Circular Fashion in the Apparel and Textile Industry A Systematic Review of Innovations and Challenges

Rizwan Munir; Ayesha Hussain; Fareeha Khan; Muhammad Muddasar Mehmood; Tayyab Raza

doi:10.71317/kjard.2.6.2026.290

Authors

Rizwan Munir PhD Scholar, Department of Clothing, National Textile University, Faisalabad. Assistant Professor, Institute of art and design Government College University, Faisalabad Author
Ayesha Hussain Assistant Professor, Dept Home Economics Government College Women University, Faisalabad Author
Fareeha Khan Lecturer, University of Kamalia, Kamalia, Toba Tek Singh Author
Muhammad Muddasar Mehmood PhD Scholar, Department of Clothing, National Textile University, Faisalabad. Assistant Professor, University of Kamalia, Kamalia, Toba Tek Singh Author
Tayyab Raza Lecturer, MS Scholar, Art and Design, Superior University, Lahore. Lecturer, Textile and Fashion Design, University of Kamalia, Kamalia, Toba Tek Singh Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71317/kjard.2.6.2026.290

Keywords:

Circular Fashion, Sustainable Fashion, Textile Waste, Circular Economy, Resource Efficiency, Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

The situation of the fashion industries linear “take make dispose” model has caused an environmental crisis involving overuse of water, large GHG emissions (4 to 10% of global GHGs), resource depletion, and massive textile waste (92 million tonnes per year). Synthetic fibres account for 35% of ocean microplastic and conventional manufacturing processes uses ecosystem and explores finite resources. Circular fashion offers a revolutionizing alternative that focuses on design to last, resource efficiency and closed loop recycling, and new business models such as resale and rental. The second paradigm is oriented towards environmental protection, decreasing resource consumption, emission and waste, and also opens economic opportunities, with the second-hand market growing to the size of 350 billion dollars by 2050. In line with these pivotal Sustainable Development Goals, circular fashion provides a systematic answer to the growth of the industry and the parliamentary boundaries that need joint action from everyone interested in the sector to send towards a waste-free future.