Durable apparel in the circular economy: exploring the effect of post-industrial material waste on garment lifetimes

Claxton, S. ORCID: 0000-0002-3255-4679, 2023. Durable apparel in the circular economy: exploring the effect of post-industrial material waste on garment lifetimes. In: K. Niinimäki and K. Cura, eds., Proceedings. 5th PLATE Conference, Espoo, Finland, 31 May - 2 June, 2023. Aalto University publication series ART + DESIGN + ARCHITECTURE (3/2023). Espoo, Finland: Aalto University, pp. 195-202. ISBN 9789526413679

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Abstract

A key principle within a circular fashion system is to extend garment lifetimes by increasing durability, thereby reducing consumption, and improving resource efficiency (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017; Bocken et al, 2016). Durability is now an established concept within sustainable apparel, with research informing best practice principles for design and product development (Cooper et al, 2014). Sustainable design should be a strategic process, incorporating the integrated systems of manufacturing, distribution, retail, and consumption (Ceschin and Gaziulusoy, 2016), seeking to minimise waste and other environmental impacts at all stages of the product lifecycle (Vinhod et al, 2011). Nonetheless, problems occurring during the manufacture and supply of apparel designed to be durable can lead to material waste generation, thereby undermining any potential improvements in resource efficiency (Claxton et al, 2017). This paper uses a qualitative multiple case study approach to explore retailer and supplier perspectives of the nature and management of post-industrial material waste problems of durable apparel, and assess their effect on garment durability claims. The findings demonstrate that the garment lifetime can be compromised by material waste arising from inefficiencies and a lack of transparency within production process management. The paper concludes that retailers aiming to demonstrate circularity by producing durable apparel should review the relationship between durability and sustainability performance outcomes, where waste is viewed as an environmental, as well as a financial impact. Problems should be effectively managed to prevent material waste and a reduction in garment lifetimes, and solutions must be holistically applied, ensuring that all stages of the supply chain are included.

Item Type: Chapter in book
Description: Paper presented at 5th Product Lifetimes and The Environment (PLATE) Conference, Espoo, Finland, 31 May - 2 June 2023.
Creators: Claxton, S.
Publisher: Aalto University
Place of Publication: Espoo, Finland
Date: 2023
Number: 3/2023
ISBN: 9789526413679
Identifiers:
NumberType
1867571Other
Divisions: Schools > Nottingham School of Art & Design
Record created by: Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added: 29 Feb 2024 10:04
Last Modified: 29 Feb 2024 10:04
Related URLs:
URI: https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/50980

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