An Invitation to Build a Sustainable Future in Fashion with 2ndish The Circularity Club
Marie-Lune Simard’s journey to sustainable fashion began back in 2018 when she earned her PhD in biology. This may come as a surprise, but with her scientific background, she gained a deep understanding of systematic environmental issues and a systems-thinking perspective, motivating her to develop solutions that address the underlying causes of climate threats rather than just their symptoms. As a mother of twins, she felt a personal responsibility to secure a sustainable future for her children. And after reading the IPCC report from that year, which described the real threats of climate change from rising sea levels to intensified natural disasters, she realised she needed to make a difference. Recognising that the fashion industry is one of the world’s largest polluters, with its heavy use of resources and reliance on wasteful, fast-fashion practices, she began to wonder: can we create a fashion system that benefits people while also respecting the environment?
In a world where clothing is often so cheap that it’s easy to overconsume without considering the impact, Marie-Lune saw the need to shift habits toward more sustainable choices. Motivated to change her own habits and inspire others, she founded 2ndish The Circularity Club - a community-centered space in the heart of Cologne, Germany, where members can share, upcycle, and explore fashion without contributing to overconsumption. Through 2ndish, Marie-Lune is building a scalable model for circular fashion that is accessible, affordable, and impactful.
“The clothing swap was my way of empowering people to challenge the system by taking positive action that benefits them. Sharing is a valuable principle that, sadly, isn't emphasised enough in our society.”
- Marie-Lune Simard
The 2ndish Circularity Club model
2ndish The Circularity Club provides members with access to a curated, community-driven clothing swap at just €10 a month. It’s more than a clothing exchange - it’s a sustainable social hub where individuals contribute their clothing, financially support the club, and reduce waste. This structure provides an affordable, eco-friendly way for members to refresh their wardrobes while reducing their environmental impact.
“People in the same neighbourhood often share similar styles and preferences. When they see clothes they’ve donated in the collection, it makes them happy and brings a sense of connection and community.”
The vision for local and sustainable production at the Upcycling Factory
2ndish’s Upcycling Factory is where Marie-Lune’s vision takes its most impactful form. In the upcycling factory, unswappable and unusable textiles are reimagined into functional, sellable products like carpets and pillowcases. With textile waste piling up in landfills globally and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, Marie-Lune saw the need for a solution that could help keep materials in circulation. The Upcycling Factory, though still in its early stages, has big potential to scale, increase product offerings, and create additional revenue streams. It’s an innovative response to the mounting problem of textile waste and a critical investment in the future of sustainable fashion.
The factory’s upcycling process focuses on efficiency and maximising textile usage rather than intricate design, making it unique in the circular fashion industry. By prioritising the repurposing of diverse textile types, such as cotton-polyester blends that can be turned into carpets, Marie-Lune is showing that sustainable solutions can be profitable.
“In valuing the clothes we have and the textiles we’ve produced, we recognise the long journey behind them. Textiles aren’t just cheap, disposable items—they come with a history, and everything has a cost and a value.”
Why invest in upcycling and a circular fashion industry?
Reducing the environmental effect of fast fashion, which produces a great deal of trash and pollution, requires the fashion industry to promote a circular economy. We can reduce carbon emissions, save resources, and build a more sustainable future by reconsidering how we make and use clothing. 2ndish provides a unique and scalable solution in sustainable fashion as the circular economy gains traction. Here’s why this organisation is an ideal investment:
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2ndish The Upcycling Factory directly addresses textile waste, reduces the need for new materials, and minimizes the environmental burden of exporting waste. This aligns with growing investor interest in sustainable, impactful ventures.
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2ndish has established a loyal, engaged membership with over 250 active, paying members in Cologne and aims to replicate this successful community model in cities across Europe.
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The Upcycling Factory holds vast growth potential. With an initial investment, 2ndish could expand its product range, develop a broader marketing strategy, and enhance its production capacity, creating a financially robust operation.
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Unlike typical upcycling ventures, Marie-Lune’s model commits to processing all types of textiles. This adaptable, solution-focused approach positions 2ndish as a leader in sustainable, responsible waste management within the fashion sector.
Are you looking to become a partner in the circular fashion industry?
Organisations and individuals seeking to make a positive impact in sustainable fashion have a unique opportunity to partner with Marie-Lune Simard and 2ndish. While her focus is on establishing 2ndish as an independent, self-sustaining initiative, she recognises that strategic partnerships can significantly expand its reach and impact.
Marie-Lune is particularly interested in collaborating with upcycling designers and local tailors who share her vision of transforming textile waste into valuable products. By working together, you can leverage your creativity and skills to create innovative solutions that promote sustainability.
While maintaining independence is essential for Marie-Lune, she is open to collaborations with fashion brands focused on responsibly processing overstock. This presents an exciting opportunity for brands looking to align with sustainable practices while contributing to a circular economy in fashion.
Interested in partnering with 2ndish The Circularity Club? Get in touch at info@2ndish.com.
Join Marie-Lune in this mission to redefine how we think about fashion and waste, creating a brighter future for the industry together.
