Responsible and Sustainable Business Model Innovation in the Textile Industry

Abstract

The global textile industry offers huge potentials regarding the transformation towards sustainability. These improvements require a facilitation of business model innovations embedding shifting consumer demands. How can the textile industry drive responsible and sustainable business practices in terms of social sustainability? Tackling this question, a qualitative content-based analysis of current literature conducted highlights main themes and concepts on business model innovations, textile industry, and social sustainability. In addition, an exploratory multiple case study design was used. Results show social sustainability patterns are seldom and often linked to external pressures. This chapter proposes a reorientation towards stronger holistic and inclusive approaches for sustainability and reflects on socio-cultural aspects linked to sustainable textile business models. Progressing sustainability in the textile industry needs both a single consideration of environmental and social issues as well as an integrative and systemic perspective in academia as well as in practice.