Browsing by Author "Dupont, Hadrien"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Open Access
    Circular economy of fashion: benefits and challenges for French micro and small brands
    (2024) Dupont, Hadrien; Meyer, Camille
    The fashion industry is globally recognized as one of the major polluters, causing significant environmental and social concerns. Its complex value chain, from the intensive non-renewable resource use during raw material acquisition to human rights issues in manufacturing, and its unsustainable end-of-life solutions, underscores an industry struggling with profound challenges. In response to these challenges, the notion of a circular economy emerges as a transformative approach to reimagine and redesign production and consumption cycles, aiming to retain product value, reduce waste, and foster sustainability. The central research question of this study is the following: "What are the key challenges and opportunities for micro and small-sized fashion brands in adopting a successful circular business model?" Addressing this, the research provides a deep dive into the concept of circularity within the fashion sector, specifically focusing on French micro and small-sized brands. These brands, a blend of those organically born with sustainable principles and those that have adeptly transitioned towards sustainable practices, offer a diverse palette of innovative strategies. They encompass distinctive sustainable practices ranging from upcycling, promoting second-hand fashion, adhering to sustainable production methodologies, to the use of recycled fabrics. Utilizing qualitative methodologies, this research adopted a comparative approach, interviewing 12 such distinctive brands alongside a consultant specializing in second-hand fashion. This method depicted a rich, multifaceted perspective on the challenges intrinsic to circular business models in the fashion domain. From this exploration, the findings were clustered into three predominant categories: striking a balance between economic viability, ecological responsibility, and social equity; identifying and leveraging driving factors while recognizing potential opportunities; and understanding and navigating barriers that hinder circular adoption. This study stands as an important contribution to existing literature, providing a nuanced roadmap specifically tailored for French micro and small-sized brands. Its insights illuminate pathways, guiding these brands towards the successful adoption and nuanced implementation of circular business models among a challenging industry context.