Investigating the effectiveness of clothes recovery programs in promoting a circular economy: A review

¹ University of Insubria, Department of Science and High Technology, 22100 Como, Italy
² University of Insubria, Department of Human Sciences, Innovation and Territory, 22100 Como, Italy
³ University of Insubria, Theoretical and Applied Science Department, 21100, Varese, Italy

^* Corresponding author: jlawrence@uninsubria.it

Abstract

Textile plays a crucial role in a circular economy and its traditional use needs to be replaced with sustainable ways. A circular economy gives repurpose and value to a resource in a continuous loop to be useful to its maximum extent at the end of stage life. Also, with the increase in population, consumption of resources, inflation, and environmental impacts are aggravated. Therefore, a literature review in this scenario which represents the solutions and the scope to incorporate circular economy with the clothes recovery is useful. The highlight of the review includes external hindrances such as consumer preferences, garment styles, and the need to involve indigenous productions in the regulations of the circular economy. In Swiss fashion firms, it’s harder to set circular economy principles as compared to Italy. Further, rich fashion brands do not generally favour the idea of a circular economy. However, a few young businesses, despite the complexities of each stage, are inclined more towards a circular economy. The overview of the current review gives various ideas, limitations, and the future perspective for the application of circular economy integrated with textile. Also, it gives an opportunity to assess and compare the circular economy hindrances and scope among different countries.