Assessment of demographics and motivations of post-consumer textile waste management using a bibliometric approach

Abstract

Proper management of post-consumer textile waste (PCTW) is vital to the sustainable development of circular economy. This study systematically analyze PCTW studies from 1995 to 2021 focusing on demographics, motivations, and reasons of PCTW management. A PRISMA approach is adopted for the bibliometric analysis. It is found that very few PCTW studies focused on the behavioral, physiologic, and cultural aspects. Recently, there is an increasing trend in PCTW publications, with a 73% increase in research output over the 15 years. USA stands out as the most productive country. Demographics such as income, age, and gender appeared to be the most significant role in shaping consumer behaviors, contributing to around 50% of the studies. There is a lack of studies involving participants below the age of 18, omitting one of the key stakeholders of PCTW management. We found gender bias in research participants, and many published PCTW studies focused exclusively on female consumers. Convenience and the condition of clothing items are important factors influencing consumer-disposal decisions, while environmental concerns are pivotal motivations driving recycling behaviors. More studies on gender stereotyping and cultural appropriation are recommended to better understand PCTW generation, recycling, and disposal behaviors.