Overcoming oversupply: An honest discussion of textiles waste, accountability and a truly circular economy

Estimates suggest that between 8 billion and 60 billion garments remain unsold each year—where do these clothes end up, and who is holding brands accountable for their waste?

 

There’s growing recognition that change is needed. According to the Global Fashion Agenda, 78% of brands have set targets to reduce overproduction, and 95% support industry-wide alignment. But the pace is lagging and inaction has real consequences—most recently seen in the devastating January fire that destroyed much of Ghana’s Kantamanto Market, leaving thousands of upcycling businesses displaced. While rebuilding is progressing, the catastrophic damage to the market is a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic change.

 

In this session, we’ll hear directly from on the frontlines of fashion’s waste crisis. The Or Foundation and a Kantamanto Market representative will dive into their advocacy with the Speak Volumes campaign and explore what it will take to build a Justice-led circular textiles economy.