Reality check: Are commitments to circularity doomed?

Circularity is talked about a lot. But we’re a lot better at talking about circularity than doing it. Textile Exchange’s Materials Market Report 2024 highlights that under 1% of the global fibre market came from pre- and post-consumer recycled textiles. And while pilot schemes and circular business models have sparked interest and demonstrated potential, there is a significant gap between ambition and reality.

 

In this session, our panellists will explore how we define circularity in the textile industry, the key barriers to achieving circularity goals, and how our ideas of circularity must evolve to encompass social sustainability. What steps are needed to move beyond a 'circular-ish' approach and towards real, transformative change?