Title: A structural impact analysis of the fashion system with regards to textile recycling

Authors: Sabine Weber

Addresses: School of Fashion, Seneca College, 1750 Finch Ave. E, North York, ON M2J-2X5, Canada; School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W, Waterloo, ON N2L-3G1, Canada

Abstract: The current fashion system is a linear economy predicated on buy, use and disposal. This leads to high amounts of textile waste on the one side and fibre shortage on the other side. Overcoming this global fibre gap requires a circular fashion system. We conduct a structural analysis to study the direct and indirect influences between the factors, by using a systematic approach based on impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) analysis. The results reduce systemic complexity by defining the most influential factors of the system. The study concludes that government policies should create market incentives to foster a circular economy in the textile system.

Keywords: circular economy; textile diversion; textile recycling; structural analysis; direct and indirect influences; MICMAC analysis; fashion system.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2019.098694

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2019 Vol.15 No.1, pp.87 - 113

Received: 30 Oct 2018
Accepted: 03 Nov 2018
Published online: 29 Mar 2019 *

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