A triple helix framework for strategy development in circular textile and clothing supply chain: an Indian perspective

Abstract

Textile and clothing is one of the most resource consuming and pollution creating industries. The adoption of circular practices in the textile and clothing supply chains, operating in South Asian countries, are still at nascent stage. This research aims to identify the barriers of circularity in the textile and clothing supply chain and to develop strategies to overcome those. A set of 33 barriers were identified from the literature and it was further narrowed down to 18 barriers through a questionnaire survey among textile and clothing domain experts. Using grey-DEMATEL analysis, 10 causal barriers were identified. Lack of supply chain collaboration, lack of effective planning for circular supply chain, lack of incentives for circularity in supply chain, and lack of technical know-how for recycling emerged as the crucial causal barriers. Based on the interviews with the experts of textile and clothing industry, a triple-helix framework involving the government, industry and academia was proposed for the development of strategies for circular textile and clothing supply chain. Generating consumer awareness, creating circular clothing design for longevity and recycling, development of automated sorting technology, upscaling of chemical recycling, collaboration with sorters and recyclers, making recycled fibre economically competitive, favouring circular textiles in public procurement, and enacting incentives for circular practices emerged as the dominant strategies. The findings of this research will assist the textile and clothing industry to implement circular practices in their supply chain operations. This study is one of few initial attempts to explore the barriers and devise strategies for circular textile and clothing supply chain.