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Sustainable Materials and Management in Fashion Industry

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 409850

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ting Chi

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Guest Editor

Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
Interests: sustainability and sustainable development; firms’ strategic and supply chain management; corporate social responsibility and consumer environmentalism; multi-channel retailing and electronic commerce; product/technology life cycle analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Huantian Cao

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Guest Editor

Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
Interests: sustainable textile material; sustainable apparel and wearable product design and development; functional textiles; functional apparel design and development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The fashion industry is a $2.4 trillion dollar global industry employing approximately 300 million people worldwide across the value chain. While the fashion industry is booming, increasing focus has been placed on issues relating to sustainability. Sustainability encompasses environmental issues (such as air, water, and land pollution; climate change; product lifecycle assessment; waste recycling and upcycling; and biodegradable material development and adoption) and social issues (including working conditions, labor practices, diversity and equity issues, health and safety risks, and fair trade). As the discourse around these issues, relating to sustainability, continues to evolve, scholars have made renewed calls to invite the submission of up-to-date research articles that address the issues of sustainable materials and management in the context of apparel and the textile industry. We will accept both empirical and conceptual papers that offer theoretical and practical contributions to the areas of interest mentioned based on qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-research methods.

This Special Issue mainly focuses on but does not limit itself to the following topics:

The development and application of sustainable textile materials;
The environmental sustainability of textiles and apparel;
Social sustainability of textiles and apparel;
Sustainable production and consumption;
Consumer perceptions of sustainability in fashion;
The impact of COVID-19 on sustainable fashion;
Sustainable supply chain management;
Sustainable brands and circular business models;
Circular economy in the textile and apparel industry;
Transparency and traceability of sustainable fashion;
Life cycle assessment of textiles and apparel;
Innovative and creative solutions for sustainable fashion;
Emerging technologies and sustainable business models.

Prof. Dr. Ting Chi
Prof. Dr. Huantian Cao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

environmental sustainability
social sustainability
sustainable management
sustainable fashion
sustainable materials

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leveraging 4D Golf Apparel Wear Simulation in Online Shopping: A Promising Approach to Minimizing the Carbon Footprint

by Doyeon Kong, Yoo-Kyoung Seock, Steve Marschner and Heeju Terry Park

Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 11444; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411444 - 24 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1935

Abstract

As fashion e-commerce grows, the online return rates are running higher than ever before. Online customers buy the same product in multiple sizes or colors with the intention of returning what is not necessary as they are unable to have a tactile experience during their purchase. In terms of sustainability, returns have a huge negative impact on the environment, causing waste sent to landfills and carbon emissions. In the United States alone, over 15 million metric tons of carbon dioxide are annually emitted from transporting returned inventory. This study explored an innovative way to help reduce online returns due to fit and sizing issues using four-dimensional (4D) golf apparel wear simulation. The study observed how online customers reacted to an apparel wear simulation where they could see the body–clothing interactions, such as dynamic changes in the drape of a garment and cloth deformations caused by different body movements, with a focus on golf apparel. Female customers (n = 13) with experience playing golf and purchasing golf apparel online participated in randomized experiments where three different e-commerce demo websites embedded with simulations were shown. In-depth interviews were followed to collect qualitative data, and surveying was used to quantitatively assess the perceived usefulness of 4D golf apparel wear simulations. The findings of the study indicated that the wear simulation has the potential to help customers find the correct fit and size when shopping online. By exploring the idea of providing a more accurate representation of how apparel fits and interacts with the body, this study sheds light on the promising approach of leveraging 4D golf apparel wear simulations in online shopping to enhance sustainable fashion and potentially contribute to reducing the carbon footprint by minimizing returns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Management in Fashion Industry)

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14 pages, 643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Exploration of Transformative Learning Applied to the Triple Bottom Line of Sustainability for Fashion Consumers

by Hyo Jung (Julie) Chang, Nasir Rakib and Jaehan Min

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9300; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129300 - 8 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2403

Abstract

Growing awareness and concern about sustainability worldwide has drawn attention to the sustainability practices of the textile and apparel industry and its consumers. In particular, educating consumers about sustainability becomes more important as it can increase their sustainability awareness and prompt action. Therefore, based on the transformative learning theory, this study was designed to explore the current knowledge of sustainability of Generation Z fashion consumers by observing and analyzing a focus group discussion. A qualitative research method was used, twenty participants in four focus groups participated, and two activities were implemented during the focus group sessions in this study. A thematic analysis was used to interpret the qualitative transcribed data. Five themes emerged from the focus group discussion, including Normalizing Customer Activism, Short-Sighted Actions, Story Sharing with Others, Filling the Information Gap, and Challenging but Not Impossible. The results show that consumers have a limited understanding of sustainability, i.e., they are primarily concerned about the environmental aspect of sustainability. However, the knowledge and discussion extracted through video and website browsing led to transformative learning among the participants, thereby changing their understanding of sustainability from a predominantly environmental perspective to one that encompasses social aspects. In addition, after this learning process, fashion consumers can perceive sustainability more holistically as a balance of the three aspects of sustainability. The findings of this study can be applied to inform educational programs and create opportunities for reframing marketing strategies by leveraging various technological platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Management in Fashion Industry)

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19 pages, 2858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Online Luxury Resale Platforms and Customer Experiences: A Text Mining Analysis of Online Reviews

by Chuanlan Liu, Sibei Xia and Chunmin Lang

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 8137; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108137 - 17 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4455

Abstract

There are long-standing arguments that challenge the resale business as a circular fashion model. Considering the whole fashion industry and market, luxury resale is still quite small. To scale the industry, it is critical to attract more consumers to embrace fashion resale and circular fashion. However, many of the customers most likely to embrace resale might have already opted into the market, indicating that online or in-store resale businesses are competing for a limited pool of customers. As a result, it is challenging for the industry to scale. Therefore, it is imperative to understand how consumers engage with luxury resale platforms, what value they are looking for, and to what degree resale customers’ desires for fashion clothing and sustainability can be met in a reconciling manner. Such understanding will facilitate luxury resale platforms to grow their customer base and scale up the industry. This exploratory study focuses on understanding online luxury platform customers and their consumption experience to determine what key attributes affect customer value and engagement. The research explores customer experience using a text-mining approach to provide answers to identified research questions: (1) How do online luxury resale platforms provide customer value to buyers and sellers? What are the driving values for consumers to buy or sell pre-owned products? (2) Are there any issues regarding buying and selling pre-owned products using online luxury resale platforms? (3) Does sustainability play a role in individuals’ consumption using online luxury resale platforms? The article discusses the implications of the study, its limitations, and future research directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Management in Fashion Industry)

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16 pages, 497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Environmental Impact of Natural and Synthetic Fibers: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach

by Victoria Gonzalez, Xingqiu Lou and Ting Chi

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7670; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097670 - 7 May 2023

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 16521

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the environmental impact of six fibers in the textile industry: conventional and organic cotton, silk, jute, flax, and polyester. The study used a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology with a cradle-to-gate system boundary and analyzed the stages of agriculture, spinning, weaving, and dyeing. In agriculture production, five impact categories (i.e., fossil resource scarcity, global warming, land use, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and water consumption) have the most significant differences across these fibers. Polyester production significantly impacted the terrestrial ecotoxicity impact category, while stratospheric ozone depletion had a minor impact. In yarn preparation and spinning, silk has the most significant impact in most categories, followed by conventional cotton, while jute had the most minimal impact. In weaving, the most visible differences were in fossil resource scarcity, global warming, land use, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and water consumption. Conventional cotton dyeing showed significant impacts on global warming potential and terrestrial ecotoxicity. This study contributes to the limited literature on existing LCA research in the textile industry. Adding updated information will help increase the comprehension of LCA research and guide stakeholders in transitioning fashion supply chains more sustainably. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Management in Fashion Industry)

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13 pages, 653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regenerated Cellulose Fibers (RCFs) for Future Apparel Sustainability: Insights from the U.S. Consumers

by Ting Chi, Anastasia Frattali, Hang Liu and Yini Chen

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5404; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065404 - 18 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2696

Abstract

An increasing number of apparel companies are inventing novel green technologies to produce regenerated cellulose fibers (RCFs) out of textile waste. RCF can significantly reduce virgin cotton production and decrease textile waste in incinerators or landfills. However, our knowledge on U.S. consumers’ willingness to purchase RCF-made apparel is still limited given its newness. To address the gap in the literature, this study aimed to identify the factors significantly influencing the U.S. consumers’ purchase intention toward RCF-made apparel. Building on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), a research model including attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, perceived consumer effectiveness, and past environmental behavior as predictors was proposed to investigate the U.S. consumers’ intention to purchase RCF-made apparel. The primary data were collected by a Qualtrics survey of U.S. consumers. A total of 544 eligible responses were gathered for data analysis and hypothesis testing. The multiple regression method was applied for determining the proposed statistical relationships. Attitude, perceived consumer effectiveness, and past environmental behavior positively affect U.S. consumers’ purchase intention toward RCF-made apparel, while the effects of subjective norm and perceived behavior control are insignificant. Attitude plays a partial mediating role between past environmental behavior and purchase intention toward RCF-made apparel. A higher level of consumer environmental behavior leads to a more positive attitude toward and a greater likelihood to purchase RCF-made apparel. The proposed research model exhibits a good explanatory power, accounting for 64.8% of variance in U.S. consumers’ purchase intention toward RCF-made apparel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Management in Fashion Industry)

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13 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Explore U.S. Retailers’ Sourcing Strategies for Clothing Made from Recycled Textile Materials

by Sheng Lu

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010038 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4635

Abstract

This study explored U.S. retailers’ sourcing patterns for clothing made from recycled textile materials. Based on a statistical analysis of over 3000 such clothing items for sale in the U.S. retail market from January 2019 to August 2022 at the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) level, the study found that U.S. retailers adopted a diverse sourcing base for clothing made from recycled textile materials, covering developed and developing economies worldwide. Additionally, an exporting country’s economic development level and geographic location had statistically significant impacts on U.S. retailers’ sourcing patterns for clothing made from recycled textile materials regarding assortment diversity, product sophistication, market segments, and pricing. The study’s findings revealed the broad supply base for clothing made from recycled textile materials and suggested promising sourcing opportunities for such products. The findings also indicated that sourcing clothing made from recycled textile materials may help U.S. retailers achieve business benefits beyond the positive environmental impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Management in Fashion Industry)

14 pages, 1155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using LCA and Circularity Indicators to Measure the Sustainability of Textiles—Examples of Renewable and Non-Renewable Fibres

by Stephen G. Wiedemann, Quan V. Nguyen and Simon J. Clarke

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16683; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416683 - 13 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3727

Abstract

Reducing environmental impacts by increasing circularity is highly relevant to the textiles sector. Here, we examine results from life cycle assessment (LCA) and circularity indicators applied to renewable and non-renewable fibres to evaluate the synergies between the two approaches for improving sustainability assessment of textiles. Using LCA, impacts were quantified for sweaters made from fossil feedstock-derived and bio-based PET. These same sweaters were scored using four circularity indicators. Both sweaters showed similar fossil energy footprints, but the bio-PET raw material acquisition stage greenhouse gas, water and land occupation impacts were 1.9 to 60 times higher, leading to higher full life cycle impacts. These contrasts were principally determined by what raw material acquisition processes were considered outside the system boundary of the alternative feedstocks. Using circularity indicators, fossil-feedstock PET scored lowest (worst) because the feedstock was from a non-renewable source. These examples highlight the limitations of LCA: the renewability or non-renewability of raw materials is not fully considered, and contrasts in processes included within system boundaries can preclude equitable comparisons. For LCA to be suitable for quantifying sustainability, it should be complemented by circularity indicators capable of demonstrating the contrast between renewable and non-renewable raw materials, particularly in the case of textiles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Management in Fashion Industry)

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18 pages, 2751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Sustainable Positioning on eWOM and Brand Loyalty: Analysis of Credible Sources and Transparency Practices Based on the S-O-R Model

by Khirul Basar Mim, Tunmin (Catherine) Jai and Stacy H. Lee

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12461; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912461 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7221

Abstract

With increased concern for environmental and social issues, consumers and the apparel industry have become more interested in the topic of sustainability. Numerous brands strive to reposition in sustainability by employing credible sources and maintaining information transparency to get consumers’ recognition. By employing the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework, this study experimented with how sustainability positioning with credible sources (EPA vs. Celebrity vs. Social Media Influencer) and high (vs. low) transparency influence brand attachment, trust, and identification, leading to eWOM and brand loyalty. The findings indicate that sustainable positioning with credible sources (i.e., EPA and Social Media influencers) could achieve consumers’ positive brand attachment, trust, and identification in social media marketing. However, we did not find evidence of the impact of high (vs. low) transparency on these dependable variables. Furthermore, brand loyalty and eWOM are significantly influenced by consumers’ brand attachment and trust, whereas brand identification positively affects brand loyalty only, not eWOM. Additionally, this study found that women and higher-income groups had a high preference for sustainable brands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Management in Fashion Industry)

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16 pages, 669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do Perceived Value and Risk Affect Purchase Intention toward Second-Hand Luxury Goods? An Empirical Study of U.S. Consumers

by Xingqiu Lou, Ting Chi, Justin Janke and Gianna Desch

Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11730; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811730 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 12065

Abstract

The second-hand luxury market is currently experiencing rapid growth. Despite the existing knowledge on consumer second-hand luxury shopping behavior, little is known about second-hand luxury consumption in the U.S. The purpose of this study is to investigate how U.S. consumers perceive second-hand luxury goods and the various factors that influence their purchase intentions, including economic, emotional, social, quality, green values, and perceived risk. An online survey was conducted to test the proposed relationships between the related variables in the conceptual model. A total of 340 eligible responses was collected. The psychometric properties of the proposed model were examined, and the multiple regression method was applied to test the hypotheses. Results of this study indicated that perceived emotional value, perceived social value, perceived quality value, and perceived green value positively influence U.S. consumers’ intention to purchase second-hand luxury products. The proposed research model shows a good explanatory power, accounting for 75.4% of variance in U.S. consumers’ purchase intention towards second-hand luxury goods. This research is one of the first attempts to understand the second-hand luxury consumption of U.S. consumers, a critical segment in the luxury resale market. Understanding consumers’ desired values regarding second-hand luxury goods will enable retailers and brands to develop effective marketing strategies and promote sustainable consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Management in Fashion Industry)

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20 pages, 9223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Textile and Product Development from End-of-Use Cotton Apparel: A Study to Reclaim Value from Waste

by Huantian Cao, Kelly Cobb, Michelle Yatvitskiy, Megan Wolfe and Hongqing Shen

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8553; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148553 - 13 Jul 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7104

Abstract

The textile and apparel production and consumption generate a huge amount of solid textile waste. Mechanical recycling is one main method to recycle cotton waste; however, shredding in mechanical recycling shortens fiber length and reduces fiber quality. As a result, the application of mechanically recycled textiles may be limited. This research investigated mechanical methods to recycle post-consumer cotton textile waste and designed and developed second-life products. This study applied research through design methodology and documented step-by-step textile and product development practices to communicate the results. Using the textiles from deconstructed end-of-use garments with a high cotton content (80% or higher), combined with other materials, the researchers developed yarns, and nonwoven, woven, quilted, tufted fabrics. The researchers tested textile properties such as “yarn” tensile strength and elongation, fabric thickness, thermal resistance, air permeability, and stiffness. Using fabrics developed from end-of-use cotton waste, the researchers designed and developed high-value products such as bags, decorative textile, a hat, cell phone and glasses cases, and garments to contribute to the sustainability and circularity of cotton. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Management in Fashion Industry)

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Review

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17 pages, 1004 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ecological Approaches to Textile Dyeing: A Review

by Livia Lara, Isabel Cabral and Joana Cunha

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8353; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148353 - 7 Jul 2022

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 14697

Abstract

Conventional dyeing processes currently practiced in the textile industry have a great environmental impact, mainly in relation to the quantity and pollution of water, use of toxic chemicals, atmospheric emissions, and high energy consumption. This study aims to discuss the relationship between the variables that involve conventional dyeing processes and environmental issues. It presents the mapping of the materials and emerging technologies for ecological coloration, specifically for the pretreatment and dyeing stages. Regarding pretreatment, it discusses biochemical (enzymes) and physical treatment (ultraviolet radiation, plasma, and ozone technology) approaches. With respect to the dyeing processes, it addresses ecological materials (natural dyes) and emerging technologies (such as plasma, supercritical CO₂, AirDye^®, ultrasonic, microwave, Nano-Dye^TM, and electrochemical). Given the importance of ecological coloration, this study provides important reflections on the urgency of resolving issues related to barriers and economic viability in the implementation of the alternatives presented and demonstrates the need to develop educational projects to prepare fashion and textile professionals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Management in Fashion Industry)

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Other

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21 pages, 1586 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Sustainability Innovation in the Textile Industry: A Systematic Review

by Budi Harsanto, Ina Primiana, Vita Sarasi and Yayan Satyakti

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1549; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021549 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 328622

Abstract

The aim of this review study is to understand the current state and practice of sustainability innovation in the textile industry. The textile industry is regarded as one of the industries that faces the biggest challenges in incorporating sustainability in its business practices. In this study, we conducted a systematic review to synthesize empirical knowledge relevant to sustainable innovation in the textile industry. From the systematic search process, 41 papers that were identified met the criteria of inclusion and were then analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. The findings showed that the attention of researchers toward sustainability innovation has increased in the recent years. Sustainability innovation practices in the textile industry were identified. Sustainability product innovation includes ecodesign, ecolabel, life cycle assessment, materials, and packaging. Sustainability process innovation includes cleaner production, ecoefficiency, waste handling, supply chain management, and enzymatic textile processing in process innovation. Sustainability organizational innovation includes the environmental management system (EMS) and corporate policy, collaboration, business model innovation, culture and knowledge management, and enzymatic textile processing. This study found that the dominant sustainability innovation practice discussed in the textile industry is more related to the ecological innovation aspect compared to social innovation. As consumer demand for ecofriendly products is growing, as are more stringent regulations, it is important for business players and policymakers to develop sustainability innovation in the textile industry together. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Management in Fashion Industry)

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