Dear Colleagues,

During the last few decades, general consumption has accelerated, with a detrimental effect on the environment. This acceleration of consumption is especially noticeable in the apparel and textile industry. Global clothing production doubled from 2000 to 2014. The average person buys 60% more items of clothing every year and keeps them for about half as long as 15 years ago. Textile and apparel production, use, and disposal processes utilize natural resources and produce waste. Although almost 100% of textiles and clothing are recyclable, globally, 80% of discarded textiles are sent to the land fill, and only 20% are reused and recycled. Consumers have been identified as the primary group that discards clothing; however, pre-use clothing and industrial waste created during production are also frequently disposed of in the landfill by manufacturers. Because of the complexity of textile and apparel product development and supply chain combined with consumer behavior related to the consumption and disposal of these goods, the issue of sustainable clothing and textiles is multifaceted and can be addressed through a variety of methods concerning modifications in clothing and textile production, consumption, and disposal.

This Special Issue aims to enhance the understanding of alternative methods effective in reducing the environmental impact of clothing and textile production, consumption, and disposal. We need to better understand how this goal can be achieved and how to make industry professionals and consumers aware of this issue so to impact their behavior. We welcome articles examining processes and programs that show an effective reduction of the environmental impact during apparel and textile lifecycles, from design to end of life.  Therefore, this Special Issue also expects to contribute to research examining the development and implementation of such processes. Papers that are practically oriented as well as articles that aim to develop theoretical approaches are welcomed.

Prof. Karen K. Leonas
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• Sustainable manufacturing
• Sustainable consumption
• Closed-Loop Manufacturing
• Circular Economy
• Apparel
• Apparel Take-Back Programs