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Search Results (161)

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24 pages, 1599 KiB  
Article
Climate-Regulating Industrial Ecosystems: An AI-Optimised Framework for Green Infrastructure Performance
by Shamima Rahman, Ali Ahsan and Nazrul Islam Pramanik
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6891; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156891 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 283
Abstract
This paper presents an Industrial–Ecological Symbiosis Framework that enables industrial operations to achieve quantifiable ecological gains without compromising operational efficiency. The model integrates Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) with AI-optimised forecasting to allow real-time adjustments to production and resource use. It was tested across [...] Read more.
This paper presents an Industrial–Ecological Symbiosis Framework that enables industrial operations to achieve quantifiable ecological gains without compromising operational efficiency. The model integrates Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) with AI-optimised forecasting to allow real-time adjustments to production and resource use. It was tested across the apparel manufacturing, metalworking, and mining sectors using publicly available benchmark datasets. The framework delivered consistent improvements: fabric waste was reduced by 10.8%, energy efficiency increased by 15%, and carbon emissions decreased by 14%. These gains were statistically validated and quantified using ecological equivalence metrics, including forest carbon sequestration rates and wetland restoration values. Outputs align with national carbon accounting systems, SDG reporting, and policy frameworks—specifically contributing to SDGs 6, 9, and 11–13. By linking industrial decisions directly to verified environmental outcomes, this study demonstrates how adaptive optimisation can support climate goals while maintaining productivity. The framework offers a reproducible, cross-sectoral solution for sustainable industrial development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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32 pages, 15499 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Transparency in Buyer-Driven Commodity Chains for Complex Products: Extending a Blockchain-Based Traceability Framework Towards the Circular Economy
by Ritwik Takkar, Ken Birman and H. Oliver Gao
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8226; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158226 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
This study extends our prior blockchain-based traceability framework, WEave, for application to a furniture supply chain scenario, while using the original multi-tier apparel supply chain as an anchoring use case. We integrate circular economy principles such as product reuse, recycling traceability, and full [...] Read more.
This study extends our prior blockchain-based traceability framework, WEave, for application to a furniture supply chain scenario, while using the original multi-tier apparel supply chain as an anchoring use case. We integrate circular economy principles such as product reuse, recycling traceability, and full lifecycle transparency to bolster sustainability and resilience in supply chains by enabling data-driven accountability and tracking for closed-loop resource flows. The enhanced approach can track post-consumer returns, use of recycled materials, and second-life goods, all represented using a closed-loop supply chain topology. We describe the extended network architecture and smart contract logic needed to capture circular lifecycle events, while proposing new metrics for evaluating lifecycle traceability and reuse auditability. To validate the extended framework, we outline simulation experiments that incorporate circular flows and cross-industry scenarios. Results from these simulations indicate improved transparency on recycled content, audit trails for returned products, and acceptable performance overhead when scaling to different product domains. Finally, we offer conclusions and recommendations for implementing WEave functionality into real-world settings consistent with the goals of digital, resilient, and sustainable supply chains. Full article
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28 pages, 4154 KiB  
Article
A Data-Driven Lean Manufacturing Framework for Enhancing Productivity in Textile Micro-Enterprises
by Sebastian Tejada, Soledad Valdez, Orkun Yildiz, Rosa Salas-Castro and José C. Alvarez
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5207; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115207 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1332
Abstract
The textile sector plays a crucial role in Peru’s economy. This case study examines a Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) in the Peruvian textile sector, which experienced a productivity decline to 0.085 units per sol in 2023, compared to the sector average of [...] Read more.
The textile sector plays a crucial role in Peru’s economy. This case study examines a Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) in the Peruvian textile sector, which experienced a productivity decline to 0.085 units per sol in 2023, compared to the sector average of 0.13 units per sol. This productivity gap resulted in a 22.45% reduction in the company’s income. Previous studies addressing similar productivity issues have achieved only marginal improvements. This study aims to achieve more significant results by implementing 5S, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), digitization, and advanced data analytics to enhance data recording and overall productivity. Data analytics is utilized to transform raw data into actionable insights, optimize maintenance, and improve quality control. The methodology was tested through a pilot project in the company’s apparel division, resulting in a productivity increase of 0.10 sol/unit. The study concludes that the applied methodology, supported by data analytics, effectively addresses the productivity issues and optimizes the processes within the case study. In a textile sector MSE, which has a problem with the low productivity present during the past year of 2023, i.e., of 0.085 und/sol whereas is at 0.13 und/sol on the side of the sector, it thus generates a negative economic impact of 22.45% of the company’s income and a presenting a gap of 0.085 und/sol while the sector is at 0.13 und/sol. Previously, studies have been presented, seeking to solve similar problems and obtaining minimally positive results, which is why the motivation to achieve favorable results to ensure that the MSEs in the sector can develop optimally with the support of tools such as 5S, TPM, and innovative technologies such as digitization, thus allowing better recording of their data. The application of this methodology is designed through a pilot in the apparel area of the company, allowing it to achieve a positive result by increasing productivity by 0.10 sol/unit. It can be concluded that this methodology allows solving the problems addressed and optimizing the processes of the case study. Full article
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21 pages, 1010 KiB  
Article
Unraveling the Green Veil: Investigating the Affective Responses of U.S. Generation Z to Fast Fashion Greenwashing Through C-A-B Theory
by Md Nazmul Haque and Chunmin Lang
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4973; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114973 - 28 May 2025
Viewed by 1819
Abstract
This research aims to investigate, using the C-A-B theory, the buying decision-making processes of Gen Z consumers in the United States when exposed to fast fashion brand advertising messages including greenwashing elements. Responses of 345 valid participants from the Amazon Mturk platform were [...] Read more.
This research aims to investigate, using the C-A-B theory, the buying decision-making processes of Gen Z consumers in the United States when exposed to fast fashion brand advertising messages including greenwashing elements. Responses of 345 valid participants from the Amazon Mturk platform were analyzed through Mplus 8.11 and SPSS 29. Two-step, structural equation modeling was implemented to test the hypothesis. Additionally, 5000 bootstrapping iterations were used to examine the indirect effects. Study findings indicated that Gen Z consumers responded positively and negatively to fast fashion brands’ product promotional messages. Despite feeling skeptical and betrayed over the greenwashing assertion, they intend to purchase the goods. A contributing factor to this unforeseen purchasing intention may be their indifference towards environmental concerns. Moreover, when greenwashing assertions are infused with product advantages through strategic ingenuity and aligned with the specific demands of certain generations, the perception of positive emotional reaction supersedes the negative, hence facilitating the purchase of the green product. Furthermore, there is evidence of optimism biases, a cognitive bias where they exaggerate their capacity to identify instances of greenwashing, prioritize more on their certain needs, and underestimate the associated environmental risk for others. This clarifies the paradoxical buying patterns of Gen Z consumers. Although Gen Z is the youngest demographic, their tastes for fast fashion apparel may alter as they develop and their lifestyles adapt, influenced by both positive and negative emotional reactions to fast fashion brands. Consequently, the fast fashion business must retain this customer by utilizing sustainability messaging instead of misleading greenwashing assertions in the future. Full article
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16 pages, 1164 KiB  
Article
Value Extraction from End-of-Life Textile Products in Pakistan
by Muhammad Waqas Iqbal, Muhammad Babar Ramzan, Haleema Manzoor and Sheheryar Mohsin Qureshi
Recycling 2025, 10(3), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling10030101 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 1007
Abstract
Overconsumption and unplanned disposal of garments result in millions of tons of textile products going to landfills. Understanding the environmental benefits and impact of various recycling options is crucial for integrating recycling into the apparel waste stream. This study aims to assess the [...] Read more.
Overconsumption and unplanned disposal of garments result in millions of tons of textile products going to landfills. Understanding the environmental benefits and impact of various recycling options is crucial for integrating recycling into the apparel waste stream. This study aims to assess the environmental impacts of products made from post-consumer textile waste fibers, highlighting the importance of closed-loop textile supply chains in developing countries. Using Open LCA software, the cradle-to-gate approach for life cycle assessment is used to calculate the environmental impacts of post-consumer textile waste, virgin cotton, virgin polyester fibers, and their blends in two different scenarios. The life cycle inventory data for functional units (1000 kg apparel) has been collected from the industrial units and the Ecoinvent v3.0 database. The results of 16 environmental impact categories are computed, showing that textile products made from virgin cotton fiber have 60% more global warming potential than those made from post-consumer textile waste fibers. Hence, the environmental impact of textile products can be controlled by recycling them. Consumption of post-consumer textile waste fiber is the key to reducing the new material needs in the textile supply chain. The closed-loop apparel supply chain can help developing countries generate maximum financial value with minimal environmental damage. In developing countries, value extraction from post-consumer textile waste recycling is essential to meet international consumer demands for cleaner production. Full article
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25 pages, 1928 KiB  
Review
I Don’t Buy It! A Critical Review of the Research on Factors Influencing Sustainable Fashion Buying Behavior
by Natalie Hogh, Joshua Braun, Lara Watermann and Simone Kubowitsch
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4015; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094015 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1385
Abstract
Research on the factors influencing sustainable fashion consumption, particularly green apparel buying behavior (GABB), has grown significantly in the last decade. Understanding how to promote GABB while reducing fast-fashion consumption is of critical importance to researchers, marketers, and policymakers. However, deriving actionable insights [...] Read more.
Research on the factors influencing sustainable fashion consumption, particularly green apparel buying behavior (GABB), has grown significantly in the last decade. Understanding how to promote GABB while reducing fast-fashion consumption is of critical importance to researchers, marketers, and policymakers. However, deriving actionable insights requires robust methodologies. Therefore, the goal of this systematic narrative review was to analyze existing literature on GABB, to identify key drivers, and to critically examine the methodological approaches, applied theoretical backgrounds, and utilized geographical scope. Following a structured multi-stage review process—including a database search, screening, and synthesis—n = 15 empirical studies focusing on GABB were included. The identified drivers are categorized into five factors: sociodemographic, personal, behavioral, social influences, and product attributes. Additionally, the review identified methodological shortcomings, including a predominant reliance on self-reported data, a lack of experimental designs and longitudinal studies, and a limited sampling scope across studies. Addressing these limitations in future research is essential to develop practical interventions that encourage sustainable fashion consumption and guide effective marketing and policy strategies. Full article
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23 pages, 3056 KiB  
Article
Why Are Labour-Intensive Factories Surviving in Japan? A Case Study of Apparel Sewing SMEs in the North Iwate
by Fusanori Iwasaki, Asuka Chokyu and Yasushi Ueki
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15050154 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1074
Abstract
The choice between domestic and foreign production is one of the most important decisions not only for international business management but also for economic diplomacy and industrial policy. The reality is not a binary choice, but some firms use both. Why do companies [...] Read more.
The choice between domestic and foreign production is one of the most important decisions not only for international business management but also for economic diplomacy and industrial policy. The reality is not a binary choice, but some firms use both. Why do companies maintain labour-intensive production in developed countries in the globalised world? To understand business challenges and strategies, this study examines small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the garment factory agglomeration in the North (Kenpoku) area of Iwate Prefecture, Japan. The in-depth case study, with a special focus on the six competitiveness factors of Japanese apparel firms, recognises that the ‘Made in Japan’ branding strategy is one of the effective ways to attract Japanese customers. This marketing strategy may motivate some firms to consider international market development. However, most Japanese SME apparel manufacturers play the role of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for specific domestic market-oriented apparel companies. To meet customers’ strict delivery requirements, our case SMEs are developing multi-skilled workers to cope with high-mix small-lot production and fast delivery simultaneously. This management innovation is essential for building long-term business relationships and trust with corporate apparel buyers and surviving competition from products made in China and other developing countries. Full article
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19 pages, 2780 KiB  
Review
Recycling of Spandex: Broadening the Way for a Complete Cycle of Textile Waste
by Mengxue Zhu, Chengyong Gao, Shuhua Wang, Sheng Shi, Meiling Zhang and Qianyu Su
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3319; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083319 - 8 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1849
Abstract
With the continuous growth of the global textile and apparel industry, coupled with the increasing demand for comfort in clothing, the use of spandex in blended fabrics has become increasingly widespread. Spandex, a high-elasticity synthetic fiber, is extensively applied in apparel and medical [...] Read more.
With the continuous growth of the global textile and apparel industry, coupled with the increasing demand for comfort in clothing, the use of spandex in blended fabrics has become increasingly widespread. Spandex, a high-elasticity synthetic fiber, is extensively applied in apparel and medical products. However, due to its typically low content in textiles and complex blending with other fibers, the recycling process becomes significantly more challenging. This review focuses on the recycling and utilization of waste spandex and its blended fabrics, analyzing the importance of spandex recovery from blended fabrics. It provides an overview of existing recycling technologies for spandex and its blended textiles, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of physical, chemical, and combined methods. This review emphasizes that the physical dissolution method, due to its simplicity, efficiency, and low cost, is currently the preferred strategy for recycling spandex-blended fabrics. Finally, this review outlines the pathways for reusing spandex after dissolution, offering new insights for enhancing the added value of regenerated materials and promoting the green recycling and utilization of spandex-blended fabrics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Waste and Recycling)
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17 pages, 565 KiB  
Article
Beyond Accessibility Compliance: Exploring the Role of Information on Apparel Shopping Websites for the Blind and Visually Impaired
by Emma Nicoson and Jung Ha-Brookshire
Societies 2025, 15(4), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15040090 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 669
Abstract
In response to increasing numbers of people switching from offline to online shopping after the COVID-19 pandemic, this study sought to obtain an in-depth understanding of apparel website design and digital accessibility for all people, including people with visual impairments (PVI). Given the [...] Read more.
In response to increasing numbers of people switching from offline to online shopping after the COVID-19 pandemic, this study sought to obtain an in-depth understanding of apparel website design and digital accessibility for all people, including people with visual impairments (PVI). Given the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Article 9, which mandates that all 191 international parties take measures to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to information and communication technology, this study explored the challenges PVI face while accessing informational content about apparel products online. To achieve this goal, Culnan’s dimensions of perceived accessibility to information, a lens for understanding how consumers experience and evaluate the accessibility of information systems, were used as the theoretical framework. We applied phenomenological methods to explore the daily “lived experience” in depth through observations and semi-structured interviews with eight female participants in their 20 s to 60 s, each lasting more than 45 min. Based on thematic analysis, the findings highlighted the unmet website meta descriptions for product information and navigation functionality for assistive technology, which, as a result, negatively impacts digital accessibility for PVI to shop online for apparel. The study concludes with contributions that extend the theoretical framework to the digital landscape, addresses the gap of inclusive digital apparel retailing practices, and emphasizes the opportunities for apparel educators to incorporate an inclusive design curriculum. Full article
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9 pages, 1973 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Recommender System for Apparel Products Based on Image Recognition Using Convolutional Neural Networks
by Chin-Chih Chang, Chi-Hung Wei, Yen-Hsiang Wang, Chyuan-Huei Thomas Yang and Sean Hsiao
Eng. Proc. 2025, 89(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025089038 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 736
Abstract
In e-commerce and fashion, personalized recommendations are used to enhance user experience and engagement. In this study, an apparel recognition and recommender system (ARRS) using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) was employed to analyze apparel images, extract features, and provide accurate recognition and recommendations. [...] Read more.
In e-commerce and fashion, personalized recommendations are used to enhance user experience and engagement. In this study, an apparel recognition and recommender system (ARRS) using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) was employed to analyze apparel images, extract features, and provide accurate recognition and recommendations. By learning patterns and features of clothes, the system enables robust recognition and personalized suggestions. The effectiveness of ARRS in recognizing apparel and generating relevant recommendations was validated. The system enhances user satisfaction and engagement on fashion e-commerce platforms. Full article
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26 pages, 532 KiB  
Article
Relationship Between Visual Marketing Elements and Consumer Satisfaction
by Ruiyang Tang, Xuanzhen Cui and Yuki Inoue
Platforms 2025, 3(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/platforms3010005 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 2905
Abstract
With the rapid expansion of online shopping, website design has become a critical factor influencing user experience and consumer satisfaction. This study examines the relationship between visual marketing elements embedded in e-commerce web page design and consumer satisfaction by analyzing 1500 product pages [...] Read more.
With the rapid expansion of online shopping, website design has become a critical factor influencing user experience and consumer satisfaction. This study examines the relationship between visual marketing elements embedded in e-commerce web page design and consumer satisfaction by analyzing 1500 product pages across five major categories (furniture, small items, food, home appliances, and clothing) on the Japanese platform Rakuten. The analysis reveals that in the furniture category, a higher proportion of images featuring visible faces and video explanations demonstrated positive correlations with consumer satisfaction. For food products, text color diversity demonstrated positive correlations with consumer satisfaction. In the home appliance category, text color and video explanations showed positive correlations with satisfaction, while the number of human images and video music showed negative correlations. For accessory products, images positioned at the website periphery, the number of human images, and video music showed negative correlations with consumer satisfaction. In the apparel category, text color and the number of human images demonstrated negative correlations with consumer satisfaction. However, in the analysis of the entire sample, no significant correlations were observed between visual marketing elements and consumer satisfaction. These findings suggest that visual marketing strategies should be tailored to specific product categories, which may contribute to improving consumer satisfaction with e-commerce platforms. Full article
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32 pages, 4258 KiB  
Article
User Experience Design for Online Sports Shoe Retail Platforms: An Empirical Analysis Based on Consumer Needs
by Yixin Zou, Chao Zhao, Peter Childs, Dingbang Luh and Xiaoying Tang
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030311 - 5 Mar 2025
Viewed by 2294
Abstract
Digital technologies represented by AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and digital twins, along with the expansion of metaverse platforms and digital marketing concepts, have attracted the attention of numerous sports fashion product consumers and brands, particularly in the category of sports shoes. [...] Read more.
Digital technologies represented by AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and digital twins, along with the expansion of metaverse platforms and digital marketing concepts, have attracted the attention of numerous sports fashion product consumers and brands, particularly in the category of sports shoes. Therefore, in the context of digital technologies, understanding the factors that affect consumer experience and the preferences in the online purchasing process of sports shoes is very important. This study employs Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic analysis to analyze 44,110 online user posts and comments from social platforms, extracting thematic elements of consumer experience needs for purchasing sports shoes online. The information obtained is further encoded and designed into a questionnaire, which is then utilized alongside the Kano model to analyze the overall preferences of consumer experience needs. The results indicate that webpage design and basic product information are considered as Must-be attributes for user experience needs; providing information on after-sales service policies and product comment, products’ special feature information, and online size testing are recognized as Performance attributes. Additionally, high-tech interaction methods, visual presentation, personalized customization, virtual try-on, apparel matching recommendations, and dressing scenario recommendations are identified as Attractive attributes. The study reveals that in the context of new digital technology development, the online shopping experience for sports shoes is enhanced across four dimensions: platform experience augmentation, product experience augmentation, user demand augmentation, and interactive experience augmentation. These four dimensions collectively constitute the holistic experience design for the online retail platform. Therefore, this research provides case references and theoretical insights for researchers and developers in the fields of brand marketing, experience design, and product service innovation. Full article
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28 pages, 18876 KiB  
Article
The Ecodesign Transformation of Smart Clothing: Towards a Systemic and Coupled Social–Ecological–Technological System Perspective
by Shiqian Zhu and Xiaogang Liu
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2102; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052102 - 28 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2041
Abstract
Smart clothing integrates advanced technologies such as textile materials, flexible electronics, and data communication systems, playing a pivotal role in driving productivity innovation within the textile and apparel industry. However, this emerging field faces substantial challenges, including high resource consumption, high disposal rates, [...] Read more.
Smart clothing integrates advanced technologies such as textile materials, flexible electronics, and data communication systems, playing a pivotal role in driving productivity innovation within the textile and apparel industry. However, this emerging field faces substantial challenges, including high resource consumption, high disposal rates, and difficulties in material recycling and management. This paper presents an integrative review, analyzing 263 studies to examine the ecodesign transformation framework for smart clothing. The findings highlight multiple sustainability challenges associated with the linear lifecycle of traditional smart clothing. By assessing ecodesign strategies across various stages of the lifecycle, the study emphasizes the need for a shift from a product-focused approach to system-level innovation in the ecodesign of smart clothing. Building on this, we propose a systematic, coupling ecodesign framework to facilitate the sustainable transformation of smart clothing. This framework is grounded in the principles of circular economy and Social–Ecological–Technological Systems (SETSs). Our work not only aims to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals but also aligns with the core objectives of the European Green Deal, focusing on resource efficiency and low environmental impact. We seek to provide a feasible theoretical framework to guide the sustainable transformation of smart clothing. Full article
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20 pages, 422 KiB  
Article
Environmental Sustainability of Fashion Product Made from Post-Consumer Waste: Impact Across the Life Cycle
by Mazed Islam, Md Shamsuzzaman, H M Rakib Ul Hasan and Md Atiqur Rahman Atik
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1917; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051917 - 24 Feb 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2422
Abstract
The fashion industry has a detrimental environmental impact throughout its supply chain operations that needs immediate attention. Limited work focuses on measuring the environmental sustainability of clothing products made from post-consumer waste in the circular economy. This research aims to evaluate the environmental [...] Read more.
The fashion industry has a detrimental environmental impact throughout its supply chain operations that needs immediate attention. Limited work focuses on measuring the environmental sustainability of clothing products made from post-consumer waste in the circular economy. This research aims to evaluate the environmental sustainability of fashion products made from post-consumer waste using the Higg Index tool developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. Three t-shirt manufacturers—namely factory A (LEED certified), factory B (non-LEED certified), and factory C (Sub-contract) were considered as case studies. Data were collected through practice-based qualitative questions to manufacturing practitioners, which were supplemented by triangulations, and scores were obtained using the Higg Index product environmental sustainability tool. The findings highlight significant variations in most subsection analyses for product environment sustainability dimensions, scoring 369.5 (73.9%), 277.6 (55.5%), and 153.5 (30.7%) out of 500 by factories A, B, and C, respectively. Findings reveal significant differences in scores (from low to high) for the three t-shirt manufacturers. Various subsections revealed deficiencies in actual policies including product design, materials selection, manufacturing operations, and priorities regarding subcategories. Products made in a green factory and embracing the circular economy achieved the highest score, while the sub-contractor factory product obtained the lowest score. Findings highlight poor and emerging sustainable practices, identify challenges, and suggest improvement in the above-mentioned categories. The research urges stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices for fashion products to reduce environmental impact through life cycle stages and benefit the industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Products and Services)
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31 pages, 1730 KiB  
Article
Investigating AI Adoption, Knowledge Absorptive Capacity, and Open Innovation in Chinese Apparel MSMEs: An Extended TAM-TOE Model with PLS-SEM Analysis
by Chen Qu and Eunyoung Kim
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1873; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051873 - 22 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3706
Abstract
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed industries, positioning the fashion sector as a critical area of study due to its mass production and pressing sustainability challenges. As the world’s largest apparel producer, China faces unique hurdles in terms of [...] Read more.
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed industries, positioning the fashion sector as a critical area of study due to its mass production and pressing sustainability challenges. As the world’s largest apparel producer, China faces unique hurdles in terms of integrating AI technologies, highlighting the intersection of technological innovation and sustainability within this industry. In this context, this study aims to provide the initial exploratory correlations between AI adoption and open innovation from apparel manufacturing micro-, small-, and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) managers’ perspectives, identifying knowledge absorptive capacity (KACAP)’s significant impacts through an integrated and extended TAM-TOE model. We conducted PLS-SEM to empirically validate the antecedents of AI adoption and its consequential effects on KACAP and open innovation by collecting information from 269 of the apparel manufacturing MSMEs’ top managers. The results show that the TAM-TOE structural model explains 60.7% of the variance in AI adoption, 47.4% in KACAP, and 55.4% in open innovation, which suggests that the model has good explanatory capacity, and that all these Q2 values indicate a sizeable predictive accuracy threshold. Drawing on the proposed model, the study has identified technological (e.g., perceived usefulness) and environmental factors (e.g., competitive pressure, market uncertainty, and government support and policy) that significantly impact AI adoption, while organizational factors (e.g., organizational readiness) directly impact KACAP, and environmental factors (e.g., competitive pressure, supplier involvement, and market uncertainty) directly impact open innovation. Subsequently, the AI construct is having a significant influence on MSMEs’ open innovation through KACAP. This fills existing theoretical gaps by linking AI technology to organizational innovation processes and demonstrates the mediating influence of KACAP. Also, the proposed model provides a foundation for future research by exploring the intersection of AI and innovation in similar industries. Full article
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