Closed loop supply chain for end of life textiles

Purpose: This paper aims to summarise current closed loop supply chain systems available in the literature and identify key characteristics for efficient closed loop supply chains with specific reference to the textile industry. With the aim to reduce the environmental impact of waste textile, this work is looking to identify if this can be achieved by incorporating closed loop elements within the design of a textile supply chain system. This paper also examines supply chain networks and designs required within the context of end of life (Eol) management of textiles.
Research Approach: The initial approach considered here is based on a detailed investigation of current literature from logistics, textile and system engineering journals which tackle the issue of closed loop supply chain systems. Concepts such as Extended Producer Responsibility, Industrial Ecology and Zero Waste will be detailed within this evaluation. The objective here is to understand how issues identified in the literature relate to a specific automotive interiors textile company. Therefore the following step in our approach is to consider a specific case study using Sage Automotive Interiors.
Findings and Originality: Closed loop supply chain analyses were carried out by many researchers to aid product development, logistics and supply chain management. Most studies have centred their attention on chemicals, pharmaceuticals or food industries where few have tackled the textiles industry specifically because of its complex supply chain design, logistics, raw materials definitions and fibre mix issues. This work will capture current and specific details from an end of life closed loop supply chain system.
Research Impact: This evaluation is looking to highlight potential sustainability issues from product, process and supply chain design and provide a research agenda in relation to these issues.
Practical Impact: Many companies see sustainability not only from the type of products they use within their process, but also from the operations, procedures, materials used and the recycle opportunities offered by their final product. All these can be captured within the analysis of a complex closed loop supply chain system. This investigation aims to highlight key problem areas in closed loop supply chain systems and provide an evaluation for the benefit of the textile industry.