About this episode

This episode explores the relationship between fabrics, fashion, and sustainability, focusing on the transition to a circular economy.

Fabrics and fashion are deeply tied to sustainability – not least because the scale of production and consumption means huge volumes end up as waste or pollution. This episode of SUBSTANCE asks what it would take to “close the loop” and move fabrics toward a circular economy. Host Joe Hanson draws on perspectives from both the Hong Kong–based nonprofit Redress and BASF in his exploration of why circularity is a useful way to turn intent into action; from designing for durability, repair and recyclability to building the systems needed for collection and sorting.

More episodes of SUBSTANCE

• Clay · July 15, 2026 · 36 min
• Sulfur · June 17, 2026 · 27 min
• Fiber · May 20, 2026 · 28 min
• Salt · April 15, 2026 · 31 min
• CO2 · March 18, 2026 · 27 min
• Water · January 21, 2026 · 32 min

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