Sustainable management of textile and clothing

Textile and clothing industry (T&C) is the second largest industry in the manufacturing sector. Currently, the industry operates on a linear model. Its value-chain is associated with several problems such as environment pollution (solid wastes, effluent discharges, air pollution, and emission of greenhouse gases), and resources extraction and depletion (raw materials, water, energy). These problems present the challenges that are addressed in this paper. These problems are further exacerbated by the rapid growth in population and attendant need for economic growth. There is therefore need to begin to address how to make the industry more sustainable. This will entail reviewing the entire T&C value chain from raw material extraction to post-consumption of its products. Nigeria, an emerging economy is used as a proxy for the study. The management of textile/clothing wastes in Nigeria does not follow best practices, as the wastes are generally, disposed at dumpsites. Even though Nigeria is rich in natural resources to produce textiles, the country largely depends on importation of finished T&C goods. This paper uses three models namely: new business model, efficient waste management system, and regenerative production processes and materials to demonstrate how the industry can become more sustainable. This effort will focus on reuse and recycling of textile and clothing products. Emphasis is built on eco-design to encourage proper waste management system to support recovery, reprocessing, reuse, and recycling of textile and clothing products.