Journal of Advanced Research in Sustainable Fashion Management and Circular Economy Practices

Advancing Sustainable Fashion: Education and Capacity Building for Circular Economy Integration

2025-10-10T07:42:16+00:00

The fashion industry is a significant contributor to global environmental degradation, with high levels of resource consumption, waste production, and carbon emissions. As one of the most resource-intensive industries, it has long faced growing scrutiny over its environmental and social impact. However, the increasing awareness of these challenges has led to a shift in consumer demands and business practices. Today, there is an increasing focus on sustainability, with consumers, governments, and businesses urging the industry to adopt more environmentally responsible approaches.

A key pathway toward achieving this sustainable future is the adoption of the circular economy (CE) model. The circular economy seeks to reimagine traditional linear production systems (take-make-dispose) into regenerative cycles where products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and reducing reliance on finite resources. By integrating circular economy principles, the fashion industry can drastically reduce its environmental footprint through strategies like material recycling, product repair and reuse, and sustainable design.[1]

However, the integration of circular economy principles into fashion requires more than just technological innovations or policy changes. Education and capacity building play pivotal roles in enabling the shift. For the circular economy to thrive in fashion, it is crucial that industry professionalsâ€”from designers to supply chain managersâ€”are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate these new paradigms. As fashion becomes increasingly focused on sustainability, educational institutions, businesses, and governments must collaborate to provide the necessary training, skill development, and awareness-building initiatives.[2]

Educational programs that incorporate principles of sustainable design, resource efficiency, and environmental impact reduction are essential to preparing future generations of fashion professionals to work in a circular economy. Additionally, capacity buildingâ€”the process of developing the skills, knowledge, and competencies of the workforceâ€”helps individuals within the industry adapt to circular models, whether it be through learning to design for longevity, managing waste, or innovating with sustainable materials.

This review explores the critical importance of education and capacity building for advancing the integration of circular economy principles within the fashion sector. It delves into the current landscape of fashion education and highlights the necessity of skill development in areas such as sustainable sourcing, eco-conscious design, ethical manufacturing, and waste management. Moreover, it examines how awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and governments can collectively accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable and circular fashion system. The review further discusses how embedding these principles into the core of fashion education will not only empower professionals to make informed decisions but also create a ripple effect, inspiring greater environmental responsibility and pushing the industry towards long-term transformation.

Environmental Impact Assessments of Fashion Industry Practices: A Comprehensive Review

2025-10-10T07:44:47+00:00

The fashion industry is one of the largest global industries, contributing significantly to environmental degradation through resource consumption, waste generation, and pollution. As the industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, understanding the environmental impacts of fashion practices is critical. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) within the fashion industry. It explores the key environmental concerns associated with fashion production and consumption, including water usage, chemical pollution, waste generation, and carbon emissions. Additionally, the article examines the role of EIAs in promoting sustainability and improving practices across the supply chain. Finally, the review highlights the challenges and opportunities in using environmental impact assessments to drive positive change in the industry.

Reviving Fashion: The Power of Upcycling and Repurposing

2025-10-10T07:47:35+00:00

The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste, with millions of tons of garments discarded each year, placing significant pressure on the environment. As sustainability becomes an increasing priority for both consumers and brands, upcycling and repurposing have emerged as powerful, practical solutions to reduce waste and extend the life cycle of fashion products. Upcycling involves creatively transforming old garments or materials into new, higher-value items, while repurposing focuses on reusing materials or garments in their original form for new purposes. This review explores the concepts of upcycling and repurposing within the fashion industry, examining how these practices contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing waste and reducing resource consumption. It also investigates their role in fostering economic growth by creating new business opportunities, jobs, and enhancing local economies through small-scale production and artisanal collaborations. Additionally, upcycling and repurposing fuel creative innovation by encouraging designers to think outside traditional design processes and embrace unconventional materials, all while offering unique, one-of-a-kind products. The article outlines key trends, challenges, and opportunities in scaling these practices, such as supply chain issues, consumer perceptions, and production costs. By emphasizing the importance of upcycling and repurposing as integral components of a sustainable fashion future, the article envisions a transformative shift toward circular fashion, where waste is minimized, creativity is celebrated, and sustainability is at the heart of the industryâ€™s evolution.

Revolutionizing Fashion with Eco-Conscious Materials and Fibres

2025-10-10T07:50:25+00:00

The fashion industry, long criticized for its environmental impact, is undergoing a significant transformation through the adoption of eco-conscious materials and fibres. As consumers demand more sustainable products, fashion brands are turning to alternatives like organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, PiÃ±atex, and mycelium-based leather to reduce their ecological footprint. These materials offer a sustainable solution by reducing water usage, chemical waste, and reliance on non-renewable resources. This article reviews the growing trend of eco-friendly fibres in the fashion industry, exploring their benefits, challenges, and potential for reshaping the future of fashion. With continued innovation and investment, eco-conscious materials have the potential to revolutionize the industry, making it more sustainable and ethically responsible.

Socio-Economic Transformations Through Sustainable Fashion and Circular Economy Practices

2025-10-10T07:56:23+00:00

The fashion industry, a significant global economic sector, has long been associated with environmental degradation, resource depletion, and social inequalities. With increasing awareness of these impacts, the integration of sustainable fashion practices and circular economy (CE) models has gained momentum. This review explores the socio-economic implications of sustainable fashion and CE initiatives, focusing on how they contribute to socio-economic transformation. By examining the impact on labor, job creation, economic growth, and social equity, this article highlights the potential of sustainable fashion and circular economy practices to reshape the industry for the better. It also discusses challenges and opportunities in scaling these practices across global supply chains and their effects on consumers, brands, and communities.