Title: Development of a sustainability index framework for the Mauritian textile industry

Authors: Devkumar Sing Callychurn; Mahendra Gooroochurn; Hurreeram Dinesh Kumar; Sanmooga Savoo

Addresses: Mechanical and Production Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Royal Road, Reduit, Mauritius ' Mechanical and Production Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Royal Road, Reduit, Mauritius ' Mechanical and Production Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Royal Road, Reduit, Mauritius ' Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Royal Road, Reduit, Mauritius

Abstract: The textile industry has been a pivotal sector of the Mauritian economy and continues to play a key role in employment creation, and contribution to GDP. The textile industry can contribute to serious environmental degradation. This concern has been the focus of the research which aims at developing a sustainability framework for companies operating in the sector. A study was conducted to assess the level of awareness and sustainability practices already in place in this sector. In light of the results, a sustainability framework was developed based on 174 environmental, 15 economic and 30 social indicators. Assessment of the company practices led to the development of a sustainability index that reflects current performance and which can be used for setting future sustainability targets. The assessment framework is software-based, user-friendly, and can be adapted by any company having a concern of the impact of its economic activities on the environment.

Keywords: sustainability framework; sustainability index; textile industry; ecological indicators; Mauritius.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2024.141840

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2024 Vol.23 No.4, pp.457 - 479

Received: 03 Jun 2022
Accepted: 10 Aug 2023
Published online: 02 Oct 2024 *

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