CFIN, in partnership with Newton, a strategic delivery consultancy, has published new research revealing crucial insights into the UK fashion industry's circular transformation. The study engaged fashion businesses across luxury, high-street retail, and SMEs.  

The research finds that, despite core business challenges, brands are actively looking to adopt circular initiatives but are struggling with implementation and scaling. Although four in five (81%) respondents said circularity is a part of their five-year strategy (and 82% of these have already implemented at least one circular initiative), just under two-thirds (63%) of their customer-facing CBMs are in a low maturity pilot phase.

Premium and luxury brands face different challenges than high street retailers, whilst common hurdles around financial viability and customer communication persist across all segments.

Other key findings include:

82% of respondents have already implemented at least one circular initiative
51% of UK brands and retailers embed circular design principles in their product ranges
50% of UK brands and retailers said limited financial margin is a barrier to circular initiative success, with 40% citing customer communication as a barrier
In response to these findings, as a first step CFIN will hold a workshop with marketing teams on how retailers and brands communicate sustainability to their customers.

Download the full report below.