Industry 4.0 Innovations in the Global Fashion Sector and Their Role in Contributing to Minimizing Its Negative Impact on the Climate

Abstract

AbstractThe increasing importance of global warming and the active attention to these issues by key economic parties involved determine the study's relevance. The global fashion sector comprising textile, garments, and retail offline and e-commerce significantly impacts climate issues. Ten percentage of global greenhouse gases emissions are caused by the global textile and clothing industry, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Purpose: The article is devoted to the problems of efficient solutions based on Industry 4.0 to improve the environmental impact of the global fashion industry. The goal of the article is to determine whether existing and being applied technologies connected with Industry 4.0 can radically improve the climate and environmental impact of the global fashion industry. Design/methodology/approach: The leading method of the research is the systematic and comparative analysis based on statistical data. Findings: The climate impact of the fashion industry starts with fibre production, but already existing technologies, if implemented correctly, can significantly diminish greenhouse emissions while creating or growing fibres. The paper investigates the conditions necessary for the implementation of those technologies. The research confirms that already existing technologies can minimize waste and increase efficiency. The paper stipulates the necessity for textile and clothing factories to use green energy. Big data can radically improve customer reactions and behaviour forecasting. The next frontier is connected with AD and VR, as well as virtual clothing. Originality/value: The analysis indicates customer desire and significant changes in consumer behaviour and approaches are needed to implement Industry 4.0 to minimize negative fashion impact on the climate. To achieve that is required coordinated efforts of the governments, businesses, media, and society. The research’s practical significance is determined by the extensive and growing impact of the global fashion industry on climate warming and the potential to improve the situation.KeywordsIndustry 4.0Fashion industrySmart textiles/fabricsSustainabilityDecarbonizationGlobal warmingJEL CodesQ53Q55F18D18