With the global fashion industry producing billions of garments annually and generating massive amounts of clothing waste, the concept of degrowth in fashion emerges as a potential solution to address the environmental impact. Degrowth, characterized by a reduction in production and consumption to promote equitable living, presents a stark contrast to the growth-oriented principles dominating the fashion industry.
While calls for responsible consumer behavior and waste reduction are common, achieving a true degrowth transition requires a collective effort to reshape the entire fashion ecosystem. Circular practices like upcycling, which involve transforming discarded clothing into higher-value products, offer a radical approach to rethinking waste in the industry. By treating waste as a resource and emphasizing creativity, care, and value creation, upcycling challenges the traditional notions of fashion production and consumption.
In a study focusing on upcycling practices in Turkey, a key textile producer in Europe, researchers explored how this circular fashion approach can drive a fundamental shift in the industry. Unlike recycling, which only accounts for a small fraction of textile waste, upcycling offers a more sustainable and value-driven alternative by repurposing waste materials creatively and fostering a deeper connection to the clothing lifecycle.
By highlighting the socio-ecological value of waste and promoting relational networks among industry stakeholders, upcycling initiatives not only reduce waste but also contribute to building a more conscious and sustainable fashion industry. Designers and brands engaging in upcycling emphasize local heritage, nature-inspired design processes, and collaborative waste-sharing platforms, underscoring the importance of community involvement and material consciousness.
Industry actors involved in upcycling projects are driven by a desire to create alternative models that prioritize environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Initiatives such as partnering with local communities, repurposing waste for garment production, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders demonstrate a commitment to reducing waste and fostering a more circular fashion economy.
Despite the positive impact of upcycling on waste reduction and community engagement, challenges such as limited access to resources and lack of policy support remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. However, when grounded in local contexts and supported by collaborative networks, upcycling has the potential to promote degrowth values and reshape the fashion industry towards a more sustainable future.
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