At Design Works we have a strong belief in sustainability and reducing the impact of our business on the environment by making use of a circular economy. The circular economy is an economic model designed to minimize waste and make the most of resources. Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a "take, make, dispose" pattern, the circular economy aims to close the loop by promoting the continuous use, recycling, and regeneration of products and materials. The key principles of a circular economy include:
Design for Longevity: Products are designed to have a longer lifespan, be easily repairable, and upgradeable to extend their usability. At Design Works our quality products are wearable for many years and stay looking great, we believe in slow fashion.
Reuse: Encouraging the reuse of products or components to maximize their lifespan and reduce the need for new production. We sell reusable cotton shopping bags and are looking for more ways to reduce our use of single use plastics.
Remanufacturing: Refurbishing and restoring products to their original or near-original condition, extending their life and reducing the demand for new manufacturing.
Recycling: Efficiently recovering and recycling materials from products at the end of their life cycle to create new products. We are adding more products to our rPET range which uses recycled plastic waste and fabric offcuts to create new items of clothing.
Resource Efficiency: Optimizing the use of resources, minimizing waste, and reducing the environmental impact of production and consumption. The printing technique of sublimation used on our clothing creates zero waste in dye products which has a positive impact on the environment.
Sharing Economy: Promoting the sharing of goods and services to maximize their use and minimize the overall demand for new products.
Digital Technology Integration: Leveraging technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), to track and optimize the use of resources, improve efficiency, and enable innovative business models.
The circular economy is seen as a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear economy, as it aims to reduce environmental impact, decrease resource depletion, and create a more resilient and regenerative economic system. Governments, businesses, and individuals are increasingly recognizing the importance of adopting circular economy principles to address environmental challenges and promote a more sustainable future.
