Circular Fashion: Design, Science and Value in a Sustainable Clothing Industry from edX

The fashion industry has a large influence on the global economy and is more and more known for its social and environmental impact. Everywhere, new sustainable initiatives are arising from recycling, upcycling to creating clothes from compostable materials. Circularity tough, is a complex phenomenon. What will the future bring us? Are we indeed going to decompose our clothes in our own garden?

The MOOC Circular Fashion: Design, Science and Value in a Sustainable Clothing Industry brings you a comprehensive introduction in circular fashion brought to you by roughly thirty different experts from both academia and practice. You will learn about the versatile task of transitioning towards circular fashion, from the unique collaboration between Wageningen University & Research, ArtEZ University of the Arts and many other experts.

After the course you will know the core concepts and tools to help better understand circular economy in the fashion industry. Some of the topics that are covered focus on understanding the challenge of recycling, design for circularity, alternative textiles through biobased innovation and circular business modelling to help bring innovations to the market.

For whom?

This course will provide designers, retailers, scientists, engineers and all working at the industry or with an interest in fashion with holistic insights in the complex challenges of circular fashion, while engaging you to start the transition to circularity within your personal and/or professional practices. We will bring together art, design and science to move beyond an ego-centric approach of fashion and start from an ecosystems perspective.

Learn the theory, understand the practice and start your own circular fashion journey. Join the movement towards a circular fashion industry!

What you'll learn

1. The difference between sustainability & circularity

Constructing identity through consumption
The difference between eco to ego in fashion
Design for circularity
Reflect on design thinking

2. Ecosystem circularity

Individual agency and organic collectives in fashion
Critique small-scale solutions
Ecosystems in nature
Challenge of governing the transition towards circularity from outsourcing countries

3. Closing the loop in fashion

The complexity of textiles
Challenges and opportunities of textile recycling
Understand the loop of organic- and synthetic textiles
Challenge of textile blends
Design for recycling and disassembly

4. Biobased innovation and new materialism

Learn about future raw materials
New production processes
Production capacity, automation and upscaling
Forecasting biomaterials in fashion
Debating fast fashion and online marketing

5. Business as crafting value

Circular business modelling
Circular business in second hand clothing market
Learn about a new economic paradigm
Understand investment and acceleration
Insight into blockchain
How blockchain can be used for transparency in the fashion value chain
Understand fashion from a retail perspective
E-commerce and circular retail models

What's inside

Learning objectives

Constructing identity through consumption
The difference between eco to ego in fashion
Design for circularity
Reflect on design thinking
Individual agency and organic collectives in fashion
Critique small-scale solutions
Ecosystems in nature
Challenge of governing the transition towards circularity from outsourcing countries
The complexity of textiles
Challenges and opportunities of textile recycling
Understand the loop of organic- and synthetic textiles
Challenge of textile blends
Design for recycling and disassembly

Learn about future raw materials
New production processes
Production capacity, automation and upscaling
Forecasting biomaterials in fashion
Debating fast fashion and online marketing
Circular business modelling
Circular business in second hand clothing market
Learn about a new economic paradigm
Understand investment and acceleration
Insight into blockchain
How blockchain can be used for transparency in the fashion value chain
Understand fashion from a retail perspective
E-commerce and circular retail models

Constructing identity through consumption
The difference between eco to ego in fashion
Design for circularity
Reflect on design thinking
Individual agency and organic collectives in fashion
Critique small-scale solutions
Ecosystems in nature
Challenge of governing the transition towards circularity from outsourcing countries
The complexity of textiles
Challenges and opportunities of textile recycling
Understand the loop of organic- and synthetic textiles
Challenge of textile blends
Design for recycling and disassembly
Learn about future raw materials
New production processes
Production capacity, automation and upscaling
Forecasting biomaterials in fashion
Debating fast fashion and online marketing
Circular business modelling
Circular business in second hand clothing market
Learn about a new economic paradigm
Understand investment and acceleration
Insight into blockchain
How blockchain can be used for transparency in the fashion value chain
Understand fashion from a retail perspective
E-commerce and circular retail models

Syllabus

Module 1: Translation and interpretations

Introduction to terms and concepts such as sustainability and circularity, understanding the role of eco in fashion. First introduction to design for circularity.

Module 2: Ecosystem circularity

Understanding the role of ecosystems in fashion. How to disrupt current thinking and mindset in the fashion industry and govern this transition.

Module 3: Closing the loop

Introduction to the complexity of materials and recycling of textiles. Understand the importance of design for disassembly and recycling.

**Module 4: Biobased innovation & new materialism **

Learn about new biobased materials for textiles, understand the change in production processes and reflect on the future influence of biobased materials in fashion.

Module 5: Business as crafting value

Introduction to economic paradigms and new forms of value creation for circularity in the fashion industry. Understand investment and acceleration and circular retail models.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores sustainability, circularity, and future materials and processes, which is standard in the fashion industry

Taught by experts in fashion, design, and science from Wageningen University, ArtEZ University of the Arts, and more

Develops skills used in business modeling, design thinking, and sustainable practices, which are essential for the fashion industry

Introduces blockchain, which is of growing relevance in the fashion industry

Examines the environmental impact of fashion, which is highly relevant to emerging trends in consumerism and sustainability

Multi-modal with videos, readings, and discussions, which provides a variety of learning experiences

Reviews summary

Circular fashion: groundbreaking course

Learners say that this groundbreaking fashion course is engaging, informative, well-made, and insightful. Students love the interactive assignments and appreciate the practical nature of this course. Overall, this course exceeded expectations and completely changed the career paths of many learners.

The instructors are experts in their fields and knowledgeable in sustainability and circularity.

"The best I have ever done! I have learnt a lot, and in a very dynamic way! I highly recommend it!"

"The lecturers are very dynamic and the test and questions very interactive."

"The course is a real deep dive in sustainable fashion. I learned a lot from it and working in the textile industry was very useful to really understand different concepts on what is needed for the fashion industry to become really sustainable in the coming years"

"The speakers are very engaging and knowledgeable about the subject matter."

The course content is thorough, academic, and up-to-date.

"It was very interesting and rewarding. Happy with the scientific contributions of research and development for innovation."

"A very detailed and academic course, with plenty of interesting resources and reference material."

"This was one of the best online courses I've ever made! Very informative, complete and well made."

"The content of this online course holds many keys which will open many doors for those in the fashion industry."

The course has inspired many learners to pursue careers in sustainability and circular fashion.

"This course completely changed the trajectory of my career and what I thought I wanted to do in my life."

"I give five stars to the course that changed my life."

"But it gave me hope to find a conscious and sustainable path to do things right."

A small number of students found the course to be boring and difficult to understand.

"I tried this course and here's the thing: it gives you knowledge on pollution and what needs to be done. the problem is it's so boring you have to listen to a person staring at the camera for 6 minutes at a time and answer questions."

"Using various virtual teaching methods."

"I love the topic, so it’s very interesting. There are so many informations and the other people are great."

"Unfortunately my English is not perfect, so it’s hard to understand everything."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Circular Fashion: Design, Science and Value in a Sustainable Clothing Industry with these activities:

Create a Digital Portfolio of Course Materials

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Organize and store your course materials for easy reference and future use.

Browse courses on Note-Taking

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Review lecture notes, readings, and assignments.
Create a digital folder or notebook for each module.
Categorize and save materials based on topic and relevance.
Add any additional notes, summaries, or reflections.

Volunteer at a Clothing Repair or Upcycling Organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to promoting circular fashion practices.

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Identify local clothing repair or upcycling organizations.
Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering.
Attend scheduled volunteering sessions.
Assist with tasks such as repairing clothes, sorting donations, or promoting upcycling.

Read Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things.

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This book challenges the concept of sustainability and pushes for a new way of thinking about the design and production of products. It will help you lay a strong foundation for the course concepts.

View Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make... on Amazon

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Read the introduction and first two chapters to get an overview of the main concepts.
Identify three key takeaways from the book.
Reflect on how these concepts apply to the fashion industry.

Four other activities

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Attend a Workshop on Sustainable Fashion Practices

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Connect with experts and practitioners in the field to gain insights and best practices.

Browse courses on Sustainable Fashion

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Identify relevant workshops or webinars on sustainable fashion.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.
Connect with other attendees and speakers.

Learn about Textile Recycling Techniques

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Recycling is a crucial aspect of circular fashion. Explore different textile recycling techniques to understand their potential.

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Watch online tutorials on mechanical and chemical recycling methods.
Identify the advantages and limitations of each technique.
Consider the environmental implications of different recycling processes.

Practice Design Thinking for Circularity

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Design thinking is essential for creating circular fashion products. Engage in exercises that encourage this approach.

Browse courses on Design Thinking

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Identify a fashion problem and define it from a circularity perspective.
Generate multiple ideas for circular design solutions.
Prototype and test one of your ideas.
Iterate and refine your design based on feedback.

Develop a Business Model for a Circular Fashion Brand

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Explore innovative business models that support circular fashion principles.

Browse courses on Circular Business Models

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Research existing circular business models in the fashion industry.
Identify the key elements of a successful circular business model.
Develop a business model canvas for a hypothetical circular fashion brand.
Present your business model to peers or industry experts.

Career center

Learners who complete Circular Fashion: Design, Science and Value in a Sustainable Clothing Industry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Fashion Designer

Fashion Designers plan and execute the creation of clothing and accessories. A deep understanding of fashion's impact on the environment and growing consumer desire for sustainable products is important for Fashion Designers. This course educates learners on circular fashion and the drive to decompose and recycle clothing. It covers the unique collaboration between Wageningen University & Research, ArtEZ University of the Arts, and many other experts in this field. It also covers the challenge of recycling, design for circularity, alternative textiles through biobased innovation, and circular business modeling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Designer

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants provide expertise to companies and organizations on how to operate in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible way. Knowledge of the circular fashion industry is useful for Sustainability Consultants. This course helps build a foundation for this knowledge by educating learners about the difference between sustainability and circularity. It also discusses topics such as design for circularity, ecosystem circularity, closing the loop in fashion, biobased innovation, and business as crafting value. These topics are relevant to the work of Sustainability Consultants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Textile Engineer

Textile Engineers research and develop new fibers, yarns, fabrics, and finishes for use in a variety of products. Knowledge of circular fashion industry is useful for Textile Engineers. This course can help build a foundation for this knowledge by educating learners about the challenge of recycling, design for recycling and disassembly, and the loop of organic and synthetic textiles. These topics are relevant to the work of Textile Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Textile Engineer

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists conduct research and develop solutions to environmental problems. Knowledge of circular fashion industry is useful for Environmental Scientists. This course can help build a foundation for this knowledge by covering topics such as sustainability and circularity, ecosystem circularity, and biobased innovation and new materialism. These topics are relevant to the work of Environmental Scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Fashion Marketing Manager

Fashion Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns for fashion products and brands. Knowledge of circular fashion is useful for Fashion Marketing Managers. This course may be useful for understanding fashion from a retail perspective and e-commerce and circular retail models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Marketing Manager

Fashion Buyer

Fashion Buyers purchase服装 and accessories for retail stores. Knowledge of circular fashion is useful for Fashion Buyers. This course may be useful for learning how to understand fashion from a retail perspective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Buyer

Fashion Journalist

Fashion Journalists write about fashion trends, designers, and events for newspapers, magazines, and websites. Knowledge of circular fashion is useful for Fashion Journalists. This course may be useful for learning about the difference between sustainability and circularity. It also covers topics such as design for circularity, ecosystem circularity, and biobased innovation. These topics are relevant to the work of Fashion Journalists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Journalist

Fashion Photographer

Fashion Photographers take pictures of clothing and accessories for fashion magazines, websites, and advertisements. Knowledge of circular fashion may be useful for Fashion Photographers. This course may be useful for learning about the difference between sustainability and circularity. It also covers topics such as design for circularity and ecosystem circularity. These topics are relevant to the work of Fashion Photographers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Photographer

Fashion Stylist

Fashion Stylists put together outfits for models, celebrities, and other clients. Knowledge of circular fashion may be useful for Fashion Stylists. This course may be useful for learning about the difference between sustainability and circularity. It also covers topics such as design for circularity and ecosystem circularity. These topics are relevant to the work of Fashion Stylists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Stylist

Fashion Educator

Fashion Educators teach courses on fashion design, fashion history, and other fashion-related topics at colleges and universities. Knowledge of circular fashion is useful for Fashion Educators. This course may be useful for learning about the difference between sustainability and circularity. It also covers topics such as design for circularity and ecosystem circularity. These topics are relevant to the work of Fashion Educators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Educator

Fashion Researcher

Fashion Researchers study fashion trends, history, and culture. Knowledge of circular fashion is useful for Fashion Researchers. This course may be useful for learning about the difference between sustainability and circularity. It also covers topics such as design for circularity and ecosystem circularity. These topics are relevant to the work of Fashion Researchers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Researcher

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials for use in a variety of products. Knowledge of circular fashion is useful for Materials Scientists. This course may be useful for learning about biobased innovation and new materialism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and operate chemical plants and other facilities that produce chemicals and other products. Knowledge of circular fashion is useful for Chemical Engineers. This course may be useful for learning about biobased innovation and new materialism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build machines, engines, and other mechanical devices. Knowledge of circular fashion is useful for Mechanical Engineers. This course may be useful for learning about biobased innovation and new materialism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and build electrical systems and devices. Knowledge of circular fashion is useful for Electrical Engineers. This course may be useful for learning about biobased innovation and new materialism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer