Transforming circular fashion in Vietnam: The role of pre-owned markets in sustainable consumption

From Firenze University Press Journal: Fashion Highlight

Hong Lan Lam, RMIT International University

Donna Cleveland, RMIT International University

The textile industry is responsible for producing 92 million tonnes of waste annually (Taylor, 2022), making the “adoption of circular economy practices an urgent necessity” (MacArthur, 2021, p. 37). Inherently, the pre-owned fashion business aligns with the principles of a circular economy, as it helps to eliminate waste and recirculate products. In Vietnam, pre-owned fashion has been popular since the 1980s, valued for its affordability and unique designs. However, it has only been actively promoted as responsible consumption in the last five years, driven by local media, the social media engagement of young consumers and digital platforms (authors, 2022).

LITERATURE REVIEW HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF PRE-OWNED FASHION

The concept of pre-owned fashion is not new, yet its acceptance and cultural significance have evolved significantly over time. Historically, the resale of clothing was driven by necessity, particularly in times of economic hardship. In the early to mid-20th century, second-hand garments were often associated with poverty and faced societal stigma. However, as environmental awareness and sustainability gained prominence towards the end of the century, perceptions began to shift.Globally, the pre-owned fashion market has experienced a resurgence in recent decades, fuelled by a growing awareness of the environmental impacts of fast fashion, which accounts for a substantial portion of the world’s textile waste. The digital revolution has been pivotal, enabling online marketplaces and platforms that facilitate the buying and selling pre-owned fashion, making it more accessible and appealing to a broader audience.In Vietnam, the market for pre-owned fashion has been shaped by both cultural factors and economic development. Since the 1980s, as Vietnam opened-up economically, there was not only a surge in consumerism but also a growing consciousness about the value and practicality of pre-owned goods (authors, 2022; Nayak et al., 2019). The introduction of online platforms in recent years has further democratised access to pre-owned fashion, aligning with global sustainability trends. This historical perspective is crucial for understanding the current attitudes towards pre-owned fashion in Vietnam, which blends traditional thrift values with modern sustainable practices.

COMPARISON WITH FAST FASHION

As the global fashion industry confronts its sustain-ability crisis, the contrast between fast fashion and pre-owned fashion becomes increasingly relevant. Fast fashion is characterised by rapid production cycles, low costs, and high volumes, which contribute significantly to environmental degradation. According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017), the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and is a major consumer of water resources while also producing substantial waste — much of which ends up in landfills or is incinerated.In contrast, pre-owned fashion represents a more sustainable model by extending the lifecycle of garments and reducing the demand for new production. This approach not only lessens the strain on natural resources but also mitigates the waste problem inherent in fast fashion. Economically, pre-owned fashion offers consumers affordable clothing options while supporting a market that values longevity and quality over disposability. Socially, it encourages a culture of reuse and sustainability, aligning with the values of younger generations who are conscious of their environmental impact.Furthermore, studies have shown that increasing the active use of clothing by just nine months can significantly reduce its environmental footprint (WRAP, 2017). Promoting and normalising the consumption of pre-owned fashion, has the potential to significantly alter consumer habits and reduce the overall environmental impacts of the i n du st r y.This shift towards pre-owned fashion is not merely a trend but a necessary response to the unsustain-able practices of fast fashion, offering a pathway to a more sustainable, economically viable, and socially responsible fashion industry.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/fh-2738

Read Full Text: https://riviste.fupress.net/index.php/fh/article/view/2738