based on the main Key Elements Framework which renders the elements of the circular economy salient and serves as a basis to derive textile-focused strategies and interventions. 

The framework is action-based to provide users with concrete inspiring exemples to prevent and reduce the textiles waste mountain. 

The Framework consists of:
- 3 core elements: activities directly handling textile product or material flows; and uniquely,
- 4 Enabling Elements: those that remove obstacles for core actors.

Under which strategies provide further detail. Finally, each strategy consists of a diversity of tangible solutions which are framed in relation to the sought outcome. 

'Click through each of the seven elements cards below to explore the framework and circular textile-focused case studies in more depth!'

This framework was developed in collaboration with Circle Economy's textiles team. Read more about it [here]( https://www.circle-economy.com/programmes/textiles). 

Textiles Key Elements Framework

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 An action-based framework for apparel brands working towards circular strategies

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Based on the work of [Bocken et al. (2016)](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309699661_Product_design_and_business_model_strategies_for_a_circular_economy), the Four Flows Framework serves as a simple framework for managing resource flows in a circular economy by using less (Narrow), using for longer (Slow), using again (Cycle), and using clean, regenerative materials and energy (Regenerate).

These different principles of circular economy can be applied to our socioeconomic metabolism: we can design stocks like buildings, infrastructure, machinery, and vehicles to be rich resource mines for the future, and design manufactured goods and consumables to be cycled and made regenerative. Furthermore, the focus must also centre on getting more value out of fewer materials. Achieving the aims of a circular economy—minimising material use, regenerating the Earth, and preventing material losses—can be done through these four key strategies mentioned above.

Source: Circle Economy. (2023). *[The circularity gap report 2023](https://www.circularity-gap.world/2023)* (p.22). Amsterdam: Circle Economy. 

Four Flows Framework

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 DL1961 is a family-owned brand, creating premium denim with sustainability at our core since 2008. Overseeing the entire process from fiber to finished garment, we pride ourselves on our leading fabric and sustainability technologies. Learn more about how we're taking trash and turning it into your new favorite jeans, all our eco-friendly materials, and our commitment to social responsibility.
 



 In our state-of-the-art in-house treatment plant.



 Like Modal® and Tencel™ to reduce water usage and increase the life of your jeans.



 We use Dystar Liquid Indigo to minimize byproducts, and no bleach or harmful chemicals.



 We adhere to international standards to bring you the highest quality denim.





 No water or harmful chemicals needed for your favorite denim effects.



 Our self-generating power plant uses solar panels and heat recovery to power itself.



 We're turning your trash and old denim into your new favorite jeans.



 We're committed to fair wages, reasonable hours, and positive working conditions for all our people.










98% of Water Recycled 

In our state-of-the-art in-house treatment plant.




Recycled and Renewable Fibers 

Like Modal® and Tencel™ to reduce water usage and increase the life of your jeans.




Clean Dyes 

We use Dystar Liquid Indigo to minimize byproducts, and no bleach or harmful chemicals.




Certified Cotton 

We adhere to international standards to bring you the highest quality denim.




Ozone and Laser Technologies 

No water or harmful chemicals needed for your favorite denim effects.




Solar Power and Energy Efficiency 

Our self-generating power plant uses solar panels and heat recovery to power itself.




Closed-Loop Manufacturing 

We're turning your trash and old denim into your new favorite jeans.




Ethical Practices 

We're committed to fair wages, reasonable hours, and positive working conditions for all our people.






 

 
 Introducing our giveback fund, The Pantry. Each month we allocate a portion of our sales to supply necessities to New York City-area shelters and charities. See who we've been able to work with so far.

  
        Your Bag is Empty                      Read the following carefully as clicking "I Agree" checkbox implies that you have read and accepted out Terms and Conditions. USA SHOPPER ONLY  All items can be returned until 15 days after final receipt, otherwise merchandise will be sent back to you. Free shipping applies on all U.S. orders over $100 before taxes and shipping fee.  INTERNATIONAL SHOPPER  Please be informed that we DO NOT accept returns and exchanges outside the USA Your order will be shipped on a DDU basis (Delivery Duty Unpaid).This means that you will be liable to pay for any local sales taxes or import duties which may be charged on the purchase. Canadian orders are excluded as duties are added at checkout. In case of shipment refusal, we will deduct the original shipping charges as well as the duty and tax from your total amount.    

     

 High performance denim made from previously loved knits, undies, jeans and everything in between. Manufactured in one vertically integrated facility using recycled water, solar power and resource efficient technologies.









Previously Loved ClothingEver wonder what happens to that old sweatshirt after you part with it? Unfortunately, 95% of old clothes could be recycled, but only 15% are. Most ends up in landfills.
   



 


A New Life for Post-Consumer WasteOur family-owned manufacturing facility has opened the largest textile recycling plant in all of Asia. We buy truckloads of post-consumer waste from all over the world so we can break down used plastic bottles, t-shirts, undies, and more, and turn them into new fibers.

  



 


Recycling PlantWe’ve partnered with Recover™, a leading material sciences company that transforms waste into sustainable recycled fibers, closing the loop on fashion. Recover™ recycled cotton fiber is markedly better for the environment than conventional cotton, and even organic cotton.

  



 


WeavingThe magic happens when we weave Recover™ fibers together with high-tech Modal, Tencel, and stretch to create brand new yarns. Each meets our high feel and fit standards, with a lower impact on the planet than traditional yarns.

  



 


Waterless FinishingLaser and Ozone Technologies give that authentic denim look without the environmental impact. We invest in this innovative technology to create cutting edge effects without the harmful chemicals and wasted water used in traditional washing techniques.

  



 


Ethical ManufacturingFrom air quality to safety procedures our facilities are designed for optimal working conditions. We adhere to the strictest international quality standards because we believe true sustainability means taking care of the planet and the people on it, too.

  



 


YouWe work hard to deliver you jeans that fit like a dream, will last a lifetime, and are good for the planet. Finding the perfect pair of jeans is hard, and we’re here to help.


 


        Your Bag is Empty                      Read the following carefully as clicking "I Agree" checkbox implies that you have read and accepted out Terms and Conditions. USA SHOPPER ONLY  All items can be returned until 15 days after final receipt, otherwise merchandise will be sent back to you. Free shipping applies on all U.S. orders over $100 before taxes and shipping fee.  INTERNATIONAL SHOPPER  Please be informed that we DO NOT accept returns and exchanges outside the USA Your order will be shipped on a DDU basis (Delivery Duty Unpaid).This means that you will be liable to pay for any local sales taxes or import duties which may be charged on the purchase. Canadian orders are excluded as duties are added at checkout. In case of shipment refusal, we will deduct the original shipping charges as well as the duty and tax from your total amount.    

 

  
  

 


     
 
Discover our sustainability initiatives.




 High performance denim made from post-consumer waste cotton. Explore Recover.


 

 

 

 




 

 

 

  
    High performance denim made from post-consumer waste cotton. Explore Recover.



 



 



 



 



 View All Recover™ Styles



  

United States

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DL1961

<p>DL1961 is a brand that creates denim with sustainability at its core since 2008, overseeing the entire process from fiber to finished garment. It closes the loop by turning trash and old denim into new jeans, using Solar power and heat recovery as a source of energy to minimize the environmental impacts.</p><p>Their process starts with shredding the trash into fibers, dying and weaving it using the highest quality Dystar liquid Indigo Pigment Constructing to minimize harmful byproducts, and hand finishing the jeans with no water or harmful chemicals.</p>