The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a global nonprofit advancing the idea of a circular economy, has partnered with Tapestry, Inc., the holding company of prominent accessories and lifestyle brands Coach Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman. Tapestry hopes to make a stronger statement about its dedication to promoting a resilient and sustainable fashion sector by joining the Foundation’s Network and Fashion Initiative Advisory Board.
The collaboration expands on Tapestry’s already-existing circular business ideas, such as Coach (Re)Loved, which recycles and refurbishes Coach items to decrease landfill waste. Over 20,000 things have been given new lives since the program’s April 2021 inception in the US, Canada, the UK, Japan, and China.
According to a statement from the brand, Kate Spade New York has also made strides towards a circular economy by working with ThredUP to provide clients with alternatives for pre-owned fashions and trade-ins.
“Creating a more robust and sustainable fashion business depends on circularity. We are excited to work with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Network and Fashion Initiative Advisory Board to continue addressing urgent climate challenges and build even more momentum for the circular economy. “At Tapestry, our brands are contributing to a future that is both beautiful and responsible, and we look forward to working together,” said Logan Duran, vice president of ESG and Sustainability.
Driving change in the fashion business requires education and training in circular design concepts. Tapestry has already organized its first Circular Design Workshop for Coach and Kate Spade New York designers. It has also introduced the Coach (Re)Loved Craftsperson Apprenticeship Programme and the CFDA x Coach Dream It Real Circular Design Scholarship.
Additional sustainability activities were noted in Tapestry’s Fiscal Year 2022 Corporate Responsibility report, including submitting new greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions objectives to the Science Based objectives initiative (SBTi) and an increase in the sourcing of ecologically friendly products.
“A circular economy for fashion improves consumer goods and services, supports a robust and expanding sector, and restores the environment. Together, we can combat the underlying causes of problems like pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change by circularizing the fashion industry. According to Joe Murphy, executive lead network, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, “We are happy to welcome Tapestry as a Network Partner and look forward to promoting cooperation possibilities with other Network organizations and helping the firm on its circular economy path.
