Reflections on Textile Circularity. 2024 Edition

This year, at Girbau LAB, in collaboration with So Good So Cute, we have continued conversations with experts from the textile industry who have shared different perspectives on the future of sustainable fashion. Specifically, we have deeply reflected on our relationship with clothing and how to improve it to advance towards a more circular model.

Caring and connecting

Núria Ferrer, dyer-laundress, and Pilar Pasamontes, historian of contemporary fashion, have told us that the key lies in strengthening the emotional connection with our garments. This not only allows us to care for them better and extend their useful life but also contributes to reducing environmental impact.

Textile Education

To foster this emotional connection, greater education in textile culture is essential. David Allo, sustainability manager at Texfor, highlights that fashion brands play a crucial role in this task by leading educational initiatives that raise awareness about the processes and value behind each garment.

A New Storytelling for Fashion

Lutz Walter, director of the European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing (Textile ETP), emphasizes the need to transform brand narratives. According to Walter, storytelling should inspire emotional connection and loyalty to garments, moving away from messages that encourage overconsumption. He also points out that regulations like the Eco-design Regulation are paving the way for more durable and sustainable garments.

Innovative Business Models

Clothing rental, repair, and resale are gaining traction as alternatives to maintaining sector revenue without increasing production. Pilar Chiva, director of the Circular Economy Area at the Waste Agency of Catalonia, highlights that exploring these models is essential for a more circular industry. She also stresses the importance of improving textile waste management, a challenge that will grow with upcoming regulatory changes.

Want to know more? You can find the full interviews at Girbau LAB Talks by So Good,the space where we spark reflection on the use phase of textiles as key to a more circular industry. We’ve also compiled this year’s key takeaways. We invite you to review them and join the transformation of the textile industry towards a more circular, more sustainable, and more conscious model.