1

getting started

Set yourself up for success and check off the right boxes before diving in

time estimation

5 hr 30 min

key outcomes

After completing Module 1, you will have a common foundational knowledge of the circular economy and a thorough understanding of circular business models, their archetypes, impact potential and best practices. From this, you will build alignment on what a successful rental or resale model looks like for your brand.
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Module 1 will also equip you with a clear understanding of the journey ahead and the resources and buy-in needed to get started.

A

Understanding the urgency

1

Use the Urgency for Circular Business Models slides to kick-off the project and establish a common understanding, amongst your team, of the need for and benefits of circular business models.

2

Then complete the Key Elements of the Circular Economy tool to understand the key principles of the circular economy and see what else your company can consider when it comes to circularity.

tools

Urgency for Circular Business Models

Establish a baseline understanding of why circular business models are critically needed in the apparel industry.

Urgency for Circular Business Models

Establish a baseline understanding of why circular business models are critically needed in the apparel industry.

Key Elements of the Circular Economy Workshop

Understand the key principles of the circular economy, assess how well your organisation is doing and identify which circular strategies you can focus on next.

Key Elements of the Circular Economy Workshop

Understand the key principles of the circular economy, assess how well your organisation is doing and identify which circular strategies you can focus on next.

RECOMMENDED READING

A new textiles economy: Redesigning fashion’s future

Read on the Ellen MacArthur Foundation website

The transition to food fashion

Read on the Drift website

The circularity gap report

Read on the Circularity Gap Reporting Initiative website

The key elements of the circular economy framework

Read on the Circle Economy website

Elephant in the boardroom: Why unchecked consumption is not an option in tomorrow’s markets

Read on the World Resources Institute website

b

Understanding circular business models

1

Start by using the Circular Business Model Archetypes presentation to gain an overview of the various business model archetypes and be inspired by their application in the market.

2

Then complete the Garment Interview to generate insights on why particular garments are—or are not—well suited for resale or rental.

tools

Circular Business Model Archetypes

Gain an overview of the various business model archetypes available and find inspiration in how apparel brands are currently applying them in the market.

Circular Business Model Archetypes

Gain an overview of the various business model archetypes available and find inspiration in how apparel brands are currently applying them in the market.

The Garment Interview

Generate insights on why particular garments are—or are not—well suited for resale or rental.

The Garment Interview

Generate insights on why particular garments are—or are not—well suited for resale or rental.

RECOMMENDED READING

Service-based business models & circular strategies for textiles

Read on Sitra’s slideshare profile

Something old, something borrowed: The rise of resale and rental in fashion

Read on the Circle Economy website

c

Getting sign-off from the top

1

Use the Internal MOU to clarify with senior management the scope of the project, its intended outcomes and the human and financial resources needed to successfully execute it.

tools

Internal MOU

Get commitment for the project from senior management by clearly defining the scope and intended outcomes of the project and the financial and human resources needed to deliver it.

Internal MOU

Get commitment for the project from senior management by clearly defining the scope and intended outcomes of the project and the financial and human resources needed to deliver it.

RECOMMENDED READING

Drivers and barriers to circular business models in apparel: A framework

Read on the Circular Toolbox website

d

Selecting and getting to know your team

1

Use the Team Canvas to learn about each other’s skills, motivations and allergies, build trust and define common goals and working methods.

tools

The Team Canvas

Learn about each other, build trust and define common goals.

The Team Canvas

Learn about each other, build trust and define common goals.

e

Establishing your goals and success criteria

1

Use the CBM Success Criteria Canvas to align on concrete goals for your company, your customers and your impact and to answer the question: ‘What does a successful circular business model look like to us?’

tools

Circular Business Model Success Criteria Canvas

Answer the question: ‘What does a successful rental or resale model look like to us?

Circular Business Model Success Criteria Canvas

Answer the question: ‘What does a successful rental or resale model look like to us?

LISTEN TO HOW OTHER BRANDS GOT STARTED

Episode 1 of the Switching Gear podcast charts the very beginning of your journey: the start-up phase. This is a make or break moment for many—when nothing has started, but everything can be lost; when you need to convince others that this is a worthwhile pursuit, free up the resources to make it happen and put noses in the same direction…
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Join Asket, Lindex, ETP and Kuyichi and your hosts, Gwen Cunningham and Hélène Smits, as they look back on the beginning of their own journey into resale and rental models.

next steps

Getting started

Understanding the customer and the market

Prototyping your concept

Fine-tuning your business model

Piloting your business model