Green merchandising of textiles and apparel in a circular economy: Recent trends, framework, challenges and future prospects towards sustainability

Abstract

The textile and apparel industries have experienced the arrival of the sustainable fashion revolution, which symbolizes a significant switch towards improving green innovations and lessening environmental effects. As industries highlight sustainability through eco-friendly apparel merchandising practices, switching to a circular economy can present potential transformation. This review highlights eco-friendly concepts and evaluates recent trends, complexities, and future prospects. It assesses the shift in industry from linear to circular approaches by applying today's closed-loop product recycling strategies, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing. It critically examines contemporary perspectives on green merchandising with a focus on key challenges arising from these complex supply chains, evolving customer preferences, and legislation. It performs an in-depth critical analysis of contemporary literature to identify the best practices and emerging trends in the advancement of circularity. It outlines the importance of collaboration by manufacturers, retailers, and consumers in advancing green merchandising in textiles and apparel. It seeks to encourage manufacturers towards more sustainable practices by providing practical advice and synthesizing findings. It can ultimately lead to a more resilient and environmentally conscious textiles and apparel sector.