Circularity is achieved when each phase of a garment’s lifecycle follows a cyclical pattern, resulting in a reduced environmental impact. It commences with sustainable design, followed by ethically produced items. As a garment reaches the end of its wear, responsible measures are taken for its next stage, encompassing repair, redesign, rental, and participation in the second-hand sales market.

The greenhouse effect is a vital natural process that maintains Earth’s temperature by trapping some of the sun’s energy through greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. While essential for life, human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have intensified this effect, leading to global warming and climate change. This heightened heat retention alters weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems. Recognizing and addressing the greenhouse effect is crucial for promoting environmental sustainability and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change.

Net zero refers to achieving a balance between the greenhouse gas emissions produced and those removed from the atmosphere. This involves reducing emissions and offsetting the remaining ones through initiatives like carbon capture and sustainable practices. Setting net-zero targets is a key commitment in global efforts to combat climate change and aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Entities, including organizations and countries, adopt net-zero targets to contribute to environmental sustainability and address the challenges of climate change.

In relation to fashion “organic” specifically refers to garments crafted from materials cultivated and processed without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. Organic fashion involves the use of organic fibers such as cotton or linen, grown in environmentally-friendly conditions that prioritize natural practices. This commitment extends to every stage of production, including eco-conscious dyeing and manufacturing processes. By opting for organic fashion, consumers choose garments that not only prioritize sustainability but also promote healthier and ethical practices throughout the entire garment lifecycle, from cultivation to production.

The term “recycled” refers to the process of collecting, sorting, and processing materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste and transforming them into new products. Recycling aims to reduce the consumption of raw materials, conserve energy, and minimize environmental impact. In the context of products or materials labeled as “recycled,” it indicates that the material used in their production has been sourced from previously used or discarded items. This could involve reprocessing materials like paper, glass, plastic, or metal to create new products, contributing to sustainability and waste reduction efforts.

Traceability for products involves the systematic documentation and monitoring of a product’s journey throughout its entire supply chain, from raw material acquisition through manufacturing to distribution and consumption. This process ensures transparency, quality control, and accountability by allowing easy tracking of the product’s origin and addressing issues like recalls or sustainability claims. In today’s consumer-driven and regulated environment, traceability is vital for meeting expectations of transparency and responsible production.