We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The perception of circular economy in the framework of fashion industry
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the effects of polyethylene microplastics on the growth and reproductive success of freshwater snails, finding reduced growth rates, altered shell morphology, and fewer egg masses in exposed individuals at higher concentrations. The study provides evidence that microplastic contamination at levels found in polluted freshwater environments can impair invertebrate reproduction and development.
Humanity's three main components are energy, food and clothing. Each of us, individually and collectively, contributes to climate change and CO2 emissions, natural resource consumption, and social attitudes and behaviour. Global fashion trends are expected to increase in value from 1.5 trillion dollars in 2020 to around 2.25 trillion dollars by 2025, indicating that the fashion demand is on the rise. Due to climate change, soil and water scarcity, and a variety of other diseases, new natural resources must be developed from plastic fibres, natural colours must replace synthetic ones, water consumption must be reduced and the 'buy-and-throw-away philosophy' must be replaced with 'buy-less-and-these-are-needed' and incorporate the 12 'R' strategies to aid the transition to a circular economy. In the context of waste management as well as on the development of new strategy approach, the fashion industry requires a new business circular model and furthermore a new mindset.
More Papers Like This
Circular Economy and Waste in the Fashion Industry
AI summary Read the abstract
This review analyses existing EU legislative measures relevant to sustainability and circular economy transitions in the fashion industry, a sector associated with high water and energy consumption, chemical pollution, and microplastic generation from textiles. The authors evaluate the EU Circular Economy Action Plan of 2015 and its revised waste framework as tools for driving systemic change in fashion industry practices.
Linear Economy versus Circular Economy: New raw material
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper examines the fashion industry's role in environmental sustainability and argues for a transition from linear to circular economic models. It highlights how the current take-make-waste approach generates massive textile waste, including synthetic microplastic fibers. A circular fashion economy would reduce both material waste and plastic pollution from textiles.
Global Fast Fashion Industry: Present Opportunities and Future Challenges for Sustainability
AI summary Read the abstract
This study explores the environmental and social implications of fast fashion, finding the industry emits 8-10% of global CO2 and releases significant quantities of microplastics into waterways through synthetic textile production and washing. The authors argue that systemic changes in policy, business practices, and consumer behavior are required alongside technological innovation for true sustainability.
Circular Fashion: Creating a Sustainable Clothing Economy
AI summary Read the abstract
This review paper looks at how our clothing habits—especially cheap, disposable "fast fashion"—contribute to pollution, climate change, and microplastic contamination that can end up in our water and even our bodies. The researchers found that "circular fashion" (clothes designed to be repaired, resold, or recycled instead of thrown away) could significantly cut this waste and pollution, but new recycling technologies are still expensive and not yet widely available. The takeaway: buying fewer, longer-lasting clothes and supporting repair/resale options isn't just good for the planet—it may also reduce the microplastic pollution linked to pot
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.