Circular Fashion: How H&M and Zara Are Embracing Resale
In recent years, the fashion industry has faced increasing pressure to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Fast fashion, in particular, has come under scrutiny for its negative impact on the planet. However, two of the largest fast fashion retailers, H&M and Zara, are taking steps towards a more sustainable future through the implementation of circular fashion. By embracing resale, these brands are leading the way in making fashion more circular and reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. In this article, we’ll explore how H&M and Zara are embracing resale and what this means for the future of fashion.
The Concept of Circular Fashion
Circular fashion is an approach to fashion that aims to minimize waste and the environmental impact of the industry. Unlike the traditional linear model, where clothing is created, worn, and then discarded, circular fashion promotes a circular system where clothing is continuously used and reused. This is achieved through practices such as recycling, upcycling, and resale.
H&M and Zara are two of the largest fast fashion retailers, known for their inexpensive and trend-driven clothing. However, they have both faced criticism for their unsustainable business models and use of cheap labor. In response to this, both brands have committed to becoming more sustainable and have implemented various initiatives to do so. One of these initiatives is the adoption of circular fashion principles, specifically through the use of resale.
H&M’s Sustainability Goals
In 2020, H&M released its latest sustainability report, outlining its goals and progress towards becoming a circular and climate-positive fashion company. One of the key goals outlined in the report was to have a climate-positive value chain by 2030. This means reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and using 100% renewable electricity in all owned and operated premises. One way H&M plans to achieve this is through its circular approach to fashion, which includes increasing its use of sustainable materials and implementing a robust recycling and resale program.
H&M’s Resale Platform – Sell Your Clothes
In 2018, H&M launched its resale platform, Sell Your Clothes, in Europe. This platform allows customers to sell their gently used H&M clothing in exchange for a store credit. The clothes are then resold in selected H&M stores, both online and in person. This not only extends the life cycle of the clothing but also reduces the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills. H&M plans to launch this platform in the United States in 2021, giving even more customers the opportunity to participate in circular fashion.
Zara’s Circular Approach
Zara, owned by Spanish fashion giant Inditex, is also taking steps towards circular fashion. As part of its sustainability goals, Zara has committed to using 100% sustainable fabrics in all its collections by 2025. This includes organic, recycled, and sustainably sourced materials. Zara has also introduced a campaign called “Closing the Loop,” which encourages customers to donate their unwanted Zara clothing to be recycled or repurposed, in exchange for a voucher to use towards future purchases.
Zara’s Resale Platform – Re-Sale
In 2019, Zara launched its resale platform, Re-Sale, in Spain to test the concept. The platform allowed customers to purchase and sell their pre-owned Zara clothing online. The pieces were checked for authenticity and quality before being listed on the website. Customers who bought from the Re-Sale platform could choose to have their purchase delivered to their home or pick it up in-store. The success of this pilot led to the platform being expanded to other markets, including the United Kingdom and France.
The Future of Circular Fashion
As the concept of circular fashion gains traction, more and more brands are embracing it. The incorporation of resale platforms by H&M and Zara is just one example of how the industry is moving towards a more sustainable future. Circular fashion not only benefits the environment but also provides economic opportunities for those involved in the resale market. It also allows customers to participate in the circular economy and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.
In conclusion, H&M and Zara are two fast fashion brands that are taking significant steps towards becoming more sustainable through circular fashion. By implementing resale platforms and committing to using sustainable materials, they are showing their dedication to making the fashion industry more circular. It’s heartening to see such large companies taking action, and hopefully, this will encourage other brands to follow suit. After all, the future of fashion depends on it.
