Circularity in the Fashion Industry: A Study on Recycling Practices and End-of-Life Textile Recycling Among Fashion Retailers

Abstract

This thesis investigates the circularity strategies and solutions that are being employed in the fashion textile industry to address its environmental impact. The first research questions explore the main circularity strategies, with a specific focus on the role of textile recycling in achieving circular practices. The second research question examines the optional channels and solutions that fashion retailers are utilising to achieve circularity. The findings suggest that while textile recycling is an important aspect of circularity, it should be combined with different methods in order to achieve a circular economy. Additionally, fashion retailers are utilising various channels and solutions in order to achieve circular business models. The results highlight the importance of a holistic approach to circularity in the fashion textile industry, including need for a combination of strategies that are beyond just textile recycling. The scope of this research will be limited to the fashion textile industry, rather than the entire textile industry. This study focuses on the challenges, opportunities as well as solutions related to textile recycling and extending the life cycle of textiles from a fashion retail perspective.