Textile waste in the concept of circularity

Abstract

The fashion industry constitutes the third most polluting industry in the world. The environmental implications of the fashion industry have grown in the last decade due to the throw away habits of consumers as well as depletion of raw material from producers. Furthermore, there is significant impact on all three sustainability pillars with environmental (i.e. emissions, energy, water consumption etc.), social (i.e. poverty, work ethics etc.) and economy (i.e. purchasing, manufacturing cost, depletion of raw materials etc.). The integration of Circular Economy into the fashion industry provides a fast and secure way towards sustainability in accordance with European legislations like the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Strategy as well as the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Still, to follow through with the transition from a linear to circular fashion, adequate strategies and plans must be created in the framework of business models. As over the last years, the research community has pursued different business models regarding different stages of the fashion production line (from raw materials acquisition to disposal), still, a holistic business model covering all of the production progress is necessary. This research aims to combine different business models of circular fashion to create a holistic approach for the smooth and just transition to a prosperous and sustainable circular economy in the fashion industry. This research will provide insight to both producers and consumers to the barriers and benefits of circular economy in the fashion industry.