Textile Industry and Sustainability: An Integrated Examination

The 2030 Agenda, which incorporates the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has profoundly influenced public perception and corporate decision-making. Despite the increasing awareness of sustainability, the textile industry finds itself at a crossroads. The academic relevance of the textile industry in relation to sustainability is a multifaceted research that encompasses various aspects on a global scale. Experiencing rapid and steady growth propelled by global demand for clothing and textiles, this industry's expansion often comes at the expense of natural resources and the environment. In this context, conducting a comprehensive analysis of academic databases, such as the Web of Science, becomes crucial. This analysis has facilitated the evaluation of a total of 874 documents related to the study's focus, taking into account the impact of this topic in academic discourse, its geographical distribution, concern within the academic community, and the terminology associated with sustainability in the textile industry. This comprehensive analysis contributes to a nuanced understanding of the global academic landscape surrounding sustainability in the textile sector. Through this analysis, this chapter identifies and highlights the main contributions within this research field, providing a solid foundation for the formulation of new directions and approaches in future research. Moreover, it assists decision-makers, such as policymakers or industry leaders, in better understanding the current state of research, enabling them to integrate new strategies for the sustainability of this industry.