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On September 30th, 2026, SDA Bocconi’s Monitor for Circular Fashion (M4CF) presented the Circular Fashion Manifesto 2026 at the European Parliament in Brussels. This event shared perspectives and practical experiences from the entire fashion value chain to promote the transition towards a more circular business model. It aimed to bring together a shared vision and showcase examples of practices that can help make circular approaches more concrete and scalable across the sector.
Fostering collaboration across the value chain
We are excited to have participated in this event, which fosters dialogue and collaboration among brands, companies, institutions, and other stakeholders working towards circularity in the fashion industry.
The M4CF is entering a new cycle of activities for 2026-2027, with a central focus on developing scalable value chain partnerships to prevent and manage unsold inventory. Particular attention is being given to repair and reuse as methods for extending product lifecycles and creating new forms of value within the fashion system.
Collaboration across the value chain is central to the transition towards circularity. Instead of concentrating on isolated solutions, the M4CF is exploring how to connect knowledge, expertise, and existing practices to support more systemic approaches.
Find out more about the event at the European Parliament.
What’s the M4CF?
The M4CF is a collaborative scientific and technological community at the SDA Bocconi School of Management Sustainability Lab, involving leading companies in the fashion industry and stakeholders from its supply chain. The M4CF shares best practices in circular fashion, promotes technical, managerial, and scientific skills, and contributes to the transition toward circular business models. We have been proud partners of this project since its inception.
JRC’s ecodesign consultations on durability, repairability, and waste generation
In 2026, the M4CF participated in ecodesign consultations organized by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. The main topics discussed during these consultations included durability, repairability, and waste generation. Additionally, the JRC study on the Digital Product Passport (DPP) focused on recyclability and recycled content.
Durability
Durability criteria should vary based on the technical and functional characteristics of each product and material, as well as their intended use. It is crucial to avoid applying uniform criteria across the textile and footwear sectors. Additionally, institutional B2C awareness campaigns aimed at consumers are necessary and should actively involve companies. Non-textile components of products must be evaluated for functionality to ensure they maintain performance over time.
Repairability
The M4CF recommends complementing the technical requirements outlined in the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to encourage repair practices and support tools. It is advised to establish a national network of organizations and repair centers, supported by accessible collection points in shopping centers and retail chains. This would provide simple, quick, and intuitive access for consumers and help prevent product replacement from becoming the default choice. Brands should also offer useful information for self-repair. This information needs to be shared through a transparent and efficient system that avoids excessive detail that offers little practical use.
Waste generation
Classifying certain industrial waste as by-products would facilitate their reuse and recycling. The industry needs more accurate forecasting and improved collection systems for post-consumer waste. In the regulation regarding the prohibition of destroying unsold products, the term “unsold consumer product” is defined as “the consumer product that has not been sold, including surpluses, excess stocks, remaining stocks, and products returned by the consumer under the right of withdrawal.” It would be beneficial to clarify the definition of “unsold” products, specifically to exclude warehouse stock. Also, regarding product returns, there is potential to improve by encouraging responsible consumer behavior.
Recyclability and recycled content
The concept of recyclability requires further clarification. The proposed readiness score does not adequately account for the costs of implementation and certification. Additionally, the term “origin of recycled content” needs further clarification, particularly regarding the traceability of post-consumer recycled content and the distinction among post-industrial, pre-consumer, and post-consumer sources. This distinction is also vital for effectively addressing and assessing closed-loop recycling.
