Weaving Sustainability: Exploring the Circular Supply Chain in the Textile and Fashion Industry through Case Study Analysis

The linear business model of the textile and fashion industry has created significant environmental challenges, making sustainability and profitability increasingly impractical. To address this problem, the adoption of circular business models that promote environmental management and resource efficiency has become critical. However, the existing literature lacks a comprehensive analysis of real-world cases that explore the interrelationships and conflicts between business models within the industry’s new circular supply chain. This research aims to fill this gap by examining new circular business models along the supply chain and identifying successful and unsuccessful models that excel or underperform in multiple areas. This study conducts an in-depth analysis of real-world cases, employing tools such as the Business Model Canvas, environmental performance indicators, and financial comparisons, to investigate the components, financial and environmental performances, alignment with existing theories, and the significance of actor coordination in the supply chain, within circular business models. By examining the relationship between actors, processes and strategies, this research provides valuable insights into effective and sustainable circular business models for the textile and fashion industry. The study's contribution lies in its comprehensive examination of real cases, which offers empirical evidence to support the development and implementation of circular business models in the industry. The findings will be beneficial to industry practitioners seeking to adopt more sustainable practices, while also contributing to the academic discourse on circular economy and supply chain management.