The lineal economy model is the traditional one, based on a “make, use, dispose” philosophy. It considers the chain of value from the initial step of material extraction to the final step of disposal, without any consideration in regards to post-consumption impacts.
Before launching into our core discussion, it is important to understand some basic concepts. Here are some key terms and what they mean:
Chain of value: The way enterprises operate to develop actions and activities. It encompasses every part of the process.
Pre-consumption: All the processes implicated in the chain of value of a product before its consumption.
Post-consumption: Every process involved in the chain of value of a product after it´s market launch and it´s consumption.
The linear economy is a traditional model based on a “make, use, dispose” philosophy. It considers only a fraction of the complete chain of value, taking into account the production cycle from the extraction of the raw material to the disposal, without consideration for the implicated impacts of the post-consumption process of the product.
This model is responsible of many of today’s environmental issues in the fashion industry.
A product creates impact not only prior to its consumption but during and after it. Their consequences endure through time, affecting people and the planet.
It is important and key to consider each part of the complete chain of value to create solutions for every step of it including the end of cycle.
It is possible to prevent when we anticipate impacts and create a plan to act. This is the case of circular design, which suggests a correct planning process, beginning with a responsible way to design products that prevent post-use impact. This model suggests alternatives to reduce the impact of products, as well as maintain the possibility to reintegrate them to the chain of value.
Circular economy is an alternative model based in 3 axes reduce, reutilize and recycle.
Circularity suggests taking into account every step of the chain of value of a product, even after its disposal.
It´s objective is to reintegrate the products to the chain of value, extending their lifetime or reinserting them to the natural cycles of the planet.
Reinserting the products to the natural cycles enhance a better use of resources, as well as permits the planet natural regeneration, mitigating social and environmental impacts.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation mentions circular models as an opportunity area to develop successful and profitable products.
“New models such as resales, rent, repairing or refabrication, considerably reduce greenhouse gas emissions and could represent a market value of 700 billon US in 2030, conforming the 23% of the fashion global market.” Ellen Mcarthur Foundation
Since 2016 Creamodite, partner in the Fashion Alive project, has been researching and promoting Zero Waste design with sustainable methodologies.
If you’d like to learn more on this method, you can access our online course. Or simply follow the developments on our Fashion Alive project to keep up-to date!
The orange economy encompasses visual arts, performing arts, crafts, design, research and development, fashion, film, music, advertising, TV, radio, video games, software, toys and
During the manufacturing process, around 15% of each roll of fabric becomes instant waste.
In Europe alone, around 8 million tons of textile waste is
In a world ruled by demand and offer, consumers are also responsible for the environmental deterioration of our planet. What can we do to
The orange economy encompasses visual arts, performing arts, crafts, design, research and development, fashion, film, music, advertising, TV, radio, video games, software, toys and
During the manufacturing process, around 15% of each roll of fabric becomes instant waste.
In Europe alone, around 8 million tons of textile waste is
The orange economy encompasses visual arts, performing arts, crafts, design, research and development, fashion, film, music, advertising, TV, radio, video games, software, toys and
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