Sustainable Waste Management Strategies in the Fashion Industry - Literature review Example

SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN FASHION INDUSTRY Name Institution Professor Course Date Executive Summary Sustainability refers to the ability of the individuals and business entities to adopt and implement appropriate and effective strategies to address the needs of the current generation without compromising on the needs of the future generations. The objective of this literature review is to determine the extent of research existing in relation to the phenomenon of study. In addition, the review seeks to determine the existing gaps on the examination or evaluation of sustainability in the waste management in fashion industry. Moreover, the review incorporates the methodology for the execution of the study, as well as the rationale of the problem or issue of interest with reference to the achievement of sustainability in waste management in the fashion industry. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Background/Literature Review 4 Recycling in Fashion Industry 6 Fast Fashion 8 Rationale 9 Proposed Methodology 9 Conclusion 11 List of References 13 Introduction Sustainability refers to the ability of the individuals and business entities to adopt and implement appropriate and effective strategies to address the needs of the current generation without compromising on the needs of the future generations. In the recent years, business entities and practitioners within the fashion industry have focused on the need to achieve sustainability within the industry because of the growing environmental concerns. This has been vital in the need for incorporating sustainable waste management strategies within the fashion industry. The objective of this literature review is to determine the extent of research existing in relation to the phenomenon of study. In addition, the review seeks to determine the existing gaps on the examination or evaluation of sustainability in the waste management in fashion industry. Background/Literature Review There have been numerous research studies in relation to determination and implementation of appropriate, as well as sustainable waste management strategies within the fashion industry. Sinha & Dissanayake (2013) focused on the examination of the sustainable research strategies with reference to waste management in the context of the fashion industry. According to this research article, waste can be either pre-consumer or post-consumer. In the recent decades, post-consumer textile waste has gained substantial or increased attention within the industry and academic contexts. This is because of the increased importance on the substantial need to conserve the environment, thus massive influence of environmental concerns in generating the demand for appropriate waste management strategies within the fashion industry. Moreover, the emergence of the fast fashion culture, as well as the throwaway attitude of consumers build up mountains in relation to unwanted fashion clothing disposed of in the landfill sites. In the development of the researcher, Sinha & Dissanayake (2013) focused on evaluation of three appropriate strategies with reference to recycling, reusing, and refashioning. These alternative strategies for waste management within the fashion industry tend to be sustainable in relation to the achievement of the goals and targets at the end of the fiscal period. The paper focused on utilisation of the empirical data under the influence of multiple case studies in the course of discussing the influence and importance of each strategy. Furthermore, the determination of suitability and effectiveness of each alternative strategy depends on the sustainability implications in the practical terms (Guedes & Roncha, 2011). The review is also vital in grasping substantial concepts in the development of the waste diversion programs and sustainable business models within the contexts of the developing economies. This study was critical in the development of the research paper because of the provision of adequate information of the most effective approaches towards achievement of sustainability within the fashion industry. In this article, it is essential to note that the author defines the problem or issue clearly under the influence of incorporating environmental concerns. In addition, the authors of the article concentrate on illustration of the extent of the problem within the industry, thus the need to adopt and implement appropriate approach towards the achievement of sustainable development within the industry. The article incorporates three perspectives and alternatives in the course of approaching the problem, which makes the research paper appropriate and effective in understanding the issue or problem statement. The author does not show bias in the development and presentation of the arguments in relation to incorporating ideal strategies in handling waste management. The study design is effective and efficient in understanding the phenomenon, as well as appropriate strategies to aid the operations of the players within the industry to handle the problems or issues affecting the environment. From this perspective, the results of the study are valid and reliable because of the quality research design, as well as illustration of empirical data prior to making appropriate decisions and conclusions on the issue of sustainable strategies for waste management in the fashion industry (Gardetti & Torres, 2013). The work is valuable in contributing to the management of wastes through integration of sustainable programs and strategies in pursuit of competitive advantage in the fashion industry, thus provision of the platform for improving sustainability within the industry. Recycling in Fashion Industry There are numerous research articles and studies in relation to understanding the influence of recycling in the management of waste within the fashion industry. For instance, Larney (2010) focused on execution of a case study with reference to examining the apparel-industry waste management while concentrating on the aspect of recycling in the case of South Africa. The need for effective apparel waste management facing motivation by increasing cost, as well as decreasing availability of landfill space and the dwindling of natural resources. In the course of executing this case study, the researcher focused on identification of the current solid waste disposal and recycling practices within the apparel industry in South Africa. This is vital in determining the attitude, as well as willingness towards recycling the perception of feasibility. The article is also vital in examining barriers to recycling, as well as marketing strategies that would be appropriate for products made from recycled materials. The researcher focused on the integration of the structured questionnaire mailed to apparel manufacturers’ application or utilization of landfills in disposal of the wastes. The fashion industry focuses on incorporating recycling approach to facilitate the achievement of sustainable growth and development. The approach is vital in managing wastes effectively and efficiently in the market and industry of operation. According to the findings of the study, fashion industry operators tend to use landfills in the course of disposing their waste. On the other hand, half of the operators in the fashion industry in South Africa tend to adopt and implement recycling in the course of managing wastes within the market and industry of operation. The article note that some of the significant barriers to recycling include lack of equipment and technology, lack of material to recycle, and lack of substantial awareness among the consumers in seeking to handle the demands and expectations of the business entity. The research also focuses on integration of diverse recommendations such as increased consumer awareness, as well as knowledge regarding recycling techniques in the fashion industry. These approaches are vital in encouraging recycling with the intention of achieving sustaining development, thus the perfect platform for ensuring that resources will not be exhausted unnecessarily with the intention of preserving or conserving the environment (Hussey, Sinha, & Kelday, 2009). Organisations in the fashion industry can exploit the approach to achieve diverse goals and targets in relation to the image and reputation of the organization. The article is valid and reliable because of the ability of the researcher to eliminate bias in the illustration and presentation of diverse concepts in relation to the topic of interest. It is possible to incorporate the article in developing quality research concerning the influence of recycling within the fashion industry. Fast Fashion The phrase ‘fast fashion’ relates to the low-cost clothing collections with the potentiality and ability to mimic current luxury fashion trends. Annamma et al, (2012) focused on examination of the concepts of fast fashion, sustainability, and ethical appeal of the luxury brands. According to this research article or research, fast fashion is vital in helping sate deeply held desires among the young customers in the industrialized world for the luxury fashion, even as it embodies lack of sustainability. It is essential to note that trends run the course of ‘fast fashion’ with lightning speed. The objective of the research article is to address the inherent dissonance among fast fashion consumers with the potentiality of sharing a concern for environmental issues even as they indulge in consumer patterns, which are unethical to ecological best practices. The article notes the rapid growth of sustainability and ethical conduct in the fashion industry in relation to the trend in the previous decade. Companies within the fashion industry continue to realise that affordable and trend-sensitive fashion is highly profitable. On the other hand, such aspects of fashion are critical in generation of ethical issues. The emerging question in the article is how the young consumers, so conscious of green values, balance their continual demand for the ever-newer fashion with the presumed commitment to the realization of environmental sustainability. This makes it ideal for the research exercises to focus on the determination of how customers or consumers perceive fast fashion in comparison to the luxury counterpart. In addition, researchers need to determine how such entities perceive and define the essence of sustainability. The findings of such research practices concerning perception and conceptualisation of sustainability by companies within the industry will be appropriate in the determination of the appropriate mechanisms in addressing the issue of sustainability through integration of effective and efficient waste management programs and strategies in the fashion industry. Sustainability must relate to the ability and potentiality of the organisations in the fashion industry to meet the needs of the current generation without compromising those of the future generations. The approaches will be ideal in the improvement of the image and reputation of the firms through appropriate CSR plans within the market and industry of operation relating to environmental conservation and preservation (Saicheua, Cooper, & Knox, 2012). The researcher in this article focuses on implementation of appropriate research elements to generate quality, valid, and reliable findings. In addition, there are no elements of biases in the development and presentation of the arguments, thus making the article appropriate for examination of the aspects of sustainable in the management of wastes within the fashion industry. Rationale Execution of this review is essential in understanding the existing literature in relation to sustainable waste management practices in the fashion industry. In addition, the review will be vital in the demonstration of the mastery over the issue of interest. It is also critical to execute this review to understanding the existing strategies with the intention of illustrating effectiveness and efficiencies, as well as shortcomings of the strategies. The approach provides the perfect platform for understanding how to adopt and implement appropriate strategies to manage waste effectively and efficiently in pursuit of sustainable development. Proposed Methodology The study focuses on integration of qualitative and quantitative research with the intention of assessing and evaluating waste management strategies for the realization of sustainability in the fashion industry. The mixed research design will be appropriate for integration of interviews and administration of the questionnaires in the collection of adequate data. The analysis of data will be vital in the determination of the effective and efficient strategies such as recycling, reusing, and refashioning in the course of managing wastes within the fashion industry. The mixed research method is ideal in the assessment of the phenomenon from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. This will enable the study to determine the perceptions of the consumers and business entities on the issue of sustainability in relation to waste management within the fashion industry. In addition, the method will facilitate assessment of the implications of the strategies in facilitating management of waste within the fashion industry. Similarly, it is vital to use the research design to collect and analyse data essential in the generation of theoretical perspectives while making accurate recommendations depending on the research findings or data concerning the phenomenon of interest. The study will seek to bridge substantive gaps in relation to sustainable waste management strategies in the fashion industry. This is through increased understanding of the influence, benefits, and shortcomings of the sustainable waste management strategies. The study will provide improved insights concerning recycling and reusing of the products or materials within the industry. The research will enhance the existing body of knowledge through evaluation of the costs and benefits of the sustainable strategies with the objective of determining the most appropriate mechanism in improving efficiency in the fashion industry. Similarly, the study will consider utilisation of the existing research and information with the intention of examining what needs to be done with reference to the management of wastes in the fashion industry. The research paper will concentrate on examination of the influence of technology in improving effectiveness and efficiency in the management of wastes under the influence of sustainable approaches. Conclusion Conclusively, the issue of sustainability continues to gain substantial attention in relation to the operations and transactions of activities in the modern fashion industry. Sustainability refers to the ability of the individuals and business entities to adopt and implement appropriate and effective strategies to address the needs of the current generation without compromising on the needs of the future generations. This calls for effectiveness and efficiency in the conservation and preservation of the environment. In the fashion industry, there is substantial need to manage wastes effectively and appropriate for the achievement of sustainable growth and development. This provides the perfect platform for adoption and integration of the sustainable strategies for waste management within the fashion industry. List of References Dissanayake, D. G. K., & Sinha, P. 2012. Sustainable Waste Management Strategies in the Fashion Industry Sector. International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, 8(1), 77-90. Gardetti, M. A., & Torres, A. L. (Eds.). 2013. Sustainability in fashion and textiles: values, design, production and consumption. Greenleaf Publishing. Guedes, M. D. G., & Roncha, A. 2011. Sustainability as a key asset in establishing differentiation strategies for fashion brands. Hussey, C., Sinha, P., & Kelday, F. 2009. Responsible design: re-using/recycling of clothing. European Academy of Design Conference, 210-217. Joy, A., Sherry, J. F., Venkatesh, A., Wang, J., & Chan, R. 2012. Fast fashion, sustainability, and the ethical appeal of luxury brands. Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture, 16(3), 273-296. Larney, M., & Van Aardt, A. M. 2010. Case study: Apparel industry waste management: a focus on recycling in South Africa. Waste Management & Research, 28(1), 36-43. Saicheua, V., Cooper, T., & Knox, A. 2012. Public understanding towards sustainable clothing and the supply chain. In Fashion Colloquia London. Read More