Environmental Sustainability in the Textile and Apparel Sector: Evaluating Innovations, Challenges, and Global Implications

Abstract

The textile and apparel industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution worldwide. With rising global textile production and consumption, the industry's environmental impact has become a serious concern. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current issues, innovations, and future challenges for achieving environmental sustainability in the textile and apparel sectors. Key aspects explored include textile manufacturing processes, sustainable fibres and materials, chemical use, water and energy consumption, waste management, microplastics pollution, and recycling technologies. The roles of various stakeholders, including manufacturers, brands, policymakers, and consumers, are analysed in promoting sustainable practises across textile supply chains. The paper highlights both progress made and persistent barriers across developing and developed countries. It is argued that continued technological innovation, stronger environmental policies, and transformed consumer behaviour will be critical for mitigating the industry's extensive environmental footprint. The paper concludes by emphasising global collaboration and system-level changes as imperatives for building a more circular, equitable, and ecologically sustainable textile industry.