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Uncovering Fashion’s Consumption Crisis and Path to Sustainability through films



At CIRQUEL, we’re passionate about driving sustainable change in fashion logistics, tackling critical issues like overproduction, overconsumption, and reverse logistics. Today, we’re excited to shine a light on three recent documentaries that offer powerful insights into the state of the fashion industry and the urgent need for change. These films—Netflix’s “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy,” Patagonia’s “The Shittropocene,” and Blue Banana’s latest film on sustainable fashion—provide a window into the complex challenges and opportunities within the fashion world, especially as brands navigate the era of sustainability and circularity.


1. “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy” (Netflix)

Set to premiere on November 20th, Netflix’s “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy” takes a hard look behind the scenes of fashion’s biggest brands, exposing how modern marketing strategies encourage excessive consumption. The film raises vital questions about the relentless “buy now” culture, especially relevant as Black Friday and the holiday shopping season approach.

This documentary resonates deeply with our mission at CIRQUEL, where we aim to transform the industry by helping brands rethink their approach to overstock and returns. With stats from McKinsey’s State of Fashion 2025 Report indicating up to 5 billion excess items produced yearly, it’s clear that new solutions are needed to help brands move beyond linear models and embrace sustainable, circular practices.


2. “The Shittropocene” (Patagonia)

Earlier this year, Patagonia released “The Shittropocene,” a bold documentary that explores the environmental impact of the “throwaway culture” ingrained in our everyday lives. Known for their strong advocacy for environmental sustainability, Patagonia doesn’t hold back, showing the direct effects of excessive consumption and waste on our planet.

The themes in “The Shittropocene” align closely with CIRQUEL’s values and the solutions we’re developing to promote a circular economy. By focusing on reverse logistics and repurposing returned and unsold items, we help brands reduce their carbon footprint and extend the life of garments, supporting Patagonia’s vision of mindful consumption.


3. Blue Banana’s Sustainable Fashion Film

The latest film by Blue Banana focuses on the challenges and steps involved in creating sustainable apparel. Blue Banana highlights the significant efforts required to shift towards greener processes, showcasing real-world stories of brands attempting to make sustainable fashion viable.

This documentary is particularly relevant as we see consumer demand for sustainable options on the rise, with resale and rental models gaining traction. The film’s emphasis on transparent and eco-friendly processes resonates with our work at CIRQUEL, where we aim to empower brands to embrace sustainable practices through advanced reverse logistics, analytics, and resource optimization.


CIRQUEL’s Perspective: Addressing the Crisis Head-On

These documentaries underscore the urgency of change within the fashion industry. At CIRQUEL, we’re committed to being part of this transformation by helping brands implement circular models and sustainable logistics practices. With upcoming regulations like the EU Ecodesign Regulation, which mandates circular design and bans the destruction of unsold textiles, there is a clear push towards accountability and sustainability.

By rethinking reverse logistics, we offer solutions that allow brands to:

  • Reduce waste: Optimize inventory management to cut down on overproduction and minimize waste.

  • Streamline returns: Use technology to manage and repurpose returns efficiently, keeping items in circulation.

  • Boost sustainability: Align operations with the new circular economy expectations and the evolving consumer mindset.


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

As these films remind us, the journey to a sustainable fashion industry is complex but necessary. What actions can brands take to truly embrace circularity? How can we, as consumers and industry players, support and demand more sustainable practices?

At CIRQUEL, we’re excited to be a part of the solution and to help drive this much-needed shift. We invite you to join us on this journey to build a greener, more sustainable fashion ecosystem. Visit our website to learn more about our work and how we’re changing the status quo in fashion logistics.



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