Waste Management Approaches for a Sustainable Apparel Industry

The apparel industry must address its significant contribution to global waste and environmental degradation. Embracing sustainable waste management practices, particularly the pursuit of zero waste, is essential for mitigating these impacts. Zero waste minimises waste generation throughout the apparel supply chain, from design and production to consumption and disposal. To achieve zero waste, a holistic approach rooted in circular economy principles is paramount. This chapter is a detailed review of the waste management approaches followed in apparel industries to improve sustainability. This involves implementing strategies, such as the principles of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover (4Rs) framework, and lean manufacturing techniques to minimise waste generation and maximise resource efficiency. Design strategies focused on durability, modularity, and material recyclability that can significantly reduce waste at the source are studied. Waste management approaches encompass a multifaceted strategy to reduce environmental impact throughout the product life cycle. Manufacturers can leverage technologies like on-demand production and digital fabrication to align production with consumer demand, thereby minimising overproduction and inventory waste. Collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders are crucial for scaling up zero-waste practices for building a sustainable apparel industry and these efforts are highlighted in this chapter. Through these concerted efforts, the apparel industry can mitigate its environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future and the ways to attain the same are discussed in this chapter.