Cleaning the loop. Driving consumer clothing circularity
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Glasgow
Department Name: Business School
Abstract
Closing the loop. Driving a post-consumer clothing circular economy
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES/P000681/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2027 | |||
| 2018982 | Studentship | ES/P000681/1 | 01/10/2017 | 15/02/2022 | Lynn Wilson |
| Description | The researcher undertook a multi-method, qualitative indepth study, engaging 30 consumers from households in Edinburgh and 8 industry representatives. New findings identified that the consumer experience of clothing circulation and disposal is determined by consumer experience which is: pathogenic, bacterial, proprioceptive, and perceptive and innovative. From this information four new areas of knowledge were generated: 1) The most significant contribution is Circsumer Contamination Management Theory (CCMT) which is proposed as a new theoretical framework to advance research in the field of clothing longevity and disposal. This framework is the first consumer behaviour framework that: a) addresses the physical and cognitive experience of consumer clothing longevity and disposal through the lens of contamination; b) discusses the corporeality of the lived experience in relation to clothing use and disposal choice; and c) posits the consumer as a collaborator in garment longevity and circularity but acknowledges that the consumer requires knowledge and skills to fully participate. 2) The Circsumer: The Circsumer is a new consumer model using a portmanteau of 'circular' and 'consumer'. The circsumer is an umbrella term, encompassing other consumer theories: anti-consumption, prosumer, consumer innovation, ethical consumer and collaborative consumer and sustainable conscious consumer. The uniqueness of the circsumer is in bringing together already recognised consumer behaviours that enable a circular economy to demonstrate that consumers are actively involved in circularity. This is opposed to the development of the circular economy, which is driven by industry and policy convinced that designing a new system for consumers is necessary. What the circsumer shows is where design, industry, and policy can support the consumer to achieve circularity. 3) Addition of eradication to the disposal taxonomy. To date binning has been used to refer to all clothing that is binned, therefore permanently disposed of in a way that it cannot be used again. From this research, in the main, it was clear that consumer reasons for using the bin are linked to the eradication of real contaminants that threaten the self or interpersonal relationships. Therefore, the consumer is performing an act of contamination eradication, not just binning a garment. 4) Interpersonal relationships have not been fully explored to date, and the findings revealed that partnerships and household interactions influence whether clothing is used or disposed of and further research is needed. Industry interviews were used, to examine where there is a disconnect between the current industrial textile reuse and recycling systems and consumers to improve consumer interaction with industry. The consumer participants from the research were identified as middle to upper middle class, and the research findings now need to be examined through the lens of wider social demographic groups to enable the findings to be proven. Strong relationships have been made with Edinburgh City Council library services, who are keen to support a mobile public library knowledge exchange exhibition about consumer clothing longevity. The researcher gained specialist skills in qualitative research such as NVIVO training, semi-structured interview skills, data analysis, academic presentation skills and academic writing skills and reflexive practice. |
| Exploitation Route | Academic research - the theoretical contributions now need to be peer reviewed and published. The Circsumer Contamination Management Theory was developed based on research with middle class consumers in Edinburgh and now needs to be tested in wider socio-demographic consumer households. Consumers - funding is being sourced to develop a consumer knowledge exchange exhibition tour through public libraries and the production of a small series of pamphlets that are consumer peer designed and reviewed with the research, based on the research findings. Industry - through industry knowledge exchange events, which the researcher has a strong network, information will be disseminated and shared as discussions around consumer messaging and clothing recycling systems. Platforms will include the Chartered Institute of Waste Management, the UK Textile Recycling Association and the Charity Retail Association. Policy - the research makes several policy recommendations related to legislation and there is an opportunity to present to the Scottish and UK Government bodies, managing consumer clothing reuse and recycling. The researcher has been invited to present to the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Working Group on the Circular Economy. This will be an opportunity to engage in a political dialogue about the research findings. |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Education,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Other |
| Description | This research has improved the quality of life, health and creative output of consumers in relation to a continuous series of events, public lectures, podcasts and printed reports shared with consumers that raise their awareness of how to extend the life of clothing and the importance of this, given the environmental impact that clothing has on the environment. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
| Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | Cornerstone Finance Fourword Podcast series |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Finance company podcast series on sustainable living. This session focused on sustainable clothing |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://tunein.com/podcasts/Technology-Podcasts/FourWord-Thinking-Podcast-p1358586/?topicId=15921372... |
| Description | A Spotlight on the Kimono - National Museum of Scotland |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This was a public lecture framing consumer clothing longevity by explaining how clothing is manufactured and the waste involved in the design and manufacturing process. By raising consumer awareness of the environmental impact of production, it was hoped, it would increase commitment to clothing longevity through care and repair. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.artrabbit.com/events/spotlight-on-the-kimono |
| Description | Article featured in the September 2019 edition of the Ethical Consumer managzine special 30th year edition |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Article written for the Ethical Consumer magazine, published online and in print September 2019. 800 words. Closing the loop Lynn Wilson, from the University of Glasgow, explores the best options to chose when a garment has reached the end of its useful life. In the accompanying article (p XX) on the climate impact of clothing we saw how important it was to reduce the need for new raw materials. Capturing and reusing what is already in circulation it a vital way to reduce the need for new raw materials. Recycling and local collections Local clothing recycling options usually include: • local charity shops, • recycling bins situated in car parks, • community recycling hubs, • boxes in retail outlets, and • cash for clothes businesses. Some local authorities provide household kerbside textile collection services which are then passed onto textile recycling companies. Recent data collected by WRAP in 2018, found that 30% of local authorities in the UK provide kerbside collections. Northern Ireland provides the best service at 64% followed by Wales at 32% and England 30%. Scotland was the poorest performing at only 19% of local authorities. Information about collections are found on local authority recycling websites. Is there anything that can't go in a recycling bin? It is always good to check what the recycling bin says it accepts before you deposit anything. Recycling bins require you to put clothing in plastic bags to protect them. Small mammals and insects can find their way into the recycling bins, therefore it's important to ensure clothing donations are protected to some degree. If the deposit entrance of the recycling bin is kept open or textiles forced into it, rain can also leak into the bins. If our clothing donations become damp in the recycling bin, they need to be destroyed. A good tip is to keep a bag hanging up in a dry cupboard for small, worn out garments such as cotton socks and pants. Not all charity shops or bins accept these rag bags but it is always worth asking. They can sell them to textile recycling companies to be recycled into industrial cleaning rags for heavy industry. Photo credit: Lynn Wilson Avoiding other contamination Before taking clothes to the recycling it also makes sense to ensure they have the best chance of being resold in the UK or at the very least that they do not contaminate the rest of the recycling collection. It is important therefore to check that; - garments are clean. Odours and dampness attach themselves to clean clothes and devalue the whole clothing consignment. - natural fibres such as silk and woollens do not have small holes or tiny featherlike string attached which are signs of moth larvae. Hidden larvae will spread very quickly onto other garments. Consumers have experienced buying woollens from charity shops, finding several months later a moth infestation has eaten through expensive household carpets and upholstery. - If garments are new or in good condition, that there are no easy to fix defects such as missing a button or dropped hem that could be simply mended before donating. What happens after recycling? According to the Charity Retail Association (2018) 'Only 5% of clothing donated to charity shops is discarded as waste. Textiles that cannot be sold (in shops) are sold to textile recyclers: these goods will either be recycled as fabric or exported as garments for sale overseas.' Approximately 80% of all donations go to overseas clients. The circulation of clothing is then lost in the UK. Moreover, research is needed that explores the impact of clothing donations sold outside the UK to fully understand the economic impact to local clothing economies. Fabric recycling processes A closed loop operates on the principle that all materials can be re-used again and again for their intended purpose. This works better with some materials than with others. Natural fibre clothing Cotton is a fibrous crop similar to our hair. Each time it is recycled the fibres reduce in strength and so mechanical processing can only be repeated two to three times replacing a percentage of new cotton with recycled and reducing the impact of farming natural fibres. Synthetic fibre clothing It is difficult to image life without waterproof jackets or high-performance running leggings. The fact that we can be comfortable wearing garments that mould to our silhouette and enable flexibility in our movement relies on elastane and other synthetic chemicals built into the material. Over 63% of clothing worn is made from polyester, nylon and acrylic . Advances in closed loop technology mean that there is the potential to recycle all petro-chemical-based clothing reducing the need for new fossil fuel materials. Eco-Circle? technology by Teijin was, for example, invented in 2002 . It can create fibres from PET bottles and other polyester products. Patagonia, launched the first recycled polyester fleece jacket in 2005. There are grave concerns however, that oil-based clothing has contributed to micro-fibres in our oceans. Technologists have developed various solutions including the Cora Ball , a ball that you can pop into your washing machine that acts as a filter collecting at least some of the microfibres before they enter the waste water. [box out] Before recycling The Charity Retail Association say on their website that the main thing to ask yourself before making a donation directly to a charity shop or in the recycling bin is "would someone else want this?". Hardly worn garments that feel too good for the recycling bin can obviously be collected as part of a clothes swap party or passed onto someone you know who will use it. Many community organisations in the UK that support the reuse and repair of clothing promote their events on the Love Your Clothes (LYC) website . LYC was launched in 2014 and is managed by WRAP. It acts as a resource portal to help consumers reuse, reduce and recycle and has valuable reports and learning resources that can be downloaded and shared. In addition, non-profit, organisations are emerging that collect new clothing with tags still on or nearly new to distribute to specific groups of people. Smartworks, for example, is a UK charity that provides new and nearly new work-orientated clothing for people trying to re-enter the job market who need support in sourcing smart interview clothing . Alicas support women in Scotland who have fled from abusive relationships without any possessions by giving them a freshly wrapped box of essential new clothing that is bespoke to their size and requirements. The clothing is sourced from public donations and ex retail stock. They only accept new clothing to ensure that recipients retain a sense of dignity at a time of crisis and vulnerability. [box ends] Lynn Wilson originally trained as a textile designer and is a circular economy specialist. She is currently a PhD research student working on a project in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, the ESRC and Ethical Consumer. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Attendance at G7 Meeting, Paris, 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Prepared a 10 minute presentation for Dr Aileen McLeod, MEP and accompanied her to present at a G7 workshop in Paris, about circular textiles in Scotland. Attended the conference and participated in a post conference workshop. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | BBC News - The Nine |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Expert commentator: 10-minute discussion with news anchor about the circular economy and clothing. Viewed by 33,000 members of the public. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Beyond Borders - Augmented Fashion Conference, Robert Gordon University |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Augmented Fashion: Bridging the Knowledge Gaps Existing in Technology and Clothing Design. Panel member |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Circular Clothing Models - Op Ed. 500 word article for The Sunday Post |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Op Ed article about the future of clothing models for a circular economy. 500 words print article in the national Scotland wide Sunday newspaper, The Sunday Post. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/hire-dress/ |
| Description | Clothing Consumption and the Circular Economy, Stockbridge Library, Edinburgh |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This was a promotional workshop aimed at recruiting participants for my PhD research fieldwork held on 11th January 2020, 14:00-16:00. The event was advertised extensively via social media and Stockbridge Library website. Attendees signed up via Eventbrite. The event was free and the capacity was 30. 30 people signed up but due to a storm occurring on the day only 7 people attended. The session involved a 2 hour workshop which included a 40 minute presentation introducing the circular economy and the purpose of the research. Participants then engaged in exploring an item of clothing from their own wardrobes in groups. What do you do when you've finished with an item of clothing? Find out more and be part of the research. About this Event Lynn Wilson is a PhD researcher at the Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow and is a circular economy expert who was part of the pioneering circular economy team at Zero Waste Scotland from 2013-2017. Lynn is working on a qualitative research project which explores what consumers do when they decide they no longer need a piece of clothing and discard it. She is looking for 25 households in the Edinburgh area willing to work with her and is interested in the decision making process of how consumers decide a piece of clothing should be binned, donated, stored or discarded in another way. This two hour session will include a 30 minute presentation from Lynn about the circular economy and advances in clothing technology that enable new clothing systems to happen but the challenges that need to be considered along the way. Lynn will also facilitate a one hour workshop where participants are asked to bring a garment from their own wardrobes to participate in a storytelling exercise mapping out the history of the garment and their relationship with it. Biography Lynn Wilson B. Des (Hons) M.A., MRes, FRSA Lynn Wilson is a designer and a specialist in circular economy business models and closed loop systems design. She is a visiting lecturer at various academic institutes throughout the UK, a public speaker on topics including industrial material closed loops and zero waste design. For the past 25 years she has worked within education, public and third sector organisations in the UK and internationally bringing a design perspective to the development of products and services in diverse locations from working with indigenous people in Botswana to complex policy led systems such as town planning and the circular economy. Until recently Lynn was the Sector Manager, Manufacturing in the pioneering Circular Economy Team at Zero Waste Scotland. In 2015 Lynn was awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship and visited Japan where she textile technology, heritage and designers working within the circular economy. Lynn is also a Non-Executive board member of Architecture and Design Scotland, a fellow of the RSA and a partner of Consumers International a UN partner project advancing the aims of the United National Sustainable Development Goals. Lynn is currently a PhD research student at the Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow where she has been awarded an ESRC PhD scholarship sponsored by the Ethical Consumer Research Association. The title of her research is 'Closing the loop. Driving circularity in consumer clothing disposal.' |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/clothing-consumption-and-the-circular-economy-with-lynn-wilson-ticket... |
| Description | Common Threads Podcast Series |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Series of guest podcasts about sustainable fashion, designed and produced by Common Threads. 40 minute podcast about clothing circularity |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://anchor.fm/commonthreadspodcast/episodes/EP--18-Making-Fashion-Circular-Again-with-Lynn-Wilso... |
| Description | Fashion industry panel discussion event faciliated by the London Waste Action Research Board |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | This event was held on 20th February organised by the London Waste Action Resource Board and funded by the C&A Foundation. 50 industry participants attended the event from industry. Ross Barry from LM Barry was recruited as a textile industry contact to be interviewed for the PhD research study. Exert from organisers email: Dear All We are thrilled you are able to participate as panellists for our upcoming circular fashion event. Within this email you will find some further details about the event to help you prepare. I am also delighted to introduce you to our Chair - Kirsty McGregor. Kirsty is the Editor of the fashion industry bible - Drapers .Please feel free to reach out and say hello to her. The key aim of the event is to share with, and inspire the audience in relation to circular business models. There will be a short presentation by myself and Kristina about the Circular Fashion Fast Forward project which we have been delivering with some of the panel. This will be followed by the panel discussion. Could you each prepare a 2 minute introduction to yourself and your work which Kirsty will ask you to share at the start of the panel. Please cover who you are, your role in contributing to circular business models and a key achievement (you do not need to use presentation but if you would like to use one or two slides let me know). After introductions Kirsty will ask the panel 5 key questions which you can find below before passing over to the audience for their questions. We are aiming for a small impactful event, and expect the audience to be a maximum of 50 people therefore please let me know if you have anyone specific you would like me to invite. There will also be a small clothes swap so bring something along if you would like to participate! Please find here the draft agenda for the event. Key messages In the light of our climate emergency, circular economy gives us a set of tools to help reduce emissions all along the supply chain The fashion industry has a lot to gain from implementing these - not just environmentally but also in terms of customer loyalty and return on investment These are the exciting actions that are already happening to deliver circular fashion business models There are still many barriers and further action that needs to happen Key Audience for event Retailers & brands also academics, enabling organisations like Forum for the future, SMEs, fashion media Panellists 1) David Quass - adidas, 2) Sara Asmoarp - FW Gear, 3) Thomas Berry - Farfetch, 4) Ross Barry - LM Barry, 5) Lynn Wilson - University of Glasgow (Circular Economy Wardrobe) Draft programme (timings may change) Arrive: 5.30 pm (drinks & nibbles available on arrival) Andrea Crump (LWARB) & Kristina Bull (QSA) opening presentation Circular Fashion business models: 5.45 - 6pm Panel Discussion : 6 - 6.45pm (2 mins intro each, followed by responses to 5/6 key questions based on key positions) Q&A: 6.45 - 7pm Wrap up: 7 - 7:05 pm Ali Moore (LWARB) intro of LNL and swap: 7:05pm - 7.10pm Network, nibbles & swap: 7.10 -7.45pm Closing: 8pm key questions Why is it important to move to CBMs for you/your business? What changes have you seen in demand for CBMs/sustainable business models? What are the key barriers preventing CBMs? What needs to happen to overcome these barriers? How can you be sure you are moving towards circularity? What measures? Trade-offs? Etc. What's next? |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Federation of American Women Clubs Overseas (FAWCO), Dalmahoy Hotel, Edinburgh - Biennal International Meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Supporters |
| Results and Impact | Keynote speaker and workshop - international women's organisation talking about the circular economy and the global context of climate change and the contribution of the textiles and clothing industry. Women participants attended from over 70 countries and there were 26 nationalities present at the workshop. The workshop was designed to encourage participants to think about their own behaviours and clothing collections and to discuss ways to extend the life of clothing as well as share out in ways that clothing was used and not 'hoarded'. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.fawco.org/images/stories/conference/2019_Edinburgh/Edinburgh_agenda_March_1.pdf |
| Description | Festival of Politics - Scottish Parliament (Online) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Online panel discussion. Other panellists included, Ian Gulland, CEO, ZWS |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Glasgow City Council/UofG/Glasgow Chamber of Commerce (Circular Glasgow) - Circular Textile Road Map workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | This was a workshop commissioned by Glasgow City Council in collaboration with Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and UofG, ASBS. I designed and managed the workshop for attendees to explore what a Circular Textile Route Map would look like and how it could be delivered in Glasgow. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | IBioIC Conference, Glasgow |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | IBiOC ( Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre) Conference. Curated and moderated an industry panel of clothing industry experts to discuss the future of fashion and biotechnology as solutions for a circular fashion industry. Panellists included representation from Ralph Lauren, Centre for Circular Textiles and A.C.S. Clothing (fashion rental). Audience were over 200 biotechnology experts. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | In person keynote presentation - NYTimes Climate Hub COP26 Fringe Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | In person keynote presentation - ACS Clothing and Creative Inverclyde (industry), COP26 fringe event, New York Times Climate Hub. Evening sustainable fashion event. I was the keynote speaker to an audience of 200 people. Public ticketed event as part of COP26 Glasgow 2020. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.creativeinverclyde.com/cop26 |
| Description | Introduction to circular clothing systems. Central Library, Edinburgh. Research participant recruitment event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This was a participant recruitment workshop held in the Central Library, Edinburgh on 29th January from 18:00-20:00. 50 people registered to attend the event and 30 people attended due to it being a stormy evening. 4 participants were recruited. Introduction to circular economic clothing systems for consumers, designers and industry professionals committed to a sustainable future. About this Event Lynn Wilson is a designer and a specialist in circular economy business models and closed loop systems design. She is a visiting lecturer at various academic institutes throughout the UK, a public speaker on topics including industrial material closed loops and zero waste design. For the past 25 years she has worked within education, public and third sector organisations in the UK and internationally bringing a design perspective to the development of products and services in diverse locations from working with indigenous people in Botswana to complex policy led systems such as town planning and the circular economy. Until recently Lynn was the Sector Manager, Manufacturing in the pioneering Circular Economy Team at Zero Waste Scotland. In 2015 Lynn was awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship and visited Japan where she researched textile technology, heritage and designers working within the circular economy. Lynn is also a Non-Executive board member of Architecture and Design Scotland, a fellow of the RSA and a partner of Consumers International a UN partner project advancing the aims of the United National Sustainable Development Goals. Lynn is currently a PhD research student at the Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow where she has been awarded an ESRC PhD scholarship sponsored by the Ethical Consumer Research Association. The title of her research is 'Closing the loop. Driving circularity in consumer clothing disposal.' |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction-to-circular-clothing-systems-what-are-you-wearing-ticket... |
| Description | Introduction to the Circular Economy, Ethical Consumer Research Association Annual Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | The Ethical Consumer Research Association conference is held every year in London. There were 55 participants from the conference attended my 'Introduction to the circular economy workshop'. The audience consisted of representatives from; industry, global finance, global IT, business start ups, students and fashion designers. Follow up included requests and phone meetings with Roberto Batisttoni, Head of Sustainability for IBM UK, MindbendingUK (ethical fashion business) Lee Klabin, (ethical fashion business) and Future Business Partnership (www.futurebusinesspartnership.com). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/ECRA%20Conference%20booklet%202019.... |
| Description | Introduction to the circular clothing systems. McDonald Road Library, Edinburgh |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This was a promotional workshop aimed at recruiting participants for my PhD research fieldwork held on 6th January 2020. The event was advertised extensively via social media and attendees signed up via Eventbrite. The event was free and the capacity was 20.18 people signed up and 11 people attended. The session involved a 2 hour workshop which included a 40 minute presentation introducing the circular economy and the purpose of the research. Participants then engaged in exploring an item of clothing from their own wardrobes in groups. From this workshop three participants were recruited. Researcher Lynn Wilson from the University of Glasgow will present an overview of her research and how participants can get involved. About this Event The clothing industry and consumer use of clothing has a major impact on the environment and climate change. It is vital that we find new ways of accessing, using and disposing of clothing. How we dispose of clothing at the end of their useful life determines how they will be used by someone else. Lynn Wilson is a circular economy specialist and is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Glasgow in collaboration with the Ethical Consumer Research Association. This event is an introduction to the purpose of the research and an invitation to anyone in Edinburgh to get involved in finding out more about what we do with clothing we no longer need. WORKSHOP Lynn will also facilitate a workshop aimed at engaging participants in a storytelling exercise about an item of clothing they own. Time table 18:00 - 18:30 Presentation by Lynn 18:30 -18:45 Questions 18:45 - 19:30 Participant workshop |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/out-with-old-in-with-the-new-whats-hanging-in-your-wardrobe-tickets-8... |
| Description | Keynote Speech - Closing Event for COP26, Circular Glasgow, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Keynote speaker, representing ASBS at the closing reception of the COP26 programme, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. Sharing insight into my research related to young people and the circular economy to a business audience. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Liverpool University, Fashion Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Student led fashion conference. I was invited to create a pre recorded video interview followed by a panel discussion about circular clothing. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.fashionrevolution.org/?ecwd_event=liverpool-fashion-summit |
| Description | My Climate Pathway - Schools Event for COP26 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | My Climate Pathway event, one day, schools and colleges event to engage young people in learning about climate change and the role of the fashion industry. A COP26 fringe event. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://glasgowchamberofcommerce.com/news/news/2021/november/12/the-final-show-young-people-came-tog... |
| Description | National Museum of Scotland - Sustainable Fashion Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Moderating a public event discussing the future of consumer clothing materials for the circular economy, focusing on a London designer manufacturing bark clothing. This event raised the importance of identifying new materials for consumer clothing longevity to reduce our reliance on polyester. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Public lecture in collaboration with Glasgow City Council |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This event was supported by the administration staff of the ASBS. 50-minute public lecture online. 'Introduction to the Circular Textile Road Map for Glasgow as part of Glasgow's Circular Economy Route Map.' |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://climatefringe.org/events/accelerating-glasgows-sustainable-future-mobilising-the-circular-te... |
| Description | United Nations Environment Programme - Working Group 3: Using Product Lifetime Extension to Advance Circular Economy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | United Nations Environment Programme - Working Group 3: Using Product Lifetime Extension to Advance Circular Economy. Moderator of a panel discussion about clothing longevity and 10 minute overview presentation about my research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |