A STUDY ON CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN CLOTHING: A PATHWAY TO SUSTAINABLE FASHION AND SOCIAL IMPACT ON H&M’S RECYCLE PROGRAM

The circular economy (CE) is an economic model that prioritizes sustainability by keeping resources in use for as long as possible through recycling, reusing, and regenerating materials. Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a "take, make, dispose" approach, CE aims to create a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and reduces the need for new raw materials. The fashion industry, a major contributor to environmental pollution and waste, has increasingly adopted CE principles to address issues like excessive textile waste and high carbon emissions. Fast fashion, with its rapid production cycles, exacerbates these challenges by encouraging disposable consumption patterns. Companies like H&M have launched initiatives such as the H&M Conscious recycling program to promote sustainability by collecting and repurposing old garments. While these efforts align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production, challenges remain in scaling up recycling processes and ensuring long-term impact. This research evaluates H&M’s recycling program, its effectiveness in advancing the circular economy, and its broader environmental and social implications for the fashion industry. Keywords: Circular Economy (CE), Sustainability, Fast Fashion, Recycling, Waste Reduction, H&M Conscious Initiative, Sustainable Development Goals.