Analysis of the Textile Supply Chain from a Circularity Perspective: A Case Study

Circular economy practices and its implementation is paramount to drive the design of circular and reverse supply chains, thus enabling products to enter the chain again through recycling and reuse. The main purpose of the research is to analyze the importance of the supply chain in the transition to a circular economy, focusing on the textile industry. So-called “fast fashion” and the linear supply chains followed by the large fashion multinationals are a serious problem. The textile closed supply chain and its harmful effects have been examined, as well as the boosters and barriers associated with their transformation under the circularity paradigm. The implementation of circularity in this industry implies a systemic rethinking of the entire supply chain. A case study of “Teemill” company which produces and sells circular T-shirts is analyzed. The main results showed that Circular Supply Chains in the textile sector are based on two fundamental pillars for their development. On the one hand, the development of new technology that reduces waste and increases efficiency in productivity, using renewable energy and circular principles in all phases of their supply chain through reverse logistics. On the other hand, based on this technological development, the establishment of long-term agreements that allow developed a cloud-connected supply chain. Coordination and cooperation between suppliers and manufacturers are essential to achieve more sustainable products. In addition, customers play a key role in their participation in the recycling and recovery of products.