Circular economy: application in the textile industry

Abstract

Circular economics is a recent economic model that has emerged as a response to the new needs of society and our planet. These needs have arisen because of the continuous use of a linear economic model, which has been developing since the industrial revolution, with which it has reached a point where there are no longer enough resources to extract, and throught wich we are contaminating the planet more and more. Circular economics, as a solution to these problems, proposes a series of changes, such as the reuse of waste to manufacture new products or the manufacture of products that are long lasting in time so as to generate the least possible residues in the slower and more moderate way. Increasingly, more and more industries are getting involved with the cause and are beginning to be involved in this change. Specifically, the textile industry is beginning to take serious measures in this regard and starting to implement in its production processes the characteristics of the aforementioned circular economy. It is true that a company that pursues social and environmental objectives, in addition to economic ones, is not as profitable today as a company that focuses simply on its economic results without following criteria of respect for the environment and society. But we are facing a change, where more and more entrepreneurs and consumers are more aware of environmental and social importance. And where companies are increasingly acquiring value for their good practices and not just for the profits they get whatever the price to pay.