Constructing a circular economy to address pervasive pollution in U.S. fashion and activewear
- Student
- Joseph J. Gerend
- College(s)
- Mendoza College of Business
- Faculty Advisor
- Sandra Vera-Muñoz
- Class Year
- 2022
Abstract
This case study sought to investigate how the American activewear space has begun to implement more sustainable practices intended to work toward a “closed-loop economy.” Using interviews with founders, CEOs, and sustainability directors at American activewear companies, this paper mapped out the current supply chain innovations and methods these companies are using to reduce their carbon footprint and drive systemic change in the industry. The paper concluded with recommendations and insights on the future of sustainability in activewear and athleisure.
Introduction
The fashion industry has a significant negative impact on the environment and is the second largest polluter in the world.i A lot of this impact comes in the form of an immense amount of clothing waste caused by a consumerist culture and wasteful, inefficient production methods. The industry has been described as “the epitome of all that is wrong with western consumerism.”ii “Fast fashion” is the mass production of cheap, disposable clothing in which retailers release weekly collections to encourage higher levels of consumption and drive higher levels of inventory turnover. Through this rapid cycle, the clothes we buy have transformed from “a durable good to a daily purchase.”iii Many brands have found their niche in fast fashion, while others seek to disrupt this system with techniques intended to encourage positive social and environmental change by developing a more circular economy.
The issues surrounding fast fashion have seeped into activewear as well, many big brands subcontract production and manufacturing to under-paid workers abroad. On the other hand, several companies have implemented various strategies to reduce their carbon footprint and right the wrongs of the extremely wasteful industry. Leaders in sustainable activewear envision a future where recycled materials can save money and resources for their companies. The key to realizing such a future begins with developing a “closed-loop system,” one in which end-of-life garments can be recycled and returned to the beginning of the process and made into brand new garments or other products.
End Notes
i Charpail, Mathilde. “Environmental Impacts of the Fashion Industry.” SustainYourStyle, 2017, www.sustainyourstyle.org/old-environmental-impacts.
ii West, Jodie, et al. “A Bottom up Approach to Slowing Fashion: Tailored Solutions for Consumers.” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 296, 1 Mar. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126387. Accessed 25 Oct. 2021.
iii Brydges, Taylor. “Closing the Loop on Take, Make, Waste: Investigating Circular Economy Practices in the Swedish Fashion Industry.” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 293, 15 Apr. 2021.