Investigating the attributes for implementing circular economy in the textile manufacturing supply chain: Implications for the triple bottom line of sustainability

Abstract

The recent global inclination towards sustainable practices has urged businesses to embrace the circular economy to pursue enduring social, economic, and environmental sustainability. This holds relevance within the framework of Bangladesh's economy, where the textile manufacturing sector assumes a pivotal role. However, this sector has a significant environmental impact and is also facing resource consumption challenges. Interestingly, a noticeable void exists in comprehensive research investigating the attributes of implementing circular economy practices within the textile manufacturing sector, especially from an emerging economy perspective. To overcome this gap, this research employs an integrated methodology that merges modified total interpretive structural modeling (m-TISM) and Matrice d'impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment (MICMAC) techniques to dissect the intricate web of interrelationships and causal links among these attributes in the context of an emerging economy like Bangladesh. Relying on a robust foundation of literature and subsequent expert validation, a meticulously chosen set of twelve attributes has been finally selected for in-depth analysis. This research has found "adequate commitment from top management," "collaboration among diverse stakeholders," and "enhancing workforce skills and expertise" as the top three crucial attributes that need to be focused on a priority basis to accelerate circular economy implementation in the textile manufacturing supply chain. This research is expected to guide industry managers, decision-makers, research practitioners, and policymakers to devise long-term strategies for successfully implementing circular economy principles in the textile manufacturing sector and improve its social, economic, and environmental sustainability performances.