Abstract

Textile waste can be either pre-consumer or post-consumer. In recent years, post-consumer textile waste has gained increased attention, both within the industry and academia, due to environmental concerns. The emergence of fast fashion culture and the throwaway attitude of consumers build up mountains of unwanted fashion clothing disposed of in landfill sites. This paper analyses recycling, reusing and refashioning as three alternative strategies for waste management in the fashion industry sector. Based on empirical data collected by using a multiple case study approach, the paper discusses the concept of each strategy, and associated sustainability impacts of employing each strategy in practical terms. Suggestions are provided on the development of waste diversion programs and sustainable business models for the developing economies.