CLOSE THE LOOP - ENABLING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

In the past few years, sustainability in the fashion industry has come under the scanner more prominently than ever. The proliferation of fast fashion brands coupled with a see-now-buy-now phenomenon has led to a rise in a culture that prioritises lower priced goods over those that value quality, craftsmanship and sustainability. In the wake of the hazards that the fashion industry is known to inflict on the environment (fashion is the second largest polluting industry in the world), designers and brands have slowly begun pivoting to a more sustainable way of business, embracing circular fashion in the way they design, produce and sell their wares.

WHAT IS CLOSE THE LOOP?

While sustainability and circular fashion are highly debatable terms, platforms like Belgium based Close The Loop are taking the guesswork out of the equation and enabling designers to focus on maximising their sustainability footprint by means of a digital tool that enables users to implement a circular fashion strategy for all the phases of a product’s life-cycle including Resources, Design, Production, Retail, Consumption and End of life. Close The Loop also gives users the opportunity to peruse it’s ever expanding repository of case studies that refers to both emerging and established brands and their sustainability initiatives.

THE CONSUMER POV

While the tool is largely veered towards brands who are looking to step up their sustainability game, it is also a great way for consumers to stay informed on the most recent advancements and innovations in the fashion industry. Consumers can also get an in-depth analysis of their favourite sustainable brands and know more about their efforts in the fields of sustainability and ethical fashion. The company’s Ambassadorship program also welcomes individuals who are passionate about sustainable fashion and want to interact with a group of like-minded individuals and participate in events that enable you to share knowledge and experiences that benefit the community.

FOR THE BRANDS

Brands can sign up to become ambassadors via the platform’s Ambassador program (past ambassadors include Bonneterie De Groote (Eskimo a.o.), Flanders Fashion Design International (Furore), FNG (Fred & Ginger a.o.), JBC, The Woody Group (Woody), Labels by Andres (Xandres), Marylise & Rembo Styling Fashion Group and Novavo (Atelier Noterman)), and guide upcoming fashion entrepreneurs in their sustainability practices. Brands also have the option to sign up for the Close The Loop Planner in association with Flanders DC where they can fill in their details in a signature planner and receive a tailor made business plan for themselves that is focused on sustainability, fair fashion and ethical practices.

Click here to view the Close The Loop platform and don’t forget to follow us on INSTAGRAM for more on the latest changemakers from the local fashion community of Europe.

-Soha Joshi

Source: Close The Loop