Barriers to institutionalizing reverse logistics for post-consumer clothing waste: an Indian apparel retail perspective

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the institutionalization of reverse logistics (RL) in the Indian garment retail sector for post-consumer waste, identifying and classifying significant barriers within the framework of sustainable supply chain management and the circular economy. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a Delphi technique with 19 industry experts to carefully identify and assess obstacles to RL adoption. This research combines institutional theory and stakeholder theory to create a thorough comprehension of the barriers. Findings This research indicates that organizational resistance, budgetary limitations and inadequate regulatory frameworks are the primary obstacles to the institutionalization of RL in India’s garment retail industry. This study presents an innovative seven-dimensional framework emphasizing the interrelation of managerial, financial and regulatory challenges. Research limitations/implications This study’s results are specific to India’s apparel retail sector, perhaps restricting their generalizability. Future study may investigate parallels across industries or countries. This research offers practical recommendations for policymakers and supply chain managers to improve the adoption of RL in emerging markets. Originality/value This research enhances the literature on RL by examining the overlooked apparel retail sector in emerging economies, presenting a novel multi-dimensional framework and incorporating institutional and stakeholder theories to elucidate the constraints of RL adoption.