Circular Economy
Turning Excess into Opportunity: Overproduction, Overconsumption, and the Rise of Deadstock Fashion
Critical Question?
How can the fashion industry rethink overproduction and overconsumption, turning what was once seen as waste into valuable resources through deadstock innovation?
We explore the circular economy and the connection between overproduction and overconsumption, its impact on people and the planet and the opportunity created to protect the environment and its inhabitants.
Statistics & Business Opportunity
The fashion industry overproduces 30-40% of garments annually, contributing to the 92 million tons of waste generated globally by the fashion sector. Brands that address this through deadstock innovation can drastically reduce waste.
The deadstock fabric market is growing, with estimates that brands can reduce material costs by 30-50% by repurposing unused or surplus materials. Companies like Reformation and Zero Waste Daniel have built business models around deadstock, catering to the increasing consumer demand for sustainable fashion.
A study by ThredUp predicts the resale market will grow 127% by 2026. Incorporating deadstock into circular business models can increase customer loyalty, as 80% of consumers prefer sustainable options when available.