"The Circular Economy Along the Global Value Chain of the Textile Industry: Pathways to Sustainability"

This thesis explores the implementation of circular economy principles within the global value chains of the textile industry. Driven by the escalating environmental impact of linear production models, this study examines sustainable pathways that address the challenges of resource-intensive production and waste. The research focuses on the strategic integration of circular economy across global value chains, highlighting practical applications, such as material reuse, recycling innovations, and sustainable business models that enhance circularity. Through a case study on the SOEX Group, a leader in textile recycling, the study demonstrates how innovative business practices and collaborative frameworks can establish more resilient, circular value chains. Findings reveal that while significant structural and technological challenges persist, the transition towards circular global value chains presents viable opportunities for reducing environmental footprints and fostering economic resilience in the textile industry. The insights gained underscore the necessity of collective action and innovation across sectors to foster sustainable development on a global scale.