Sustainability in the fashion industry: A review of eco-friendly practices in apparel retailing

Abstract

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in light of the significant societal and global issues that the fashion industry is facing. This review explores eco-friendly practices in apparel retail, focusing on materials, production processes, circular fashion, supply chains, and consumer engagement to reduce the industry's negative impact. The objective is to analyze these practices and identify effective strategies that apparel retailers can adopt. However, this review is limited by the availability of comprehensive global data and the rapidly evolving nature of technologies and regulations. Machine learning and deep learning methods are increasingly being utilized to enhance supply chain transparency, optimize production processes, and predict consumer behavior, contributing to more sustainable practices. Through a comprehensive analysis of market trends, the review revealed that sustainable practices can greatly benefit the environment, economy, and society. Despite challenges such as scalability, greenwashing, and the need for collaboration among stakeholders, integrating revolutionary technologies such as deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) is crucial for substantial progress in a sustainable manner.