Circular Economy in apparel: A sustainable step forward

An episode of the Changing Conversations Podcast podcast, hosted by SGS, titled "Circular Economy in apparel: A sustainable step forward" was published on July 22, 2025 and runs 37 minutes.

July 22, 2025 ·37m · Changing Conversations Podcast

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Summary

Are your sustainability efforts keeping pace with regulation, innovation, and customer expectations?Circularity is no longer a buzzword, it's a business imperative. But for many apparel and footwear leaders, turning intent into impact is still a complex journey. In this SGS Live Replay, we cut through the noise and offer real-world answers to the most urgent question facing the industry today. You’ll hear from two leading experts at SGS who are driving change across global supply chains:Valérie Cimetiere, Global Softlines Expert and active member of the European Committee for StandardizationDr. Min Zhu, Senior Director, Technical Services and Operations for Softlines, SGS Connectivity & Products, US and Canada, with two decades of experience in research, development, manufacturing and implementation within the global textile supply chain, she actively contributes to industry standards as a member of AATCC, ASTM, AAFA and other global organizationsWhether you're a sustainability lead, sourcing manager, or brand executive, this episode gives you the tools, and confidence, to take the next step forward.👉 Listen now to discover how your brand can stay competitive, credible, and compliant in a circular economy.(00:00:32)- Introduction(00:01:48)- What does “circular fashion” mean in practical terms?(00:02:43)- How close are we to achieving it in the textile and footwear industries?(00:04:31)- How does Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) help us understand the real environmental impact of a garment or shoe? (00:05:38)- Current limitations for LCA(00:06:45)- The EU is pushing for Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and PEFCR implementation. How do these differ from other sustainability tools like the Higg Index or cradle-to-cradle certification?(00:10:35)- Microplastics from synthetic textiles are a growing concern. How can brands reduce their contribution, and what role does regulation play here?(00:12:56)- Durability is often cited as a key pillar of circularity. But how can we objectively measure it? (00:16:16)- Greenwashing is rampant in fashion. What standards or metrics do you trust most when assessing if a brand’s sustainability claims are credible?(00:18:27)- What are the biggest challenges brands face when trying to transition from a linear to a circular model, especially in terms of supply chains and product design?(00:20:48)- How do digital tools — like digital product passports or environmental footprint labels — help enable transparency and accountability in fashion?(00:22:00)- What role do consumers play in driving change toward circularity, and how can they meaningfully assess a product’s environmental footprint? (00:23:06)- Audience's poll (answer below!)(00:25:05)- Looking ahead five years, what key innovations or policy changes do you believe will define the next stage of sustainable fashion?(00:27:45)- Q&A(00:34:57)- Where members of our audience can start with their own sustainability journey in the apparel sector?Find out more info on our IMPACT NOW for sustainability offering: IMPACT NOW for sustainability | SGS

Episode Description

Are your sustainability efforts keeping pace with regulation, innovation, and customer expectations?

Circularity is no longer a buzzword, it's a business imperative. But for many apparel and footwear leaders, turning intent into impact is still a complex journey. In this SGS Live Replay, we cut through the noise and offer real-world answers to the most urgent question facing the industry today.
You’ll hear from two leading experts at SGS who are driving change across global supply chains:

Valérie Cimetiere, Global Softlines Expert and active member of the European Committee for Standardization
Dr. Min Zhu, Senior Director, Technical Services and Operations for Softlines, SGS Connectivity & Products, US and Canada, with two decades of experience in research, development, manufacturing and implementation within the global textile supply chain, she actively contributes to industry standards as a member of AATCC, ASTM, AAFA and other global organizations

Whether you're a sustainability lead, sourcing manager, or brand executive, this episode gives you the tools, and confidence, to take the next step forward.

👉 Listen now to discover how your brand can stay competitive, credible, and compliant in a circular economy.

(00:00:32)- Introduction

(00:01:48)- What does “circular fashion” mean in practical terms?

(00:02:43)- How close are we to achieving it in the textile and footwear industries?

(00:04:31)- How does Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) help us understand the real environmental impact of a garment or shoe?

(00:05:38)- Current limitations for LCA

(00:06:45)- The EU is pushing for Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and PEFCR implementation. How do these differ from other sustainability tools like the Higg Index or cradle-to-cradle certification?

(00:10:35)- Microplastics from synthetic textiles are a growing concern. How can brands reduce their contribution, and what role does regulation play here?

(00:12:56)- Durability is often cited as a key pillar of circularity. But how can we objectively measure it?

(00:16:16)- Greenwashing is rampant in fashion. What standards or metrics do you trust most when assessing if a brand’s sustainability claims are credible?

(00:18:27)- What are the biggest challenges brands face when trying to transition from a linear to a circular model, especially in terms of supply chains and product design?

(00:20:48)- How do digital tools — like digital product passports or environmental footprint labels — help enable transparency and accountability in fashion?

(00:22:00)- What role do consumers play in driving change toward circularity, and how can they meaningfully assess a product’s environmental footprint?

(00:23:06)- Audience's poll (answer below!)

(00:25:05)- Looking ahead five years, what key innovations or policy changes do you believe will define the next stage of sustainable fashion?

(00:27:45)- Q&A

(00:34:57)- Where members of our audience can start with their own sustainability journey in the apparel sector?

Find out more info on our IMPACT NOW for sustainability offering: IMPACT NOW for sustainability | SGS