Is Green In? A Systematic Literature Review of the Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Business and Management Practices in the Fashion Industry

page 19-41

Jeric B. Bonostro

Master in Applied Business Analytics

University of Asia and the Pacific 

Raphael Christian N. Javier

Master in Applied Business Analytics

University of Asia and the Pacific 

Wenzel Vaughn P. Pestaño

Master in Applied Business Analytics

University of Asia and the Pacific 

Ruel V. Maningas

Doctor of Philosophy in Extension Education

University of the Philippines Los Baños

Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs and Research, School of Management, University of Asia and the Pacific

Program Director, MABA, University of Asia and the Pacific 

Keywords:  fashion industry; sustainability; business; management

ABSTRACT

The fashion industry has become a significant contributor to pollution in recent years, exacerbated by the rising demand and use of clothes. While the industry has attempted to move towards more sustainable practices, progress has been slow and hazy. This paper seeks to identify the current challenges and opportunities of the fashion industry in achieving sustainability through a literature review of articles and research from 2019 to 2022. The results are discussed and summarized into three areas: production, consumption, and adaptation systems. The production system discusses collaboration among the players in the supply chain, brands designing for the future, and defining sustainability standards. The consumption system discusses how businesses respond concerning how consumers perceive and practice sustainability. The adaptation system discusses the adapted and proposed frameworks, technological innovations, and working sustainability practices in the industry. This study contributes to business managers and policymakers looking to develop solutions following both macro and micro levels of cognizance. It informs them of the current state of the fashion industry and how they can redesign the underlying business model by looking at the interrelated systems.