ReDESIGN Network - FAQs

How the ReDESIGN Network works

The Global Circular Network (GCN) ReDESIGN Network is a proposed B2B matchmaking service connecting fashion and apparel brands with specialist ReDesigners and upcyclers who can transform surplus stock, returns, unwanted garments and leftover materials into desirable new products including fashion, accessories, homewares, furniture etc - we call this the 'centre of circularity'; the stage before end-of-life recycling and remanufacturing.

The aim is to help brands discover creative talent, give ReDesigners greater visibility, and demonstrate how circular design can extend product life and create new commercial opportunities. The focus is on supporting brands pivoting to Circular Business Models and who are required to meet upcoming regulations in the EU and California; to collect verifiable data showing their downstream actions, plus increase ROI through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and grow financially sustainable circular businesses, however the ReDESIGN Network is open to all brands and Redesigners globally to help foster fast action towards connecting circular pathways.

1. DISCOVER — Explore creative possibilities

The ReDESIGN Network will showcase ReDesigners' portfolios, signature designs and specialist skills through a visual directory.

Brands will be able to explore examples of redesign, search by country, design specialism, product category and project capacity, and discover creative partners who may be suitable for their needs.

Public visitors will be able to view selected portfolio examples, while ReDesigners' full profiles and contact details would be available to brands via a low-cost annual subscription.

ReDesigners subscription fees. ReDesigners are invited to upload their portfolios and details and pay an annual subscription fee that covers admin and hosting expenses, subject to feedback and testing. GCN offers free access to the GCN downstream platform through the Downstream Network. 

2. CONNECT — Find the right creative partner

The proposed brand subscription is €60 per year, subject to feedback and testing. (Approx USD$68/£58)

Members will access full portfolios and contact details, save favourites, receive updates when new ReDesigners join, and potentially post opportunities for unwanted stock or materials that need a new purpose.

GCN's role is to facilitate a collaboration introduction between a brand and a suitable ReDesigner to create bespoke collections. The ReDESIGN Network is not a marketplace and does not manage product sales or negotiate commercial agreements on behalf of either party.

Once connected, the brand and ReDesigner decide privately how the collaboration will work, including project scope, product or material transfer, transport, costs, intellectual property, production, sales and any revenue-sharing arrangement.

3. VERIFY — Connect redesign with product information

Where a brand chooses to use GCN's existing Brand Digital Product Passport (DPP) services, relevant upstream product information will document an item's original identity and its subsequent redesign journey.

GCN's RFID-enabled DPP services can support product identification and the linking of relevant product data. Where appropriate information is supplied and evidenced, records may include the original product, redesign process, new product identity and relevant circular outcomes.

DPP services (for Brands and Downstream Network providers) are optional and separate from ReDesign Network membership. They are not a requirement for brands or ReDesigners to participate in the matchmaking network.

GCN's wider work on globally interoperable data supports the potential to connect brands and creative partners across regions, including collaborations between Europe, California and ReDesigners elsewhere in the world. The GCN RFID tools and platform facilitates the collection and sharing of data and keep products in circulation at their highest heirachy for as long as possible then 'close the loops' to divert from landfill - rewarding both the Brands and the Downstream operators through Circular Rewards.

What could be redesigned?
Opportunities may include surplus or deadstock, customer returns, unsold or discontinued products, pre-owned garments, damaged items suitable for redesign, and usable production offcuts.