Chapter 2 — full chapter

2.1 Ecodesign: Reducing Impacts Across the Lifecycle

Ecodesign integrates environmental considerations into product development. Instead of evaluating impacts only after a product has been created, it considers them alongside function, quality, cost, aesthetics and technical performance from the beginning of the design process.

In fashion, ecodesign can influence fibre selection, material efficiency, dyeing and finishing, production waste, durability, care requirements, packaging, distribution and end-of-life options. Its purpose is not simply to replace one material with another, but to identify where design decisions can reduce impacts across the product lifecycle.

Ecodesign and circular design are closely related but not identical. Ecodesign may improve a linear product by reducing water, energy, waste or chemical use. Circular design additionally asks how products and materials can remain in use, retain value and support future cycles. A lower-impact product is therefore not necessarily circular, just as a circular strategy does not automatically reduce every environmental impact.

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