Green Merchandising in Textiles and Apparel: Advancing Sustainability through Circular Economy

The textile and apparel industries change. They follow the sustainable fashion revolution. They drive green ideas. They cut environmental harm. They now use a circular economy. A recent review in the Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity (March 2025) shows trends, rules, difficulties, and new paths in green merchandising for these sectors.

Key Highlights and Trends

• Circular Economy Adoption
Companies move from a straight-line method to a closed-loop method. They design items so that they can be recycled and break down naturally. They let materials flow back into production instead of wasting them.

• Zero-Waste and Take-Back Initiatives
Makers use zero-waste pattern making. This practice cuts fabric waste. Brands also launch take-back programs. Consumers return old clothes for recycling. This act keeps textiles from cluttering landfills.

• Digital Technologies for Transparency
Designers use 3D software to plan resource use. They apply blockchain to show every step in the supply chain. These actions make the process clear and build trust.

• Collaborative Sustainability Standards
Brands join with NGOs and other groups. They set shared goals for green practices. They work together on sustainable guidelines. This link forms a firm rule across the industry.

Challenges and Complexities

The textile sector meets many challenges.
• Supply chains stretch over many countries and partners.
• Consumers now want clear ethics and green products.
• Rules about the environment grow and shift.

These issues push the need for one plan that ties design, supply work, and customer care.

Future Prospects

The study asks for more work among makers, sellers, and buyers. It calls for best methods and smart tools. It shows that green merchandising builds strength and care for nature in the industry.

Practical Implications

Makers should do more.
• They must design with nature in mind. They focus on recyclability.
• They need digital tools to clean up the supply chain.
• They should speak clearly with customers about recycling and returns.

In the end, using circular economy ways cuts harm and builds a green future in textiles and apparel.

Keywords: Sustainable apparel merchandising, Circular economy, Textile recycling, Supply chain management, Textile waste management

Source: Rahaman, M. T., & Khan, M. S. H. (2025). Green merchandising of textiles and apparel in a circular economy: Recent trends, framework, challenges and future prospects towards sustainability. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 11(1), 100457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2024.100457

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