Fashion loss (clothing disposal) is one of the issues that the fashion industry needs to solve, as it leads to increased CO2 emissions due to excessive consumption and incineration. We have made it our policy to eliminate clothing incineration, and we pursue a variety of projects to prevent burning and disposal. In addition to our goal of using more precise demand forecasting to make products in the correct amount to avoid overproduction, we also strive to find new ways to use and recycle products that are discontinued, thereby realizing a circular economy.
Reducing Fashion Loss Through Circular Business
Based on the policy of right time, right price, right quantity, we work to reduce fashion loss by improving the balance of supply and demand through precise procurement planning and inventory management. In fiscal year ended February 2022, 59.5% of products that were discontinued were utilized in new businesses, and 40.5% were reused. In addition, for products that are difficult to sell in stores, we have started a project called A GARAGE to resell them to employees, contributing to enhanced employee benefits. In this way, we will accelerate our circular business by seeking new ways of utilizing goods and staying mindful of how we can act without being bound by existing business frameworks.
New Businesses Reutilizing Inventory
This brand, under the concept of search, find, and experience, aims to build an apparel circular economy together with customers. In addition to offering end-of-sale items at affordable prices, the store also offers upcycling workshops and garment alteration services. This is a new kind of customer-participatory business so that everyone can enjoy circular fashion.
This upcycling brand creates new value by taking leftover warehouse stock clothing and dyeing it black. The black dyeing process is carried out at Daisen, a leading Japanese dye works featuring environmentally friendly facilities. Products with scratches or stains can be transformed into products with originality by using black-dyeing techniques. Through this upcycling business, we offer customers new value and new ways to enjoy fashion.
“Play Cycle!” our activity to collect used clothing
Since 2017, we have been engaged in our Play Cycle! environmental activity to collect customers’ unwanted clothing for reuse and recycling. Collected clothing is recycled into raw materials for clothing such as polyester or down by partners, or reused and sold via OFF STORE. In 2022, we increased the number of stores with permanent collection to approximately 170, reaching a cumulative total collection of 93 tons. In addition, we hold eco-events in collaboration with our local partners and lectures on fashion loss at neighboring schools, demonstrating how we treasure our relationship with communities through Play Cycle!
Clothing education through Play Cycle!
We value our involvement with the local community through "Play Cycle!," such as holding eco-events in collaboration with store locations and lectures on fashion loss at nearby schools.
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