REPORT: STITCHING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

A Glance of Circularity in the Textile Industry

Published by CL2B

The current textile ecosystem predominantly operates on a linear model, with only limited circularity principles in place. As one of the most successful offspring of the industrial revolution, textiles have evolved from crafted luxury items, rich in cultural significance, into products affordable for everyone. Today, fashion goes beyond merely covering the body; it embodies personal identity and serves diverse needs, from enhancing athletic performance to providing functional, comfortable, and high-performing clothing for various human activities, such as anti-odor or waterproof apparel.

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However, the entire system—from material use to resource efficiency and recovery—requires an urgent redesign to limit the negative environmental impacts of fashion consumption. At CL2B, we have spent the past six years working in the textile sector, focusing on post-industrial waste management, material innovation, and extending the supply chain for textile waste materials. We believe in everyone’s right to be beautiful, and we recognize that textile innovation has always been, and will continue to be, a vital part of human identity and development. We also believe that the textile industry must be reimagined—from how we conduct business, wear clothes, and handle textile waste—to ensure a sustainable future. Since 2019, CL2B has hosted roundtables on fabric scrap discussions, engaging international brands and development agencies. While these conversations are still in their early stages, interest and motivation have grown significantly. Despite this progress, we are yet to fully grasp the scale of the problem—data remains insufficient to validate the true impact or potential benefits of the shift toward circularity in textiles. And we have yet to delve deeply into technical textiles, home furnishings, and other textile product groups.

"Stitching a Sustainable Future" is our commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering dialogue with all stakeholders. It reflects our perspectives and invites feedback, debates, and discussions on how Southeast Asia and production countries can position themselves for a sustainable textile future.