Samenvatting

This thesis is written for Modint, the trade association that consults companies for the fashion- and textile industry in the Netherlands. Pursuing a circular economy is a worldwide priority and the EPR legislation also known as Extended Producer Responsibility, requires the fashion- and textile industry to convert their current linear chain to a circular and/or more sustainable chain. The key objective of this research is to identify ways in which the entire chain of 100% cotton shirts could be improved to become circular so that the entire sector can jointly contribute to the EPR targets.
 
The methodology chosen was a combination of approaches for identifying the current linear chain of cotton shirts and the adjustments to this chain required for the shift to a circular chain. Hereby, the challenges and demands of the target group were examined along with the possibilities of recycling their products at a high level of quality. To be able to demonstrate this circular process, solutions were examined to increase traceability and transparency in the chain.
 
Considerable concessions must be made to keep the balance between a long life and a circular chain in proportion. In the sector, many developments are already taking place around sustainability and circularity. The way to a circular chain can be accomplished by designing for recycling such as the use of mono materials, high-quality fibres and disassemble components in shirts. Furthermore, improved collection and sorting of clothing waste and textile innovation in recycling techniques to obtain high-quality fibres via a closed loop system are of importance, with chemical recycling being the preferred option. This requires more cooperation across the chain and concepts to increase traceability and transparency.
 
Based on these outcomes and conclusions, a manual has been developed for target group businesses which informs the target group on how to obtain a circular chain for men’s shirts.