Traditionally , fashion has followed a linear business model – take , make , waste .

But , as consumers have become increasingly aware of the impact this model has on the environment , more have begun to adopt circular business models ( CBMs ). Fashion giant H & M is just one example of a business working to adopt a CBM by committing to limited environmental impact . To do so , the brand focuses on five key areas : chemicals , energy , production waste , water , and of course , people .

Consequently , the brand ’ s seen a 44 % absolute reduction in plastic packaging compared to 2018 ; 42 % of tier 1 supplier factories now have trade union representation ; and 414,000 supply chain workers have received training on genderbased violence and sexual harassment .