Waste a valuable resource and should be  considered as such in the design phase.

The design phase needs to address the eventual  product’s end-of-life. The materials, purpose and durability should be  factored into the design. This helps avoid products that are only partially circular.

If brands are incentivised to make products with  better environmental performance, it will help them take ownership in designing for circularity.

A good example is found in the Jeans ReDesignGuidelines, a project that tackles waste and pollution within Denim production.

Two of the main ways to reduce waste within  materials is through using materials that last longer, and by leveraging the  potential value of a global recycling industry.

For longer lasting products, we need to promote  the use of the least impactful materials based on their purpose. For example,  trekking gear that remains sturdy – trek after trek.

To create a global recycling value chain, the industry is investigating the optimised use of renewable, regenerative, recycled and recyclable materials, as well as promoting the use of secondary raw materials.

Optimising the production process is a logical  step to reduce waste. We can look at the waste of materials as well as  production waste, such as GHG emissions and waste water.

There are several initiatives in place that we  should leverage to gain fast results, such as ZDHC for the elimination of chemical waste during production.

For the reduction of GHG emissions, many stakeholders in the apparel and footwear industry have committed to the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Change by the UN. Those who want to go the extra mile can also commit to the SBTI.

Arguably the most important contribution to the reduction of waste comes with changing consumption habits.

The promotion of secondhand goods over new ones helps decrease new production. Also, the promotion of product life prolonging services through new business models can have a vast impact on any item’s lifecycle.

Current industry's investments in accessible reuse, repair & rental schemes will help consumers become involved and responsible participants.

The combination of industry leadership, awareness of sustainable options throughout the value chain and a consistent set of policy and market  incentives will create a level playing field for those products, business  models and initiatives that optimise the use of resources and retain the  highest possible value in products and materials, hence minimising waste.

The current research and innovation in advanced sorting infrastructure will contribute to the reduction of waste, it is also an emerging industry with great potential value. On top of that, it creates engaged consumers who have the opportunity to become ambassadors.