John Lewis launches a new 20-piece circular economy collection across its Home and Fashion ranges, which includes nightwear and filled bedding.
Products in the range have an increased amount of recycled content and are “designed for longevity”, John Lewis said.
The retailer said the product’s design also factors in how clothing items can be more easily recycled when customers are finished with them.
John Lewis said it collaborated with circular economy experts at the University of Exeter to develop its framework and strategy in line with WRAP’s circular design toolkits.
The retailer said the framework is built on three core principles:
- Material Choices: Products are made from more sustainable or recycled materials.
- Durability: Products are made to last longer and be more durable.
- Cyclability: Products are designed to be easier to recycle (including mono-materiality).
Commenting on the new circular products, John Lewis Commercial Director Kathleen Mitchell said: “We are constantly looking at changes we can make in our bid to combine style and sustainability for our customers. We know they want products that look good and that last, and that’s exactly what these designs offer.
“We’re continuing to learn about how to design more efficiently and to create products that our customers can trust to be good for both their pockets and the planet. It’s been incredibly insightful seeing the circular framework and strategy put to practice.”
The collection is available in John Lewis stores and online, and includes items across nightwear, babywear, men’s cashmere, mattresses, and filled bedding duvets and pillows.
John Lewis said it has also printed a QR code on the product’s care label which links customers to information about its “sustainable design according to circular design principles”.
Sophie Scanlon, Textiles Specialist at WRAP, commented: “We are delighted to see our Circular Design Toolkit principles in action within this new collection from John Lewis.
“Up to 80% of clothing’s impacts are determined at the design phase, so it’s great to see John Lewis taking the practical steps to embed this within their collections to make a difference.
“Designing for circularity is a key pillar of WRAP’s Textiles 2030 programme and this toolkit utilises industry-wide expertise to help brands implement circular design holistically, with every stage of a product’s life cycle considered which, in turn, can reduce an item’s environmental impact.”
