In the last 10 years circular fashion models have been growing tremendously with numerous new entrepreneurs entering the market. Take for example, secondhand, we now have newcomers to the industry who are making a large impact like Postmark and RealReal. In the past, we only had the salvation army. Many startups that are doing chemical or enzymatic recycling technology for textile waste have popped up in the past 5 years. Sustainable fashion brands, vegan leather, etc have also become a new important buzz-word/term in the fashion industry. The circular fashion model is happening in China despite it not often mentioned in the media.
The CKG production office.
To start off, China set new goals by 2035. The Chinese textile industry aims to become the main driver of the world's textile technology, an important leader in the global fashion industry, and a powerful promoter of sustainable development. This includes, but is not limited to, green management of textile products from a life-cycle perspective, promoting and increasing textile recycling network and rates, decreasing their carbon footprints and pollutants, improve industrial parks and finally promote a supply chain powered by renewable energy. So what’s happening on the ground now?
CKG's high-end technology gives the company ample room to produce the best sustainable products.
New sustainable fibers from more sustainable sources, such as bamboo and algae, are becoming more popular and readily available. New bio-based nylons or kelvars from renewable sources now can compare to petroleum based products. New vegan leather from mycelium and other bio-based materials. Chemical and enzymatic recycling startups on polyester and nylon, and cotton. Biodegradable and bio-based polyester and new materials like PHA and PLA are gaining popularity. At CKG and CTR we work with many of these innovators and material companies, such as the ones listed previously, to provide the latest solutions for our clients in tackling their sustainable supply problems.
A photo of the numerous piles of clothing that CKG processes.
Besides the material part of sustainable fashion, one major trend in China is resale and second-hand. Resale platform Xiyu, which is a subsidiary of Alibaba, is a popular destination for all things secondhand. Both online and offline Secondhand stores as well as vintage stores have increased dramatically in the past 5 years. Brands are increasingly taking part in ESG projects due to their listing requirements, government policies, and also because of consumer trends.
Secondhand doesn't mean dirty, they are processed and then ready to be reused in unique ways.
The younger generation of Chinese populations, especially the affluent ones, are more aware of sustainability than the older generations. They demand more sustainable consumer products, they love participating in sustainability themed events, and they also like to take some risk and support/start companies with a strong sustainability angle.
One thing I see is that China is definitely a solution to the sustainable fashion World. It is also an industry where we can all collaborate together as we need brands to help us scale many of the ongoing projects. Making businesses and processes in the fashion industry sustainable is a global problem, so we all have to work with each other to help solve this.