US' Tapestry joins Ellen MacArthur to drive circularity in fashion

The partnership builds upon Tapestry's existing circular business models, such as Coach (Re)Loved, which refurbishes and upcycles Coach products to reduce landfill waste. Since its launch in April 2021, the programme has given new life to over 20,000 items across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China. Kate Spade New York has also taken steps towards a circular future, partnering with ThredUP to offer pre-loved styles and trade-in options for customers, the company said in a statement.

"Circularity is critical to building a more sustainable and resilient fashion industry. At Tapestry, our brands are contributing to a future that is both beautiful and responsible, and we look forward to collaborating with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Network and Fashion Initiative Advisory Board to continue to tackle pressing climate challenges and generate even more momentum behind the circular economy," said Logan Duran, vice president, ESG and Sustainability.

Education and training in circular design principles are crucial for driving change in the fashion industry. Tapestry has already held its inaugural Circular Design Workshop for Coach and Kate Spade New York designers and launched the Coach (Re)Loved Craftsperson Apprenticeship Program and the CFDA x Coach Dream It Real Circular Design Scholarship.

Tapestry's Fiscal Year 2022 Corporate Responsibility report highlighted further sustainability initiatives, such as submitting new greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and increasing the sourcing of environmentally preferred materials.

"A circular economy for fashion creates better products and services for customers, contributes to a resilient and thriving fashion industry, and regenerates the environment. Together we can make fashion circular and help tackle the root causes of global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. We are pleased to welcome Tapestry as a Network Partner and look forward to facilitating collaboration opportunities with other Network organisations and supporting the company on its circular economy journey," said Joe Murphy, executive lead, network, Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)