Short answer
Integrate sustainability considerations across all stages of the product lifecycle, from material selection and manufacturing to consumer use and end-of-life management, by leveraging a diverse range of identified solutions.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Sustainable Development (2024)
- Method
- Systematic Literature Review
- Sample
- 187 articles
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The fashion industry's environmental and social impact can be mitigated through 26 identified sustainable solutions across the entire product lifecycle, from consumer purchase decisions to post-use recycling and reuse. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2024 study published in Sustainable Development. Using Systematic literature review with 187 articles, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate sustainability considerations across all stages of the product lifecycle, from material selection and manufacturing to consumer use and end-of-life management, by leveraging a diverse range of identified solutions.
Sustainable Fashion Solutions Span Purchase, Use, and End-of-Life Phases
The fashion industry's environmental and social impact can be mitigated through 26 identified sustainable solutions across the entire product lifecycle, from consumer purchase decisions to post-use recycling and reuse.
Sustainable Development · 2024
Key Findings
- 01187 articles were reviewed, identifying 26 distinct sustainable solutions.
- 02These solutions are categorized across three consumption phases: pre-purchase, use, and post-use.
- 03Solutions encompass techniques, features, services, and behaviors that reduce negative impacts and promote circularity.
- 04An innovative framework for sustainable fashion solutions was developed.
Application
Design takeaway
Integrate sustainability considerations across all stages of the product lifecycle, from material selection and manufacturing to consumer use and end-of-life management, by leveraging a diverse range of identified solutions.
How to apply
When designing a new fashion product or service, map out potential sustainable solutions across the entire lifecycle, from sourcing and production to consumer engagement and disposal, using the identified categories as a guide.
Project actions
- 01When exploring sustainability in your design project, consider the entire lifespan of your product, not just its creation.
- 02Research specific sustainable solutions (e.g., material choices, repair services, recycling programs) relevant to your design context.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive systematic review methodology.
- +Development of a novel framework for sustainable fashion solutions.
Limitations
The identified solutions may not be universally applicable or cost-effective for all design projects. Further research might be needed to validate their impact in specific contexts.
Reliability & validity
The systematic review methodology enhances reliability by ensuring a structured and reproducible approach to literature selection and analysis. Validity is supported by the breadth of articles reviewed and the development of a comprehensive framework.
Think critically
How can designers proactively influence consumer behavior during the 'use' and 'post-use' phases through thoughtful product design and accompanying services?
Design Principles
"Holistic Product Lifecycle Sustainability: Design for sustainability must encompass pre-purchase considerations, responsible use, and effective end-of-life strategies."
Understanding the full spectrum of sustainable interventions is crucial for designers and businesses aiming to reduce their ecological footprint. This holistic view allows for the development of integrated strategies that address sustainability at every touchpoint of a product's existence.
What This Means for Your Design
There are 26 different ways to make fashion more eco-friendly, from how it's made to how people use it and what happens when they're done with it.
How to use in your project
- 1.Cite this research when discussing the importance of a holistic approach to sustainability in your design project, referencing the identified solutions and consumption phases.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights that sustainable fashion solutions are not confined to production methods but extend across the entire consumer journey, encompassing pre-purchase choices, responsible use, and effective post-use management, with 26 distinct strategies identified to mitigate environmental and social impacts and promote circularity.
Source
Sustainable Development
Mapping sustainable options in the fashion industry: A systematic literature review and a future research agenda
journal · 2024
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about sustainable fashion solutions span purchase, use, and end-of-life phases?
- Integrate sustainability considerations across all stages of the product lifecycle, from material selection and manufacturing to consumer use and end-of-life management, by leveraging a diverse range of identified solutions. Evidence: Sustainable Development (2024).
- Why does "Sustainable Fashion Solutions Span Purchase, Use, and End-of-Life Phases" matter for design?
- Understanding the full spectrum of sustainable interventions is crucial for designers and businesses aiming to reduce their ecological footprint. This holistic view allows for the development of integrated strategies that address sustainability at every touchpoint of a product's existence.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Integrate sustainability considerations across all stages of the product lifecycle, from material selection and manufacturing to consumer use and end-of-life management, by leveraging a diverse range of identified solutions.
- What were the main findings?
- 187 articles were reviewed, identifying 26 distinct sustainable solutions.. These solutions are categorized across three consumption phases: pre-purchase, use, and post-use.. Solutions encompass techniques, features, services, and behaviors that reduce negative impacts and promote circularity.. An innovative framework for sustainable fashion solutions was developed.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Literature Review with 187 articles.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2024 journal from Sustainable Development.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a new fashion product or service, map out potential sustainable solutions across the entire lifecycle, from sourcing and production to consumer engagement and disposal, using the identified categories as a guide.
- What are the limitations?
- The review is based on existing literature, and the effectiveness or scalability of some identified solutions may vary. The focus is on documented solutions, potentially overlooking emerging or niche practices.