Bcard

Circular Revenue Model

Circular revenue models focus on generating income in ways that promote sustainability, such as through recycling, upcycling, and reusing materials. This includes traditional models like direct sales and innovative approaches like subscription services and digital platforms, aligning with sustainable practices.

VET: How can fashion companies make money while also helping the environment by reusing and recycling?

HEI: What are the key components of circular revenue models in the fashion system, and how can they be implemented to drive sustainability and profitability?


Circular revenue models focus on generating income while promoting sustainability by recycling, upcycling, and reusing materials. These models offer fashion companies the opportunity to create value not only through direct sales but also by adopting innovative approaches such as subscription services, rental models, and digital platforms. By aligning their revenue strategies with sustainable practices, companies can reduce waste and improve their environmental footprint while maintaining profitability.

This unit explores the key components of circular revenue models and how they can be implemented in the fashion system to drive both sustainability and profitability.

Case Studies

For Days
For Days is a zero-waste fashion brand that has implemented a subscription-based model, allowing customers to exchange old garments for new ones. The old garments are then recycled into new items, closing the loop on textile waste and promoting a sustainable revenue stream based on recycling and customer loyalty.
Learn more about For Days

The R Collective
The R Collective is a sustainable fashion brand that creates collections from surplus fabrics, promoting recycling and upcycling. The brand collaborates with designers to create limited-edition pieces using waste materials, creating a unique revenue model based on transforming waste into fashion, thus contributing to both sustainability and profitability.
Learn more about The R Collective

Eileen Fisher Renew
Eileen Fisher Renew is a take-back program that allows customers to return worn Eileen Fisher garments, which are then cleaned, mended, and resold. This circular model generates revenue from both new and previously owned products, while promoting the reuse of garments and reducing waste.
Learn more about Eileen Fisher Renew

The Upcycle Project
The Upcycle Project is a brand that focuses on transforming waste materials into new, high-fashion pieces. By using discarded clothing and textiles, the brand reduces waste and creates a unique product offering that supports a circular revenue model. This approach helps the brand differentiate itself while promoting sustainable fashion practices.
Learn more about The Upcycle Project

References