Assessing the Sustainable Circular Fashion Supply Chain as a Model for Achieving Economic Growth in the Global Market

The fashion industry faces a critical sustainability crisis, contributing up to 10% of global carbon emissions and generating 92 million tons of textile waste annually. The study highlights the complex interplay of material flows, business models, power structures, and cultural mindsets, presenting a multi-scaled framework for advancing cleaner production and circularity in one of the world’s most resource-intensive sectors. This study proposes a transformative model for circular bioeconomy in fashion, integrating systems-change theory, degrowth economics, and emotional durability. Through case studies, including Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, and EU policy frameworks, the paper demonstrates how circular strategies can reduce waste, extend product lifecycles, and promote ethical labor practices. Notably, brands implementing take-back programs and recycled materials have diverted over 1.5 million garments from landfills and achieved up to 70% recycled content. The study critically addresses challenges such as technological solutionism, systemic greenwashing, and waste colonialism, concluding that incremental changes are insufficient. A paradigm shift in business models, consumer culture, and policy is essential for a regenerative and just fashion future.

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Publication Details

Journal
Sustainability
Published
2025-09-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/su17198558
Primary Topic
Environmental Sustainability in Business
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Assessing the Sustainable Circular Fashion Supply Chain as a Model for Achieving Economic Growth in the Global Market

Andrew Burnstine, Raouf Ghattas
Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability in Business
article

Assessing the Sustainable Circular Fashion Supply Chain as a Model for Achieving Economic Growth in the Global Market

Andrew Burnstine, Raouf Ghattas
article en

Abstract

The fashion industry faces a critical sustainability crisis, contributing up to 10% of global carbon emissions and generating 92 million tons of textile waste annually. The study highlights the complex interplay of material flows, business models, power structures, and cultural mindsets, presenting a multi-scaled framework for advancing cleaner production and circularity in one of the world’s most resource-intensive sectors. This study proposes a transformative model for circular bioeconomy in fashion, integrating systems-change theory, degrowth economics, and emotional durability. Through case studies, including Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, and EU policy frameworks, the paper demonstrates how circular strategies can reduce waste, extend product lifecycles, and promote ethical labor practices. Notably, brands implementing take-back programs and recycled materials have diverted over 1.5 million garments from landfills and achieved up to 70% recycled content. The study critically addresses challenges such as technological solutionism, systemic greenwashing, and waste colonialism, concluding that incremental changes are insufficient. A paradigm shift in business models, consumer culture, and policy is essential for a regenerative and just fashion future.

SustainabilityVol. 17(19)
Lynn University (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 66%
Environmental Sustainability in Business
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Assessing the Sustainable Circular Fashion Supply Chain as a Model for Achieving Economic Growth in the Global Market — Andrew Burnstine, Raouf Ghattas · Sustainability (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS