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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

Reduced green house gas emissions released into the biosphere

Reduce Emissions (SDG13)

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

Producing basic and specialty chemicals, inks, agricultural chemical such as fertilisers and pesticides, plastics including packaging, and rubber

Chemical and Plastic

Transforming waste products, materials for reuse within the same industry

Closed loop upcycling

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

Using closed loop recycled materials

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

Guidance, dialogue with industry stakeholders

Data, knowledge & information sharing

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

Policies

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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

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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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top of pageBoth wearing 100% recycled cotton/polyester raw-edged sleeveless T and tapered trousers with deep pockets (Role) models: Ruhul Abdin, community organiser/urbanist and Pat Kerr, founder of a mother/child residential centre in Bangladesh. (Photo: courtesy of Re/DRESS)Re/DRESS is a responsible fashion brand using nearly 100% recycled cotton/polyester textiles. Designed and produced in Bangladesh, our collection is made from breathable textiles knit/woven from yarn spun from post-industrial cotton waste  (textile waste from garment manufacturing, also called clips or scrap) and recycled polyester fibre. This proof-of-concept collection is a circular fashion initiative, and as a social enterprise (non-profit company) which uses all proceeds to promote responsible fashion, it’s a circular economic proposition as well. ​ Our process is not proprietary, in fact, we encourage others to copy what we’re doing. You can order (wholesale), source these textiles, have your products made by our factory partners, or just arrange to talk to us about what we’ve learned.  (You can find stats and info about cotton recycling in Bangladesh here.) ​ ​ Visit our new London retail stockist: 69b Boutique, 69b Broadway Market, London, E8 4PH or buy online. Our capsule collection (wide leg and tapered trousers, tunic, oversize T shirt, sleeveless T shirt, and a sleeveless jacket/koti) is designed for heat/humidity or for layering in cooler weather.  Unisex and minimal for all ages, it comes in two sizes, and two colourways (light and dark).  For more information, contact ReDRESSrecycle@gmail.com ​ ​ In Dhaka, make an appointment to visit our Baridhara office.  Click here for details and prices.        Our mission ​ What problem are we trying to solve?  Less than 1% of the world’s textile waste is recycled into new clothing. ​ What's our response? Currently, polyester recycling is more common and results in more robust textiles than those made of recycled cotton. However, mechanically recycling cotton represents a big opportunity for scaling and impact, and cotton is breathable. At Re/DRESS we’re demonstrating that textiles made of a blend of recycled cotton and polyester are both breathable and durable (note: blends can pose subsequent recycling challenges, we're working on that!). And, since the overall percentages of recycled fibre in textiles are still low, the goal of Re/DRESS is to use higher percentages (up to 100%!) of recycled content in products, especially cotton. Why does it matter? One T shirt made from recycled vs. conventional cotton saves 5000+ litres of water.  Each kilo of recycled polyester reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70%. Our vision is a zero-waste economy as a response to the climate catastrophe.Follow Re/DRESS on instagram @redress.recycleFirst three images: Poplin tunic/shirt, a hybrid between the classic crisp white/black shirt and the South Asian tunic (with deep pockets) worn with wide leg pull on trousers and as a dress.  Next three images: Koti (sleeveless jacket) in rib knit and and reversible oversize T shirt/tunic with 'floating' pockets.  (Photos: Ørjan Ellingvåg)This project relies on the advice, expertise and generosity of the textile, ready-made garment (RMG) and design community in Bangladesh and the UK.  The following are some of the people and entities, committed to responsible practices in the textile and RMG industry, who are providing pro bono advice and a range of in-kind and material support. ​​ Aidha Cader, designer, concept adzi trims ltd / indet.group. packaging: recycled, biodegradable & compostable poly bags AJO Idea Space/Made in Bangladesh (MIB Spirit), advice on merchandising and branding Ali Alves, Intramarca, logistics and marketing Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Beyond the Binary, all around advice Bextex Ltd, Design Studio, research and development of textiles Bharat Pratap Singh, designer, design, production, logistics Brunhilde Descamps,  Auchan Bangladesh office, sourcing and garment production expert, all around advice Centia Bhuyan, Bhuyan Fashion, concept CENTRO Tex Ltd CYCLO, advice on responsible upcycling, production of yarn DBL Group, knit textiles and RMG DRIK Picture Library/Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, Photoshoot location ECHOTEX, recycled knit, overall advice Enterprise Steps/e-Business, Newham College, UK Fashion Theory, all around advice HSBC Bangladesh, concept and strategy Incredible Fashions Ltd Lais Pontes, Director of Sustainability, Pontes, Indústria de Cera, Sustainability advice Mehruz Munir, Creative Director Zurhem, marketing advice Momtex, advice on weaving  Monon Muntaka Shova, Photography Ørjan F. Ellingvåg, Photography Paper Studio, graphic design, print and identity Paola Victoria, designer, business advice Raju Panna, Master pattern maker, production Reverse Resources Bangladesh Rubana Haq, business woman, concept and all around advice Ruhul Abdin, urbanist, Paraa, concept Sadaf Saaz Siddiqi, businesswoman, concept Sarah Karim Couture  designer/business woman, concept and all around advice Social Enterprise and design consultants, British Council The Mills Fabrica, general advice   Teresa Albor, designer, overall coordination Upcybom, upcycling Urmi Group, knit textiles and RMG ​ Meet our (role) Models ​ Aidha Cader Carlos García Hernàndez Esther Comino Álvarez José Comino Pulido Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo Laura Sophie Schnieders Luva Nahid Choudhury Mercedes Alvarez Bustamante Ørjan F. Ellingvåg Pat Kerr Ruhul Abdin Ruxmini Reckvana Q Choudhury Sarah Karim Taiara Farhana Tareque Zareef Caderbottom of page

Bangladesh

Dhaka

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Re/DRESS is a responsible fashion brand using nearly 100% recycled cotton/polyester textiles. Designed and produced in Bangladesh, our collection is made from breathable textiles knit/woven from yarn spun from post-industrial cotton waste  (textile waste from garment manufacturing, also called clips or scrap) and recycled polyester fibre.

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Re/Dress

<p>Re/DRESS is a responsible fashion brand using nearly 100% recycled cotton/polyester textiles. Designed and produced in Bangladesh, Re/DRESS collection is made from breathable textiles knit/woven from yarn spun from post-industrial cotton waste&nbsp;(textile waste from garment manufacturing, also called clips or scrap) and recycled polyester fibre.</p>