Advancing Sustainable Fashion: Education and Capacity Building for Circular Economy Integration

Abstract

The fashion industry is a significant contributor to global environmental degradation, with high levels of resource consumption, waste production, and carbon emissions. As one of the most resource-intensive industries, it has long faced growing scrutiny over its environmental and social impact. However, the increasing awareness of these challenges has led to a shift in consumer demands and business practices. Today, there is an increasing focus on sustainability, with consumers, governments, and businesses urging the industry to adopt more environmentally responsible approaches.

A key pathway toward achieving this sustainable future is the adoption of the circular economy (CE) model. The circular economy seeks to reimagine traditional linear production systems (take-make-dispose) into regenerative cycles where products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and reducing reliance on finite resources. By integrating circular economy principles, the fashion industry can drastically reduce its environmental footprint through strategies like material recycling, product repair and reuse, and sustainable design.[1]

However, the integration of circular economy principles into fashion requires more than just technological innovations or policy changes. Education and capacity building play pivotal roles in enabling the shift. For the circular economy to thrive in fashion, it is crucial that industry professionals—from designers to supply chain managers—are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate these new paradigms. As fashion becomes increasingly focused on sustainability, educational institutions, businesses, and governments must collaborate to provide the necessary training, skill development, and awareness-building initiatives.[2]

Educational programs that incorporate principles of sustainable design, resource efficiency, and environmental impact reduction are essential to preparing future generations of fashion professionals to work in a circular economy. Additionally, capacity building—the process of developing the skills, knowledge, and competencies of the workforce—helps individuals within the industry adapt to circular models, whether it be through learning to design for longevity, managing waste, or innovating with sustainable materials.

This review explores the critical importance of education and capacity building for advancing the integration of circular economy principles within the fashion sector. It delves into the current landscape of fashion education and highlights the necessity of skill development in areas such as sustainable sourcing, eco-conscious design, ethical manufacturing, and waste management. Moreover, it examines how awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and governments can collectively accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable and circular fashion system. The review further discusses how embedding these principles into the core of fashion education will not only empower professionals to make informed decisions but also create a ripple effect, inspiring greater environmental responsibility and pushing the industry towards long-term transformation.