Seventeenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

The environmental impact of the fast fashion industry on natural resources are detrimental, and this industry may soon be one of the biggest contributors to pollution in the world. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the sampling procedure that occurs as part of the fast fashion cycle by underpinning unsustainable practices, and to provide sustainable solutions for eliminating sampling textile waste that poses harm to the environment. By means of a qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with fashion buyers within the South African fast fashion industry. The data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. The findings point towards the fact that the sampling procedure entails unsustainable practices that is harmful to the environment. By considering the three R’s of sustainability (reduce, reuse and recycle), fast fashion retailers should take a more conscious approach to the sampling procedure and consider the negative impact of their production practices on the environment. This study provides fast fashion retailers with insight into how they can adjust their current sampling processes to incorporate a more eco-conscious approach.