Sustainable eco-design approach for next-generation wearable e-textiles

Wearable e-textiles offer a cutting-edge approach to personalised health monitoring. However, challenges in material sustainability, production processes, and end-of-life management hinder their broader adoption. This study introduces the first eco-design approach to wearable e-textiles, emphasising the integration of the three constructs: sustainable design, performance measurement, and end-of-life solutions throughout the product lifecycle. Understanding market demands and customer expectations is crucial for the viability of this eco-design strategy. By integrating these constructs, eco-design ensures that wearable e-textiles meet functionality expectations while minimising environmental impact. This research examines the current state of wearable e-textiles using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to validate these constructs. It explores key elements such as sustainability parameters, manufacturing processes, and potential applications, as perceived by experts through a focused survey using purposive sampling and descriptive statistics. The study demonstrates a significant correlation between these constructs involved in sustainable wearable e-textile design. Specifically, performance measurement plays a partial role in mediating this relationship, contributing to the advancement of design practices that prioritize sustainability in wearable e-textiles. Finally, it discusses the theoretical, managerial, and societal implications, emphasising the importance of sustainable eco-design strategies for e-textiles in driving scientific advancements and benefiting both academia and industry.