Integrating Circular Economy Principles in Fashion Development: an Apparel Industry Case Study

Integrating Circular Economy (CE) principles into fashion design requires designers to consider environmental impact, material, end-of-life, social, and ethical factors during concept development. Despite growing industry interest in CE, integrating it at the design stage as Circular Fashion Concept Development Process (CFCDP) remains underexplored. This study examines how CE principles can be embedded into the CFCDP within the Asian Textile and Apparel (TnA) industry. A multiple case study methodology was employed across three Sri Lankan apparel export companies (X, Y and Z) supplying three western brands (A, B, and C) in EU, UK and USA. Data collection includes literature review, semi-structured interviews, and direct and participant observations, applying a theory-adaptation approach that integrates established CFCDP frameworks with empirical insights. Findings reveal that while all three brands follow similar concept development process, CE adaptation varies. The study identifies designer involvement and the value of collaboration with industrial designers and co-creation as enablers of circularity. Two conceptual frameworks are proposed for the CFCDP: a flowchart and a swimlane diagram illustrating how internal departments, brand designers, and industrial designers can collaborate in CE implementation, both incorporating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) within iterative design processes. This study contributes novel frameworks that bridge theory and practice in circular fashion design, offering a structured approach for integrating CE principles into early concept development and supporting both academic researchers and industry transformation.