Post-Consumer Waste Management

Post-consumer waste management in the fashion world is somewhat new, but it has shown some fantastic results. One way designers and brands are managing waste at the end of a product’s life is by implementing take-back programs.

Some brands ask customers to send back or bring their old clothes. The fabric leftovers from these garments could be used in new pieces or at least recycled into new fabrics.

Another option is to have a lease and rent service in place, this type of program allows people to rent clothing they may need for special occasions and then return them so that someone else could wear it later. However, transporting rented garments still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. For this model to work, brands would have to find a way to reduce their carbon footprint further by using zero- or low-emissions modes of transportation.

Finally, both brands and smaller designers could offer repair services. As sustainable as darning your own socks at home, this model allows customers to send back broken or ripped items. Once they receive them, the brands can then fix them correctly, thus extending the items’ lifespan.

This is a cost-effective service for the customer, as they’d be able to enjoy their favorite fashion pieces for longer. Similarly, the brands and designers behind the items would keep their pieces in circulation for longer. As a result, they would likely remain relevant in the fashion industry and nurture a strong relationship with their clientele.