Need of post-consumer textile waste management via circular economy

Abstract

Prosperity leads to extravagance. With economic development and escalating purchasing power of consumers and expanding manufacturing sectors, demand for textiles and apparel are mounting day by day. No doubt it boosts economies of nations, yet at the same time results in loads of textile waste to unprecedented levels which is categorized into Pre-consumer & Post-consumer textile waste. This surge Socio-economic and environmental problems, while it will be converted into an opportunity by adopting Circular Economy in Textiles manufacturing, which is virtually missing from many economies of the world, especially from Indian Economy that's why a primary based exploratory research was conducted in India with 260 samples that were collected from selected cities of Indiato explore quantity, reasons and methods used to dispose off Post-consumer textile waste. It identifies consumers' awareness and inclinations towards Circular Economy. The outcome depicts that an average consumer discards (most often donate) around 6 pieces in a year with limited options. Their ignorance, absence of alternative options and lack of government role worsens the situation. The study has strong implications, generating awareness for the Circular Economy and attracting entrepreneurs and Nations Government to frame policies and provisions that would encourage investment on plants, technology and training on Circular Economy. This study would definitely open avenues for small & Medium scale entrepreneurs, generate employment and above all produce sustainable textiles and create a sustainable environment via Circular Economy.