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Kearney releases the Circular Fashion Index 2026

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As regulation raises the circularity baseline, the focus shifts from compliance to operating advantage.

The threshold for entering the top 20% rises from 5.8 to 6.0, while the bottom 80% average reaches 3.1.The average score this year is 3.7, up from 3.4 in 2025.73–84% of brands now show moderate activation across key dimensions, but only 3–7% reach extensive activation.Regulatory requirements are shifting the management question from circular activity to how brands create value from the capabilities they need to build.

CHICAGO, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global management consulting firm Kearney today released its sixth annual Circular Fashion Index report (CFX 2026), which benchmarks how fashion brands put circularity into practice across the product life cycle. The 2026 Index assesses 241 brands across 21 countries and five product categories, evaluating performance in nine dimensions spanning materials and design through care, repair, secondhand, rental, and post-use recovery.

As regulation advances, circularity is becoming a license to operate rather than a voluntary initiative. CFX 2026 confirms this shift in adoption: the industry average score climbed to 3.7 out of 10, up from 3.4 in 2025 and around 2.0 in 2020. Yet deep execution is rare: across core primary-market dimensions, only 3 to 7 percent of brands show extensive implementation, while roughly three-quarters sit at moderate activation. The question, then, is no longer simply whether to build circular capabilities, but how to prevent them from becoming another cost layer and instead use them to improve commercial and operational decisions.

For fashion executives, the equation is changing. Regulation is increasingly requiring brands to build capabilities such as better product data, sourcing evidence, and post-use systems, but that investment does not create a return by itself,” said Nora Kleinewillinghoefer, Kearney partner, global fashion and luxury lead, and co-author of the report. “Those capabilities can remain a cost of compliance, or they can become part of how the business makes better decisions on what to design, what to buy, where to invest, and how to retain value beyond the first sale. Compliance is now the price of entry. Advantage still has to be earned.”

The CFX 2026 report finds several key patterns in this year’s data:

The baseline rises, but the execution gap is wide. The top tier is far ahead of the bottom 80 percent, and nine of the top 10 brands were also in last year’s leading group.

The right model differs by category. Outdoor leads overall, while sports and premium/affordable luxury also show relatively stronger maturity, reflecting different product use cases and economics, along with different opportunities to create value.

Service-based models remain selective. Repair, resale, and especially rental depend more directly on consumer demand, and they require viable economics and the ability to operate them in order to scale. “Building circular capabilities and capturing value from them are two different things,” said Maria Pereira, partner and co-author of the report. “The next leaders will be those who make better choices about where circularity can genuinely improve economics, from reducing excess and securing material supply to extending product life and improving recovery. The right answer will differ by product, category, and customer proposition. These decisions need to be brought to the functions where business trade-offs are made and considered as part of normal planning, investment, and performance management.”

Kearney’s analysis points to four management shifts that separate the brands that are capturing real value from circularity from those that are simply complying:

Build a reusable product record that supports compliance as well as product development, sourcing, consumer service, and post-use decisions.Integrate circular decisions across core business functions, bringing commercial, sourcing, finance, and operations into relevant trade-offs and investment decisions.Build partner models with clear ownership and accountability across the value chain.Use broader product economics to shape portfolio priorities, considering inventory exposure, material-supply risk, and residual or recovery value alongside first-sale margin.

The next phase will be determined less by how many circular initiatives brands add and more by how effectively they use the capabilities they are already building to improve portfolio economics and environmental outcomes. Read the full report here.

About Kearney

For 100 years, Kearney has been a leading management consulting firm and trusted partner to three-quarters of the Fortune Global 500 and governments around the world. With a presence across more than 40 countries, our people make us who we are. We work impact first, tackling your toughest challenges with original thinking and a commitment to making change happen together. By your side, we deliver—value, results, impact. To learn more about Kearney, please visit www.kearney.com.

About Kearney’s Circular Fashion Index

Now in its sixth edition, Kearney’s Circular Fashion Index assesses how fashion brands put circularity into practice across the product life cycle on a 1–10 scale. In 2026, the Index covers 241 brands across 21 countries and five product categories. The framework comprises nine dimensions spanning circular materials, design, manufacturing, communication, care and repair in the primary market, and secondhand, rental and closing-the-loop models in the secondary market.

US press contact:  

Meir Kahtan

Meir Kahtan Public Relations

mkahtan@rcn.com | +1 917-864-0800

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Parks Associates Spotlights DFW Multifamily Technology Market at Smart Spaces, September 15-16

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September 2, 2026

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Executives from Pegasus Residential, Greystar, Madera Residential, RR Living, AT&T, Realpage, Chamberlain Group, Calix, Johnson Controls, DOOR, Wifinium, and more address AI and proptech investments

PLANO, Texas, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — International market research and consulting firm Parks Associates today announced the speaker lineup for its fourth annual Smart Spaces: Apartments, Hospitality, and Community Living, taking place September 15-16 at the Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park. The conference brings together industry leaders to explore how AI, connectivity, automation, and energy are transforming multifamily and senior living properties.

Jackie Ware, CEO, Pegasus Residential, will deliver the opening conference keynote, bringing the owner/operator perspective to discussions on technology strategy, operations, and the evolving needs of residents.

“Technology is now fundamental to the infrastructure for multifamily properties,” said Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein, VP, Marketing, Parks Associates. “Owners and operators are looking beyond individual point solutions and focusing on how connectivity, access, security, energy, AI, and building systems work together.”

Smart Spaces features executives representing multifamily ownership and operations, senior living, broadband and managed Wi-Fi, proptech, smart building platforms, access control, security, energy, sustainability, and investment.

Sponsors include Chamberlain, Kwikset, Calix, Johnson Controls, Zentra, Realpage, DOOR, Gentex Corporation, Z-Wave Alliance, Zyxel Communications, Cambium Networks, and SkyBell Technologies.

Speakers:
Demetrios Barnes, CEO, 1VALET
Amy Barricelli, Executive VP, RR Living
Nate Beran, MDU Property Technology Products, AT&T
Paul Boethel, CEO, Watermark Retirement Communities
Victor Carrasco, Director, North America Strategic Accounts & US West Region Sales, Johnson Controls
Scott Carroll, Director of Multifamily Products & Devices, Xfinity Communities, Comcast
Chris Cholas, SVP, Product & Technology, Hotwire Communications
Chris Cordt, National Account Manager, Everon
Cecilia Cossio, CEO, NexGen Legacy Real Estate
Michael Doucette, VP Connected Venues, Blueport
Anne Ferguson, Head of Business Development, HomeLink Smart Home & Commercial Solutions, Gentex Corporation
Dave Gilles, CEO, Madera Residential
Adam Hepworth, CEO, Della Connect
Sandy Jack, VP of Strategic Relations – Multifamily, Vingcard ASSA ABLOY
Scott Jamison, EVP & Chief Experience Officer, WorldVue
Kyle Johnson, Director, Smart Building Technology, Greystar
Mitch Karren, Chief Product Officer, ElevateOS
Ed Keathley, VP, Product Strategy, Preiss x IRIS Technologies
Kevin Kirton, CEO, Buckhead Investment Partners
Jeanne Klein, Chief Sales Officer, VeriFast
Matt Knight, Executive Director, FIRE – Foundation for Innovation in Real Estate; Founder, PropTech Angel Group
Dennis Kyle, SVP, Smart Building, Realpage
Sean Landsberg, Co-founder and CEO, AppWork
Aaron Lee, Sr. Manager, MDU, Ruckus Wireless Belden
Chang Liu, Director of Growth and Innovation, RE Tech Advisors
Adam Lotia, Exec Leader, Wifinium
Jenniffer Mackey, VP, Strategic Accounts, Zyxel Communications
Alli Malliton, National Sales Director, Gigstreem
Mike McCourt, Subscriber Solutions Manager, SmartMDU, Calix
Char McCurdy, COO, Summit Property Management
Scott McGee, President, Connext Strategies
Sean Miller, Chief Revenue Officer, Lessen LLC
David Moss, CEO & Co-founder, Care Daily
Mary Nitschke, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Public Grid
Jess Parsons, AVP, Marketing, Calix
Ernest Perez, Director, Information Technology, CC Young Senior Living
Sebastián Ríos, Partner & US Business Development Director, Horus Automation
Mariam Rogers Walker, Sr. Director Community Sales, Chamberlain Group
David Rubin, VP, AEI Consultants
Ryan Salmons, Chief Product and Technology Officer, DOOR
Josh Siddon, Founder & Principal, ResiQ
Nate Sundloff, VP, Multifamily Sales, Groove Technology Solutions
Todd Thorpe, Director, Business Development, Cambium Networks
Antonio Torres, Zentra Business Development Manager, Allegion
Joesar Watkins, Digital Resident Engagement Manager, Atria Senior Living
Jeff Welch, Business Development Manager, HydroPoint
Taylor Wiederkehr, Founder & CEO, PropTech IQ
Ed Wolff, CEO, Aerwave

Registration is open to industry executives and market leaders. To schedule an interview with an analyst or to request specific data, please contact Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein, 972-490-1113. 

About Smart Spaces

Smart Spaces, hosted by Parks Associates, brings together property owners, operators, and technology leaders to explore connected solutions for multifamily and hospitality environments. The event is grounded in Parks Associates’ research on broadband, managed Wi-Fi, smart home, and IoT technologies, providing insight into how integrated platforms and connectivity improve operations, reduce costs, and enhance resident experiences. These insights help industry stakeholders identify new revenue opportunities and implement more efficient, data-driven property strategies.

Parks Associates hosts Smart Spaces 2026 on September 15-16 at the Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park in Plano, Texas. www.smartspacesconference.com

Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein
Parks Associates
972.490.1113
421901@email4pr.com 

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SOURCE Parks Associates

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Asendia USA Helps Retailers Navigate New EU Customs Rules with Free e-Book and Webinar

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September 2, 2026

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PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To help U.S. retailers navigate cross-border shipping challenges as international shipping regulations continue to evolve, Asendia has published a useful e-book, Customs: International Shipping Made Simple, along with an on-demand webinar, Understanding EU Customs in 2026.

Asendia’s complimentary resources cover major customs developments, including recent EU changes that removed the €150 duty-free threshold and introduced new duties on low-value imports. The e-book also provides guidance on customs compliance, duties and taxes, common causes of shipping delays, and best practices for improving the international customer experience.

Border delays and customs clearance are now the leading challenges retailers face when shipping internationally, highlighting the growing importance of customs expertise in global e-commerce.

Over the past several months, Asendia USA has worked closely with customers to help them adapt to changing EU customs requirements and continue shipping successfully to shoppers across the EU. The company’s e-book and webinar are designed to help retailers understand the latest developments, but navigating customs successfully requires staying ahead of ongoing regulatory changes. As peak season approaches, access to experienced customs and cross-border shipping expertise can play a critical role in maintaining delivery performance and customer satisfaction.

Retailers can download the free e-book and watch the webinar on demand at: https://www.asendiausa.com/customs-ebook-2026 

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AAA® Welcomes 103 New Panelists Across Commercial, Construction, Consumer, Employment, and Labor Panels

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September 2, 2026

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NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American Arbitration Association® (AAA), the global leader in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), today announced it has strengthened its roster of experienced arbitrators and mediators across key areas of dispute resolution with the addition of 103 new panelists from January through July 2026.

Joining the AAA’s Commercial, Construction, Consumer, Employment, and Labor panels, the new panelists bring extensive legal, professional, and industry experience to disputes administered by the AAA. Their addition reflects the AAA’s ongoing commitment to maintaining panels of highly qualified neutrals equipped to address the evolving needs of businesses, individuals, counsel, and parties.

“AAA panelists are essential to the dispute resolution process,” said Eric Dill, SVP, chief people officer and head of panel relations at the AAA. “These accomplished professionals bring the experience, perspective, and industry knowledge needed to deliver fair, efficient outcomes for all parties. As disputes continue to grow in complexity, we continue to strengthen our panels so parties can find neutrals with the right expertise for their disputes.”

The new panelists include 47 joining the Commercial Panel, 23 joining the Construction Panel, 22 joining the Employment Panel, 9 joining the Labor Panel, and four joining the Consumer Panel. Their experience spans a broad range of business, construction, workplace, and consumer disputes, further expanding the industry and subject-matter knowledge available to parties through the AAA.

AAA panelists are selected through a rigorous review process based on professional accomplishments, subject-matter knowledge, dispute resolution experience, and other qualifications. In addition to the training AAA requires for arbitrators before they are made active on the AAA roster and an annual educational requirement, all panelists have access to ongoing education and resources to help them keep pace with developments in arbitration and mediation. AAA panelists are not employees of the AAA.

The new panelists, listed by AAA panel, are:

Commercial Panel

Michael Abate, KYHon. James (Jim) Abrams, NYEdward Allred, TXHon. James Bassett, NHAndrew Bonzani, NYRalph Cantafio, COMichael Cohen, NVEduardo Corretjer, PRVictoria Coyle, CTShashi Dholandas, NYKarl Dial, TXKatayoun Donnelly, COJames Fielder, ILHon. Jay Gandhi, CAMichael Granne, NYHilda Gurley, MIDaniel (Dan) Herling, CADavid Hoffman, PACraig Holden, CAHon. Robert Holzberg, CTJoshua Hyman, ILDavid Jonson, CAHon. Abdul Kallon, WAKaveh Kashef, MIAlan Lau, HIJames Loftis, TXMeryl Macklin, CARobin Main, RISimon Malko GABrant Martin, TXHon. Roslynn (Roz) Mauskopf, NYChristopher Melton, KYHon. Robert Miller, NYLisa Morgan, CAKenneth (Ken) Neuman, MIHon. Bill Pedersen, TXPaula Pendley, TXAllison Rich, NHHon. Diane Shelley, ILTiffany Shimada, UTDavid Shraga, CALeon Skornicki, NYMadeline Snider, NYBenjamin (Ben) Stewart, TXLee Straus, CAMichael Turrill, CAHon. Zuberi Williams, DE

Construction Panel

Tarek Abdalla, PAJeremy Baker, ILStephen Bialkowski, NJAaron Capps, TXJoseph Cooke, NYJason Ebe, AZMichael Jaffe, DCKafi Linville, MNRobert Lovein, TXG. Dwayne Maricle, LAJoshua (Josh) Marks, AZJerry Negrete, TXKenneth (Ken) Roberts, ILJ.R. Rothstein, FLTeresa Santin, OHStephen (Steve) Schemenauer, MNHon. David Shakes, COEric Singer, ILTony Starr, MAJennifer Therrien, MOZach Torres-Fowler, PAPhilip Watson, LAKendall Woods, IL

Consumer Panel

Andrew Knott, CTAlbert Pak, DCSamuel (Sam) Stone, WVIsaac Wannos, FL

Employment Panel

Julian Alwill, CAColleen Connelly, CAHarriet Cooperman, MDRobert (Rob) Gillette, WAStanley (Stan) Graham, TNWilmer Harris, CAGeoffrey (Geoff) Hash, CAMeredith Jeffries, NCJames (JJ) Johnston, CAAaron Kaufmann, CAPhyllis Kupferstein, CARuth Major, ILJoseph Moriarty, ILKathy Nemecheck, MOKathlyn Perez, LAGina Roccanova, CANicholas Roumel, MIHon. Ravi Sandill, TXGerald Sauer, CAAnthony Sciarrillo, NJJulia Simon, TXDaiquiri Steele, AL

Labor Panel

Carl Bosland, CAFrancis Connell, MAColleen Connelly, CA*Jerry Cutler, NYSteven Kramer, TNKimberly Moseley, VAGina Roccanova, CA*Mark Shank, TXLynne Stern, LA

*Also serves on the AAA Employment Panel.

The AAA welcomes the newest members of its panels and recognizes their commitment to advancing effective alternative dispute resolution.

For more information on the AAA roster of arbitrators and mediators, visit: https://www.adr.org/panel/about-our-panels/ 

About the American Arbitration Association  

The American Arbitration Association is the largest provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services in the world. Marking its centennial in 2026, the American Arbitration Association has transformed how legal issues are resolved for better since 1926, turning disputes worldwide into opportunities for understanding and progress. A not-for-profit organization, the American Arbitration Association’s mission is to deliver ADR services with integrity, transparency, and innovation. For more information, visit www.adr.org/.   

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SOURCE American Arbitration Association

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