Circular Textiles: Driving a Regenerative Industry
Circularity is no longer just an idea – it’s a necessity for individuals and businesses alike. Learn what it means to close the loop on textile waste and innovate for a sustainable future.
What is Circularity in Fashion?
Circular fashion reimagines the way clothing is designed, produced, and used to eliminate waste and extend the life of materials. Instead of the traditional take-make-dispose model, it prioritizes durability, reuse, repair, and responsible recycling—keeping textiles in circulation for as long as possible while minimizing environmental impact. By integrating regenerative practices and smarter resource management, circular fashion moves the industry toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
“Nearly 500,000 tonnes of textile waste is ending up in Canada’s landfills each year.”
Why Circularity Matters
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Environmental
Circular textiles reduce waste, conserve resources, and lower emissions by keeping materials in use through durability, reuse, and recycling. Diverting textiles from landfills cuts methane emissions and pollution, and reducing reliance on virgin fibre production minimizes carbon emissions, water use, and chemical pollution, protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. For example, using recycled materials in production reduces carbon and water footprints while keeping resources out of waste streams, minimizing impact and supporting resilience.
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Business
Circular fashion isn’t just about sustainability—it’s a smart business strategy. Resale platforms, rental models, and repair services open new revenue streams while meeting the rising demand for more responsible fashion. These initiatives also help brands stay ahead of evolving waste and environmental regulations. For example, repair programs and second-hand sales attract eco-conscious consumers, drive additional income, and build long-term brand loyalty.
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Social
Investing in circular solutions drives job creation in recycling, textile sorting, and repair services, strengthening local economies and expanding skills development, particularly in underserved communities. Upcycling garments and offering repair services not only extend the life of clothing but also create meaningful employment opportunities. These initiatives promote social equity and embed sustainable practices within communities, fostering long-term economic and environmental resilience.
Our Leadership in Circular Fashion
At FTA, we are driving the shift toward a circular textile economy through research, collaboration, and advocacy. As the lead organization behind the Canadian Circular Textiles Consortium (CCTC), we bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to tackle systemic challenges and accelerate circular solutions.
Our work includes conducting in-depth research to uncover gaps and opportunities in textile circularity, from circular design to alternative end of life pathways. We collaborate with businesses, academics, and governments to develop policies and frameworks that support a just transition to circular fashion in Canada.
By engaging in cross-sector partnerships and fostering knowledge-sharing with global partners, we are laying the foundation for a future where textiles are designed for longevity, responsibly managed, and kept in circulation. Through our leadership, we are not just imagining a circular future – we are actively building it.
