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This collection features a selection of inspiring examples of the circular economy, compiled in the context of the Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains programme (SWITCH).

Launched in 2020, SWITCH is a five-year initiative that assists EU multinational companies and their suppliers from developing countries to switch to more circular economy approaches and practices in three selected value chains: [Plastic Packaging](https://knowledge-hub.circle-lab.com/switchtocircular/search?collections=832%3D0&framework_elements__5=111), [Textile & Garments](https://knowledge-hub.circle-lab.com/switchtocircular/search?collections=832%3D0&framework_elements__5=99), and ICT and Electronics.

The overall objective of SWITCH is to support the “transformation towards a circular economy”, and to contribute to sustainable growth, low carbon and climate resilient development, decent jobs creation, and a safer, healthier and pollution-free environment.

SWITCH is co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Finland, and implemented by UNIDO, in collaboration with Chatham House, Circle Economy, and the European Investment Bank.
Learn more at www.switchtocircular.eu

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Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains

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Business case

Impact on increased knowledge and understanding as a result of the case study

Increase Awareness

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

Fashion and Textiles

Providing goods on the Internet, through mail order, or television, or providing goods in stores, including apparel, electronics, furniture, food and drug, etc.

Retail

Working together with stakeholders and parties in other unrelated industries to implement circular economy strategies and opportunities

Cross-industry projects, pilots

Engaging in discussions with industry stakeholders to share circular economy best practices and push the industry towards greater circularity

Guidance, dialogue with industry stakeholders

'Inform' increases the overall levels of awareness and builds the necessary skills and knowledge around the circular economy to foster long-term change.

Inform

Encourage workplace training

Data, knowledge & information sharing

Raise awareness and run information campaigns about  strategies for and impacts of the circular economy in different contexts.

Communication and awareness

Awareness raising events

VISION:
Raw materials are renewable, recyclable and safe, kept in continual circulation.

DETAIL:
Imagine a time when…the raw materials that are used to make things are sourced from existing products and regenerative agriculture, via carbon negative and climate neutral processes. Biodegradable raw materials are used for products with biodegradable end routes. Toxic chemicals have been washed out of the global materials pool, disposed of safely and replaced with beneficial alternatives. Virgin fibres made from fossil fuels have been banned, while secondary synthetic fibres, derived from what was already in the system, are kept in constant circulation as a resource. Circularity accounting methods, built on science-based metrics, help to manage a balanced system of resources, across all industries, and in line with the planet’s environmental limits.

Raw Materials and Planetary Boundaries

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

Impacts

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Industries

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A framework of policy instruments that enabled and encourage the transition to the circular economy

Policy Instruments

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A framework of policy instruments that enable and stimulate the transition to the circular economy

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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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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 ARMENIAN FASHION REBORN  Until recently, not a single organization in Armenia would take care of and enforce the development of the Armenian fashion industry. However, there are many independent talented designers and fashion brands who face challenges in growing to achieve high standards among the international fashion industry.  All these designers needed to join efforts in one unifying organization to support their needs and challenges, as well as represent them in relations with suppliers, government officials and other partners withing Armenia and abroad.  In order to adress these issues and drive the Armenian fashion industry forward, Fashion and Design Chamber of Armenia (FDC) was etablished in 2017 with the mission to support the Armenian fashion industry and to create a joint platform for the creative industry. FDC unites individual designers and brands, startups and operating entrepreneurs from fashion and other related sectors in Armenia.  

  Seeking for ways to turn a global crisis into an opportunity for systemic progress, our co-founders Matteo, Victor and Silvia quit their corporate jobs in fashion in 2015 and launched WRÅD.  

Armenia

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Eco-Age is an integrated strategy consultancy creating systemic solutions in line with science, in harmony with nature and in solidarity with human rights.

Eco-Age

The Fashion and Design Chamber is a non-profit association founded in November 2017 by a group of Armenian designers. The main mission is to strengthen the Armenian fashion and design sector by enabling it to be fully embedded in the local and international creative ecosystems. 

Fashion and Design Chamber of Armenia

<p>In 2019, Eco-Age began working on a project to develop a sustainable ecosystem for Armenia’s fashion and textile industry. The project, funded by the UK’s Good Governance Fund, and in partnership with Fashion Design Chamber of Armenia, explores opportunities for&nbsp;embedding circularity principles across the industry.&nbsp;The project involves a series of workshops organized by Eco-Age to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing between experienced designers in the global sustainability space and Armenian textile actors. Supported by UK's Good Governance Fund, the project ran from 2019 until March of 2021. Recent workshops have featured designers, Bethany Williams, Flavia LaRocca, and Matteo Ward, who shared their personal experiences in sustainable design development, as well as entry points for embedding circularity principles across the industry. Such opportunities for exploration include raw material sourcing, capacity building for designers, and options for establishing a national textile recycling facility.</p>

Eco-Age partners with Fashion and Design Chamber of Armenia to aid in sustainable transition of Armenian textile industry

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This collection has been built by a community of passionate researchers, students, and industry professionals as part of <a href="https://worldcirculartextilesday.com/" target="_blank">World Circular Textiles Day</a> (WCTD). 


World Circular Textiles Day takes place every year on 8th October.  Our vision is to galvanise the collective ambitions and goals of people, organisations and businesses to reach a fully circular textiles world by 2050. Our mission is to provide a framework for circularity stakeholders to develop and deliver a collaborative, evolving roadmap and to chart circularity’s momentum annually from the 8th of October until 2050.

What does fully circular by 2050 mean?
- Shared textile resources, in the form of products and raw materials, are kept in **continual circulation**.
- Virgin resources are **replaced with circular materials**.
- Dignity, equity, and equality for the **people** involved in all parts of the circular value chain.

We need to know where we stand today to chart how to get to 100% Circularity by 2050. What circular activity is currently happening in the textiles and apparel industry, and where in the world is it happening? The WCTD Collection aims to answer this question by building the world’s largest digital library of circular textiles case studies. 

World Circular Textiles Day is proud to be supported by our 2022-23 Circular Hero Partners:
[Lenzing](https://www.lenzing.com/), [Texaid](https://retailsolutions.texaid.com/), [Bank & Vogue](https://www.bankvogue.com/), [Usha yarns limited](https://ushayarns.com/), [The Conduit](https://www.theconduit.com/), and [Asia Pacific Rayon](https://www.aprayon.com/en/)

## Want to contribute to the WCTD Collection? Sign up and add your circular textiles activities.





World Circular Textiles Day

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Direct and indirect reduction in economic costs

Cost Savings

Direct and indirect effects that increase revenues or the potential for new revenues, for example from new products, customer segments, partnerships or business models

Revenue Potential

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)

Operating networks and software that enable the exchange and broadcasting of information, such as entertainment and internet software, television, cable, satellite or radio broadcasting systems, and cellular, wireless and/or fixed-line telecommunications services

Software and Communications

Providing repair services or maintenance services for products or parts

Product maintenance, repair

Marketplaces or services that enable the second hand sale of products

Second-hand sale, distribution

Providing products through leasing, rental, or pay-per-use models instead of sales

Leasing, rental, pay per use

Selling high quality, long-lasting products

Sale of durable, long-lasting goods

Connecting products and services into the internet of things to identify, enable and/or implement circular strategies (eg. effective resource use & logistics planning, circular business models & design)

Internet enabled, connected operations

Developing or utilising online platforms to enable circular economy opportunities through information, product or service offering

Online platforms

Developing or utilising online marketplaces to enable the peer-to-peer exchange of products and services

Peer-to-peer online marketplaces

    
Green Courier is the leading environmentally-friendly courier in the UK. We are committed in reducing environmental impact by offering courier services using a fleet of modern vehicles that run on engines in order to protect the environment.
We meet the demands for dependable courier services and adhere with delivery requirements in an environment-friendly manner.
Green Courier helps in reducing environmental impact by using one of the lowest carbon emitting fleets in the industry, including bicycles, electric vans, motorcycles and ultra-low emission vehicles. Moreover, we offer same day delivery courier service in London to serve your urgent needs.

OUR COURIER SERVICES        
The size, weight and urgency of each consignment delivered by Green Courier will determine the type of service that is required. The following courier services are the most common that are utilised by our customers:
Economy
Delivered by the end of the day in the most environmentally considerate way.
Express
Delivered within agreed time parameters.
Direct
Exclusively delivered for you.     
Green Courier conducts many regular multi-drop deliveries on behalf of its clients.
Some of these runs are pre-set on a daily/weekly/monthly basis, and others are simply booked ad-hoc when required.  Find out more.   
For deliveries that are not so urgent in nature, Green Courier has an overnight service available to account customers. The pricing structure is dictated by the size and weight of each consignment, and the timing window for delivery.     
Green Courier has global coverage, allowing for deliveries overseas to almost every town in every country in the world (barring conflict zones).
This is a very intricate service, and a lot of factors combine to generate the prices charged.   
Green Courier has an extensive international network and provides a full range of international logistical services. We offer an extensive road haulage, warehouse storage and stock-holding and distribution.              Consignments over 400kg
Green Courier has Short Wheelbase and Long Wheelbase Transit vans and Luton vans with tail-lifts available for the delivery of large consignments.     Consignments up to 400kg
Green Courier boasts a large fleet of small vans of which an ever-increasing proportion is made up of zero-emission electric powered vehicles.     Goods consignments of up to 5 A4 boxes over 5kg
Green Courier has invested in a large fleet of ultra-low emission goods vehicles that emit a minuscule 89g/KM in CO2 in addition to returning over 70mpg.     Parcels sized up to lever arch file / shoebox.
Green Courier uses motorcycles purpose-built by Honda that have been designed with low-impact environmental activity in mind.     A3 size journeys within central London up to 2kg
The original zero-emission vehicle. Green Courier operates one of the largest bicycle fleets in the country.            The Green Courier mobile app allows booking of same day carbon balanced couriers by cycle, motorcycle, electric and ultra-low emission van or large van for any consignment from an envelope to a large van load. Your parcel will be delivered in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
Download our App Now!
      

        The purpose of this paper is to highlight critical sustainability challenges facing luxury fashion firms and to describe examples of best practice in responding to these challenges.   The research approach combines a detailed literature review with multiple-case examples. The paper adopts the triple bottom line framework for structuring the analysis and findings, which suggests reporting sustainability efforts in three categories of actions – social, environmental and economic.   Prior research suggests that luxury fashion marketing and principles of sustainability may represent contradictory philosophies. However, this paper of case examples suggests that this may no longer be the case. We identify six lessons in guiding future sustainability practices.   The findings have implications for managers operating in luxury fashion, but the findings are also pertinent to managers in other industries.   Prior research in luxury fashion has generally focused on the industry’s poor record in sustainability and how luxury and sustainability may be incompatible. In this paper, we conclude that most luxury fashion firms are aware of the need to integrate sustainability into their business models. By uncovering examples of best practice in sustainability, we demonstrate how luxury fashion firms have responded to these challenges with lessons for other industry sectors.       Campos Franco, J., Hussain, D. and McColl, R. (2020), "Luxury fashion and sustainability: looking good together", Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. 41 No. 4, pp. 55-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBS-05-2019-0089    : Emerald Publishing Limited   Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited     

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           Book your home collection and delivery slots on our app and provide specific instructions if needed.        We carefully inspect your items, clean them with eco-friendly detergents and send your e-receipt.        We offer a reliable collection & delivery service to your door. Free delivery for orders over £25 in central London.    
         Silk, linen, cashmere, we can clean anything with a “dry clean only” label. Our process combines artisan care with eco technologies for a high-quality result.  Learn more            Need to re-stitch buttons, shorten trousers, or adjust the length of a jacket? Our convenient alterations service will cater to your every need.  Learn more            For your everyday laundry, we also provide a Laundry Wash & Fold service priced by the load. It’s never been easier to tick laundry off your to-do list!  Learn more            For anyone who's got a packed schedule, our shirt service is the perfect lifehack: each shirt is cleaned with care then pressed by hand to the highest standard.  Learn more            We offer a professional cleaning and laundering service for bedding, bathroom & kitchen items, sofas & upholstery, rugs, carpets and curtains.  Learn more            From jackets and coats to bags and shoes, we offer a specialist service to clean, repair and restore your items in leather, suede, wax and fur.  Learn more      
 
    Find out how BLANC can help streamline your brand operations and deliver the best store experience.
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      "A great cleaning and alterations company with brilliant staff. I take a lot of my Acne pieces here which need specialist cleaning and they do an amazing job. The clothes always smell divine too. I have recently used their alteration service which was also brilliant and had the job completed in less than 24 hours. I would recommend their services and make sure to check out their cute shop as well.”  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    "We have been a client of Blanc Marylebone since the first day and we have consistently been impressed with the high quality service, capable and friendly staff and going above and beyond to satisfy their clients. I cannot recommend Blanc highly enough and what's more to love than having a toxic-chemical free clean! 5 stars!”  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    "Couple of weeks ago, I went out with my boyfriend and a glass of wine ruined my dress. But guess what, Blanc proved me wrong! When I got there to pick up my dress it looked as good as new. The staff is always smiling and extremely polite. I recommend this place to all my friends.”  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★    "Awesome! These guys do an amazing job, they are eco-friendly, not expensive and really convenient. I received an e-mail when my clothes were ready to be picked up. Good to go!"  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★     
          At BLANC, we use an expert non-toxic alternative to dry cleaning - our process is kinder to your health, your clothes, and our planet. Find out more           From packaging to energy suppliers and waste management, sustainability is embedded at each step of our process. Find out more    
          We are finally there! After months of user research, brainstorming, design and development, we are thrilled to announce that the new BLANC app is now live!  Read more           Wondering where to pull up your chair and make the most of this newfound flexibility? We have got you covered and listed the best London based, meeting and co-working spaces.  Read more           With babies outgrowing 7 clothing sizes in 2 years, kidwear is the ultimate fast fashion. We interviewed Eve Kekeh, founder of Bundlee, to learn about the kidswear rental revolution.  Read more    
  BLANC was founded with the mission to clean up the dry cleaning industry and make clothes last.At BLANC, we clean & care for clothes naturally, and always with love. Because the most sustainable clothes are the ones you already own.       Central LondonWC1 BloomsburyEC1 / EC2 / EC3 / EC4 CityWC2 Covent GardenW1T FitzroviaW1W Great Portland StreetWC2 HolbornW1A / W1U MaryleboneW1K / W1J MayfairW1S New Bond StreetW1C Oxford StreetW1B Portland PlaceW1B Regent StreetWC1 Russell SquareW1D / W1F SohoW1T Tottenham   West LondonW2 BayswaterW14 Brook GreenW4 ChiswickW6 HammersmithW8 High Street KensingtonW11 Holland ParkW10 Ladbroke GroveW9 Maida ValeW11 Notting HillW12 Shepherd's BushW14 West Kensington   South LondonSW8 BatterseaSW1X BelgraviaSW3 / SW10 ChelseaSW4 / SW11 ClaphamSW5 Earls CourtSW6 FulhamSW7 Gloucester RoadSW1X KnightsbridgeSW8 Nine ElmsSW6 Parsons GreenSW1V PimlicoSW7 South KensingtonSW1H St James's ParkSW1W Victoria   North LondonN1 AngelNW1 CamdenNW3 HampsteadN5 HighburyNW6 KilburnNW1 Kings CrossNW1 Primrose HillNW6 Queen's ParkNW8 St John's WoodNW6 West Hampstead   
  

United Kingdom

My Wardrobe HQ

Positive Luxury

Blanc Living

Green Courier

<p>My Wardrobe HQ is the first fashion rental marketplace in the UK, stocking luxury womenswear fashion items. The platform gives the opportunity to brands and individuals to put items up for rental and for sale, being mainly focused on upcycling items through rental but also having the additional feature of offering purchasing opportunities for second hand designer items. Having both the rental and purchasing options, the platform allows consumers to try items before buying, hence ensuring minimal waste is produced within the fashion market.</p>