A decision support system for environmentally-sustainable strategies for the Mauritian Textile and apparel industry using system dynamics: The materials and land perspectives

Abstract

As anywhere in the world, Mauritius has seen the depletion of its natural resources, mainly as a result of the effects of global warming. Industries need to recognize this and rethink on the way products are manufactured so as to minimize the negative impact of their businesses on the environment, the workforce and the surroundings. The main objective of this research is to investigate what support systems the Mauritian Textile & Apparel industry requires to embark on a sustainable manufacturing journey. The primary focus of the research is from the perspectives of the use of materials and land availability. This present work is not about “Greenwash”, it is about analyzing the full range of economic, environmental and social benefits to support the transitions to sustainable business models over time. Development of methods that can support academics, researchers and industry practitioners within the textile & apparel industry to integrate sustainable manufacturing practices into their day-to-day practices. In a nutshell, this research provides a cut-and-dried and standardized approach for the stakeholders of the textile and apparel industry to shift to more sustainable practices by reshaping their resource flows. This study confirms the dynamic behavior of the textile industry and reveals that if the appropriate strategies and decisions are made, there is still hope for the survival of the industry in the future.