Fundamental Challenges and Opportunities for Textile Circularity

Kedron Thomas (), Hira Durrani, Julia Brady, Kendall Ludwig, Michelle Yatvitskiy, Abigail R. Clarke-Sather, Huantian Cao and Kelly Cobb
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Kedron Thomas: Department of Anthropology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
Hira Durrani: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
Julia Brady: Department of Anthropology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
Kendall Ludwig: Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
Michelle Yatvitskiy: Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
Abigail R. Clarke-Sather: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
Huantian Cao: Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
Kelly Cobb: Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 24, 1-17

Abstract: The negative environmental impacts of the current linear system of textile and apparel production are well-documented and require urgent action. The sector lacks an effective recycling system, resulting in massive waste and environmental pollution. This paper presents the results of qualitative research involving textile and apparel industry stakeholders, including representatives from brands and retailers, waste collectors, recyclers, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies. Our research focused on stakeholder perceptions of the significance and importance of textile circularity, the challenges that exist for transitioning the textile and apparel industry from a linear system to a circular economy (CE), and resources that exist to support this transition. The results of this study call attention to the following urgent requirements: a consistent definition of CE to promote transparency and accountability and prevent greenwashing; improved systems for materials identification, sorting, and pre-processing of post-consumer textile waste to enable recycling; innovations in mechanical recycling technologies to maintain the value of recycled materials; and new, materials-driven approaches to design and manufacturing that are responsive to feedstock variability and diverse consumer needs. The research findings also suggest the need for flexible, regional CEs that are rooted in community partnerships.

Keywords: circular economy; sustainability; post-consumer waste; apparel; mechanical recycling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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