Embedding Circular Principles in Fashion and Textiles
Embedding Circular Principles in Fashion and Textiles
15 April 2026
The fashion and textiles industry is one of the most resource-intensive and waste-heavy sectors in the world. In 2024, 120 million metric tons of textile waste was produced, of which 80% ended up in landfills or being incinerated (Boston Consulting Group, 2025). Without action, the same data suggests that this wastage could exceed 150 million metric tons a year by 2030. Embedding circular fashion principles is therefore critical to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable fashion practices.
Why circular fashion matters
Circular fashion rethinks the entire lifecycle of products, designing out waste and prioritising reuse, repair and recycling. Ultimately, the aim is to keep materials in use for as long as possible. Currently, however, only around 12% of textile waste is reused, and less than 1% is recycled into new fibre (Boston Consulting Group, 2025). The vast majority still goes to landfill or incineration, representing a significant environmental challenge, as well as a lost economic opportunity.
Fast fashion’s linear “take-make-dispose” model is accelerating this waste crisis, depleting natural resources and filling landfills with discarded textiles. The fashion industry also contributes 8-10% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and its carbon footprint is projected to rise by 25%, reaching 1.2 billion tons annually by 2030 if no action is taken (WorldMetrics, 2026).
Circular fashion and SDG12: responsible consumption and production
Embedding circular principles in fashion aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: responsible consumption and production. Achieving SDG 12 requires businesses to significantly reduce waste generation, adopt sustainable practices and encourage responsible consumer choices.
For the fashion industry, circular strategies embedding reuse and zero waste principles include:
Designing out waste by rethinking materials and packaging to minimise waste at every stage of the product life cycle and designing products for durability, repairability and recyclability.
Using sustainable fabrics such as recycled, recyclable, upcycled or biodegradable fibres and packaging materials. Look out for certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Cradle to Cradle, and Global Recycled Standard (GRS) to verify sustainability credentials and the circularity of materials used.
Tackling overproduction through small-batch or made-to-order production.
Creating closed-loop systems by offering repair, rental, or resale services to extend the lifespan and use of garments.
These approaches help to reduce pressure on landfills, conserve natural resources and promote environmentally responsible fashion.
Udiri: an ESGmark® certified brand leading the way in circular fashion
Udiri creates jewellery, bags, and artworks from reclaimed materials such as paper, brass, and cellulose fibre, transforming the overlooked into enduring objects of meaning.
Through a circular buyback programme, pieces can return to be reworked and renewed, extending their life rather than ending it. Each design is shaped by the hands of refugee and displaced women artisans, ensuring that every object carries both material and human story.
Udiri is an environmentally and socially conscious brand which achieved ESGmark® Certification in 2024. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, Udiri is dedicated to transforming lives through sustainable craftsmanship.
At Udiri, circularity is not just about reuse, it’s about continuity, connection, and care.
Circular fashion: a shared responsibility
Embedding circular principles is a shared responsibility, where manufacturers, brands, policymakers and consumers must together shape a more sustainable future. Fashion businesses and other industries that integrate these practices can significantly improve their environmental impact, strengthen ESG performance and contribute directly to SDG12.
This shift is not only the right thing to do for the environment and to attract conscious consumers but is also fast becoming mandated. For example, in the European Union, recent eco-design
regulation sets minimum standards for how durable, repairable and recyclable products are and cracks down on the destruction of unsold garments (European Parliament, 2025a). As well as this, new extended producer responsibility measures require textile producers to cover the costs of collection, sorting and recycling of textiles placed on the EU market (European Parliament, 2025b). These rules are designed to reduce waste and encourage circular practices throughout the lifecycle of fashion products.
While fast fashion feels relentless, a more sustainable and considerate future for fashion is being ushered in, driven by consumer demand, increasing regulation and environmental necessity.
To find out how ESGmark® can support your organisation to demonstrate and improve its ESG credentials, get in touch with us today at info@esgmark.co.uk or request more information.
About ESGmark®
ESGmark® is the community for people and organisations who care about the planet and society. The ESGmark® Certification is a symbol of trust and distinction which allows consumers to identify organisations who believe in and act to deliver a fairer, more sustainable future. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives help organisations contribute to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, by working to improve the lives of global citizens and safeguarding our planet. ESGmark® helps simplify these complex and important issues and supports businesses along their ESG journey.
Sources
Boston Consulting Group (2025). From waste to worth: fashion’s opportunity to reclaim up to $150 billion in lost textile value a year. Boston Consulting Group. Available at: https://www.bcg.com/press/12august2025-fashions-opportunity-reclaim-lost-textile-value
European Parliament (2025a). Fast fashion: EU laws for sustainable textile consumption. [online] European Parliament. Available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20201208STO93327/fast-fashion-eu-laws-for-sustainable-textile-consumption.
European Parliament (2025b). Parliament adopts new EU rules to reduce textile and food waste. European Parliament. Available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20250905IPR30172/parliament-adopts-new-eu-rules-to-reduce-textile-and-food-waste
WorldMetrics (2026). Fashion industry environmental impact statistics. WorldMetrics. Available at: https://worldmetrics.org/fashion-industry-environmental-impact-statistics