A Sustainability Overview of the Supply Chain Management in Textile Industry

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to identify the general panorama of sustainability in textile industry, and an overview of sustainable practices in supply chain management (SCM) in fashion sector. This study was developed through global literature review of both aspects mentioned above. Between the findings of this paper, it is important to mention that companies and consumers in textile industry must adopt sustainable practices (both are responsible that the textile sector is the second most polluting industry in the world), it is urgent to develop new technology and changing business model strategies inside the industry; and companies should stablish a common assessing method on sustainability in the sector.

Gaps, challenges and drivers for environmentally sustainable textile and garment manufacturing in India

“…Infrastructural challenges include lack of in-country technological development leading to inefficient and old machines being used that use up more resources and emit more pollutants than newer ones. Other infrastructural hindrances include acute shortages in power supply, lack of efficient transportation and financial issues like high cost of disposal of hazardous waste or eco-friendly packaging and high implementation cost for green technologies (Begum et al, 2017;Bhanot et al, 2017;Chandra, 2006;Chhimwal et al, 2021;Giri & Rai, 2013;Govindan et al, 2014;Kazancoglu et al, 2020;Khan et al, 2009;Majumdar & Sinha, 2018;Mathiyazhagan et al, 2019;Negrete & Lopez, 2020;Rathinamoorthy, 2019;Roy, 2009). Regulatory challenges include current regulations being biased towards linear manufacturing, lack of adequate implementation and accountability in implementing policies and label harmonizing issues (Ansari & Kant, 2017;Bhanot et al, 2017;Chhimwal et al, 2021;Gardas et al, 2018;Govindan et al, 2014;Majumdar et al, 2021;Majumdar & Sinha, 2018;Mathiyazhagan et al, 2019).…”

“…(Pani & Sharma, 2012;Singh, 2013;Giri & Rai 2013) Lack of trust between supply chain partners. (Ansari & Kant, 2017;Rathinamoorthy, 2019;Kazancoglu et al 2020;Chhimwal et al, 2021;Giri & Rai, 2013;Negrete & Lopez, 2020;Bhanot et al, 2017;Chhimwal et al, 2021) Issues with clothing designs and recycling: Some clothes are not designed to be recycled. In cases where fabric/goods are recycled and refurbished, the complication in design and unavailability of parts (like zippers, buttons) limits the variety of commodities that can be developed with existing resources.…”

Green Manufacturing Practices Towards Sustainable Development in the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) Industry of Bangladesh

“…Apparel sustainability practices can bring competitive benefits such as greater employee recruitment and retention, cost reductions, improved employer brand, stakeholder interactions, and returns on capital. Social sustainability in the RMG industry is concerned with ensuring social issues, for instance, workplace safety, hygiene and health, well-being, quality of life, access to training and education, and equity (Negrete & López, 2020). Addressing social issues from a supplier perspective can help achieve social sustainability.…”

“…Press (2021) pointed out that apparel sustainability is relevant to weak sustainability because it is microfocused and examines on tiny subsets of economic activity whereas strong sustainability incorporates multiple stakeholders. However, the most difficult aspect of achieving apparel sustainability is managing all three challenges such as excessive consumption of scarce resources, industrial waste, and hazardous working conditions (Negrete & López, 2020). Therefore, integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions is essential for sustainable development of textile industry.…”

Sustainable Textile Industry: An Overview

“…The supply chain expenditures have an impact on the environment since delivering products more efficiently reduces your carbon footprint. Companies are now establishing sustainability initiatives to aid the environment by reducing miles travelled, production expenses, product waste, and unscheduled activities [71] . Importers and exporters work together with their suppliers to express their sustainability ideals and expectations.…”