In the garment and textile industry, circularity is rapidly gaining momentum given its environmental benefits, commercial promise, and rising consumer interest. Clothing resale, for example, is expected to grow 11 times faster than traditional retail by 2025.
The industry, which employs an estimated 60-70 million people in its value chain, must now grapple with the following questions: how will circular fashion impact job opportunities and job quality? And how can we ensure that the transition to a circular fashion system is just, fair, and inclusive?
Keeping Workers in the Loop (KWIL) convened industry leaders and stakeholders to explore these questions with the aim of advancing a circular fashion industry that works for all, and particularly workers. Participants explored the potential social impacts of a shift to circularity and then co-created recommendations designed to advance circular business models that offer dignified, inclusive, and resilient employment opportunities.
