Design out waste and pollution
Harness new technologies and materials to avoid waste in the first place
Circular Design
with
Seljak Brand
In this workshop Samantha Seljak discusses Seljak Brand's circular model, explaining how precious resources are cycled again and again at their highest material value.
INTRODUCTION
What is circular economy?
The phrase was coined by Ellen MacArthur after her personal experience sailing around the world and having to use energy and manage her waste as carefully as possible to survive on her sailboat. She harnessed the insights from her sailing experience, and synthesised the work of many others, to inform a model for using resources in loops. The Ellen Macarthur Foundation (EMF) is now the leading global organisation for promoting the transition to a circular economy.
CIRCULAR MODEL
Seljak Brand’s Circular Model
Seljak Brand’s circular model uses pre- and post- consumer textiles waste, renewable energy, a return system and remanufacturing to ensure resources, like precious wool waste, are cycled again and again at their highest material value:
Keep products and materials in use
Reuse, repair, remanufacture, recycle
Regenerate natural systems
Return nutrients to the soil and to ecosystems
CONSIDERATION
Design for textiles circularity
Explore 6 areas to consider when designing for textiles circularity.
Material selection
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How thirsty is the fiber used? Does it need a lot of processing to be usable? Can it be recycled? Our general rule of thumb is to use or choose regenerated cellulosics like recycled cotton or recycled wool, or renewable resources grown using regenerative or organic farming practices.
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Closing the loop – recycling – with mixed fibers is more difficult than with mono-fiber garments, so are the chosen fabrics made with one type of fiber (be it 100% cotton, 100% wool, 100% modal etc)?
Designing for disassembly
- Can the garment can be disassembled easily, or repaired – can zippers, buttons and tags be easily removed and replaced?
- Does it have longevity? Does it transcend trends and can it be worn again and again?
Manufacturing
- Is it made in a facility where energy is powered by renewables?
- Is waste water treated and reused?
- Is chemical use minimised and disposed of responsibly?
Packaging & transportation
- Are you recycling or composting the packaging?
- Are you buying local to reduce transport miles?
Use & care
- Are you keeping the garment in good shape? Are you repairing it if necessary? By patching holes and replacing buttons, for example, garments hold their value for longer.
- Are you letting it air out to freshen rather than washing it when it’s not actually soiled? Are you spot cleaning to avoid machine washing? If it’s polyester are you using a microfibre filter in your washing machine?
After-use & end of life
- Are you re-homing the garment when you don’t want it?
Remember to only donate it if it’s stain-free/ hole-free and in excellent condition. If it’s in great condition you can also use services like Swop to even get some of your money back. - If it’s not donatable, you can return it to the manufacturer if they offer a closed loop service.
Or if clothes are completely unusable, you can send it to
Upparel or another recycling service. - Have you thought about ways to upcycle it? Find ways to turn it into something more beautiful. For example, Shop Toni makes beautiful coats from old Seljak Brand blankets people no longer want.
- Do you need rags around the house? If all of the above options are exhausted, try to use it practically for as long as possible to avoid it going to landfill.