Welcome to Product Circularity for Fashion
About this tool
In July 2024, The Centre for Sustainable Design® (CfSD) at the University for the Creative Arts launched this open access Product Circularity for Fashion tool (PC4F) to support companies and other stakeholders consider issues related product circularity in the fashion, clothing, and textiles industry. PC4Fashion was funded by the University for the Creative Arts UKRI/AHRC Impact Accelerator award.
The latest evolution of the tool is funded via the European Union Just Fashion Project that focuses on accelerating climate transition in the fashion industry. Just Fashion is funded by the European Union in the framework of the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No. 101178623. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Research Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Introduction
The circular economy represents a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear economic model, focusing on reducing waste, extending product lifespans, and promoting resource efficiency. In the context of fashion, embracing the circular economy involves rethinking and redesigning every stage of the product life-cycle to minimise environmental impacts and promote sustainability. This tool supports action at the key stages in the life-cycle of fashion items — from resource extraction to end of life — highlighting important considerations for designers, merchandisers, and supply chain professionals in textiles, fashion, and accessories.
The tool provides expert guidance for all stakeholders in the fashion life-cycle and a benchmarking questionnaire. This questionnaire was developed in 2024 with input from leading experts from across the industry. Based on the answers, organisations are classified as Zero, Basic, Intermediate or Advanced (ZBIA) and the tool provides tailored guidance on how to improve.
