3.1 Introduction

Circular design is the glue that holds materials, design and business models together. It empowers designers and ignites change. It motivates creatives to look at products in an entirely different way and enables access to options beyond selecting organic and recycled materials”  

• Esther Verbung, EVP Sustainable Business and Innovation, Tommy Hilfiger  

So, what is circular design?  

It is a school of thought that encompasses: 

• Circular Economy Principles  
• Systems Thinking 

“The circular economy is a systems solution framework that empowers people to address global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, waste and pollution. it relies on three principles, all driven by design: 

1. Eliminate waste and pollution
2. Circulate products and materials
3. Regenerate nature

• Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Circular Design for Fashion Book  

Circular design is key in a circular economy, where things are made to last and be used again. It’s about using renewable materials and energy, creating a strong and eco-friendly economic model. This shift is more than just fixing today’s waste problems; it’s a big change benefiting people, businesses, and the environment. In fashion and beyond, it means rethinking everything from products to processes. Digital innovation helps speed up this circular shift, making materials better and tracing fashion products easily. Circular design is a powerful tool for a creative and resilient fashion industry, based on interdisciplinary collaboration and iterative processes that support continuous development and learning.