How can Fashion Brands Enhance Value and Life-Span Extension of Products? An Exploratory Study of Circular Economy in Regard to the Economic Viability of Product Life-Span Extension

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1. INTRODUCTION
• 1.1 Context
• 1.1.1 The Fashion Industry
• 1.1.2 The Sustainability Challenge
• 1.1.3 Circular Economy
• 1.2 Rationale and Research Questions
• 1.3 Aim and Objectives
• 1.4 Research Methodology
• 2. LITERATURE REVIEW
• 2.1 Introduction
• 2.2 Fast Fashion
• 2.3 The Impact of Fast Fashion
• 2.3.1 Social Concerns
• 2.3.2 Environmental Impacts
• 2.3.3 Opportunities
• 2.4 The Need for Alternative Business Models
• 2.4.1 Business Models
• 2.4.2 (Sustainable) Business Model Innovation
• 2.5 Circular Business Models
• 2.5.1 Drivers, Principles and Strategies
• 2.5.2 Post-retail Initiatives
• 2.5.3 Service-based Business Models
• 2.5.4 The Four Resource Loops
• 2.5.5 The Sources of Circular Value Creation
• 2.5.6 Circular Business Models
• 2.6 Circular Economy in the Fashion Industry
• 2.6.1 Post Retail Initiatives in the Fashion Industry
• 2.6.2 Circular Business Models in the Fashion Industry
• 2.6.3 Five Circular Business Models
• 2.6.3.1 Reuse and Resale
• 2.6.3.2 Closed Loop & Recycling
• 2.6.3.3 Repair and Warranty
• 2.6.3.4 Renting and Leasing
• 2.6.3.5 Redesign
• 2.6.4 Conclusion
• 3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
• 3.1 Introduction
• 3.2 Philosophical Assumptions
• 3.3 Research Approach
• 3.4 Research Design
• 3.4.1 Case Study Research
• 3.4.2 Sampling Strategy
• 3.4.3 Data Collection Techniques
• 3.4.3.1 Secondary Data
• 3.4.3.2 Primary Data
• 3.4.4 Time Horizons
• 3.4.5 Analysis of Data
• 3.4.6 Evaluation and Validity of Data
• 3.4.6.1 Secondary Data
• 3.4.6.2 Primary Data
• 3.5 Critical Discussion of the Methodology
• 3.6 Research Ethics
• 4. ANALYSIS
• 4.1 Introduction
• 4.2 Analytical Approach
• 5. FINDINGS
• 5.1 Introduction
• 5.2 Internal Motivations
• 5.2.1 Brand Values Shape the Business Strategy
• 5.2.2 Long-term Strategy
• 5.3 Enabling Factors
• 5.3.1 Independence Enables Long-term Goals
• 5.3.2 Store Presence Enables Story-telling
• 5.3.3 Human Centered Design/ Design for Longevity
• 5.3.4 External Enablers
• 5.4 Challenges and Risk Factors
• 5.4.1 Lack of Consumer Awareness
• 5.4.2 Logistic Barriers and Poor Take-back System
• 5.4.3 Financial Barriers
• 5.5 Economic Feasibility
• 5.5.1 Brand-customer Relationship
• 5.5.2 Service as USP
• 5.5.3 ROI
• 5.5.4 Circular Advantage
• 6. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
• 6.1 Introduction
• 6.2 Discussion
• 6.2.1 Motivations
• 6.2.2 Enablers
• 6.2.3 Challenges
• 6.2.4 Economic Feasibility
• 6.3 Conclusion
• 6.3.1 Implications and Recommendations
• 6.3.2 Limitations and Future Research

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This dissertation aims to investigate how fashion brands can enhance value and extend the life-span of their products by implementing circular economy (CE) strategies. The study explores the economic viability of product life-span extension (PLE) initiatives within the context of circular business models (CBMs).

• Motivations for implementing CE and PLE initiatives in fashion brands
• Enabling factors that support the transition to a circular model
• Challenges and risk factors associated with CE and PLE strategies
• Economic feasibility of PLE initiatives from a company perspective
• The role of CBMs in fostering sustainable fashion practices

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter sets the context for the dissertation by discussing the fashion industry's sustainability challenges and the growing importance of CE. It outlines the research questions, objectives, and methodology of the study.
• Chapter 2: Literature Review This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the relevant literature on fast fashion, its impacts, and the need for alternative business models. It explores various aspects of CBMs, including their drivers, principles, and strategies, and examines the application of CE principles in the fashion industry.
• Chapter 3: Research Methodology This chapter details the research design and methodology employed in the study, including the case study approach, data collection techniques, and ethical considerations.
• Chapter 4: Analysis This chapter outlines the analytical approach used to examine the data collected from the case studies.
• Chapter 5: Findings This chapter presents the key findings of the research, analyzing the internal motivations, enabling factors, challenges, and economic feasibility of implementing CE and PLE initiatives in fashion brands.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This dissertation focuses on circular business models, product life-span extension, circular business model innovation, service-based business models, implementation, and economic feasibility in the context of the fashion industry. The study explores the motivations, enablers, and challenges of transitioning to a circular model and examines the economic viability of extending the life-span of fashion products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Circular Economy (CE) in the fashion industry?

CE is an economic model aimed at eliminating waste by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, and recycling.

What is Product Life-Span Extension (PLE)?

PLE refers to strategies that prolong the time a product is used, such as high-quality design, repair services, and resale initiatives, to reduce environmental impact.

Is it economically feasible for fashion brands to extend product life?

The study finds that while costs may be higher, PLE initiatives enhance customer loyalty and long-term relationships, providing a "circular advantage" over linear models.

What are common challenges in implementing circular business models?

Main challenges include a lack of consumer awareness, logistical barriers in take-back systems, and the financial risk of moving away from high-volume sales.

What motivates companies to switch to a circular model?

Motivations are often internal, driven by brand values and sustainability agendas, rather than external regulatory pressures at this current stage.