Supply Chain Transformation and the Circular Economy Methods for producing Sustainable Textiles

Abstract

Since the textile industry pollutes the world and uses up resources, it needs to transform quickly to become sustainable. This research investigates how supply chain transformation guided by circular economy ideas can support sustainable production in the textile industry. It brings together closed-loop models, eco-design, sustainable sourcing, recycling, and end-of-life textile recovery in existing supply chains. The study employs primary data gained from interviews with manufacturers and supply chain and sustainability officials. The research indicates that using circular economy approaches results in better use of resources, less impact on the environment, and greater innovation throughout the supply chain. Among the benefits are less trash, less energy use, and fewer carbon emissions. Still, it is difficult because recycling is costly, many regulations do not provide incentives and there aren’t enough recycling facilities. This study introduces a Circular Textile Supply Chain Framework (CTS2CF) that shows stakeholders how to improve their supply chains to support circularity and sustainability. The findings provide useful and theoretical guidance for industry players to improve sustainability in the textile supply chain. Cross-sector partnerships, help from policies, and the use of technology are stressed as important for making the textile economy work at scale. The study’s demographic data show a moderately varied respondent profile, with an average age of 3.69 and a higher male representation (gender mean = 1.37). Participants held diverse roles (mean = 2.10) and had several years of experience (mean = 3.22). Most respondents belonged to medium-to-large organizations (mean = 3.23), operating across wide geographic areas. In performance metrics, digital transformation (DTI = 3.62) and logistics integration (RLI = 3.60) scored highest, followed by workforce resilience (WRS = 3.57). Path analysis found RLI (0.227) and DTI (0.205) as the strongest predictors of circular economy practices (CEP). Workforce resilience (0.231) had the highest influence on strategic planning (STP). Supply chain coordination (SC) had no significant impact on CEP (p = 0.139). Overall, RLI, DTI, and WRS play pivotal roles in advancing CE and strategic outcomes.