Short answer
Integrate a holistic approach to green manufacturing by considering sustainable practices at every stage of the apparel production lifecycle, from initial concept to final packaging.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Environmental Research Engineering and Management (2023)
- Method
- Systematic Literature Review and Content Analysis
- Sample
- 138 publications
- Evidence
- Strong effect
A comprehensive review of a decade of research reveals a wide array of green manufacturing practices across all stages of apparel production, highlighting opportunities for enhanced sustainability. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Environmental Research Engineering and Management. Using Systematic literature review and content analysis with 138 publications, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate a holistic approach to green manufacturing by considering sustainable practices at every stage of the apparel production lifecycle, from initial concept to final packaging.
Green Manufacturing Practices in Apparel Production: A Decade in Review
A comprehensive review of a decade of research reveals a wide array of green manufacturing practices across all stages of apparel production, highlighting opportunities for enhanced sustainability.
Environmental Research Engineering and Management · 2023
Key Findings
- 01A diverse range of green practices exists across product design, raw material procurement, fabric spreading, cutting, sewing, washing, printing, finishing, and packing.
- 02There is a notable research gap concerning green manufacturing practices in developing countries, where a significant portion of apparel production occurs.
- 03Further research is needed on specific garment manufacturing methods.
Application
Design takeaway
Integrate a holistic approach to green manufacturing by considering sustainable practices at every stage of the apparel production lifecycle, from initial concept to final packaging.
How to apply
When designing a new apparel product or re-evaluating an existing production process, systematically assess each stage (design, material sourcing, cutting, sewing, finishing, packaging) for opportunities to implement or improve green practices.
Project actions
- 01When researching sustainable materials, consider their entire lifecycle, not just their initial production.
- 02Investigate how different manufacturing processes (e.g., dyeing, finishing) can be made more environmentally friendly.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive ten-year scope of literature.
- +Systematic approach to literature retrieval and analysis.
Limitations
The review's focus on published literature might miss on-the-ground innovations. The lack of data from developing countries is a significant limitation.
Reliability & validity
The systematic review methodology enhances reliability. Validity is supported by content analysis of peer-reviewed literature, though the scope is limited to published research.
Think critically
Given the research gap in developing countries, how can designers and engineers proactively ensure sustainable practices are adopted in these regions, even with limited direct research data?
Design Principles
"Holistic Green Production: Implement environmentally conscious strategies across all phases of product manufacturing to minimize ecological footprint."
Understanding the landscape of green practices in apparel manufacturing is crucial for designers and engineers aiming to reduce environmental impact. This insight provides a roadmap of existing strategies, enabling informed decision-making in product development and production processes.
What This Means for Your Design
This study looked at lots of research papers about making clothes in eco-friendly ways. It found that companies are doing many good things, but there's not enough research on how it's done in poorer countries or on the exact methods used.
How to use in your project
- 1.Cite this review when discussing the importance of sustainable practices in apparel design and manufacturing, or when identifying research gaps in green production methods.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This systematic review highlights the diverse range of green manufacturing practices implemented across the apparel production lifecycle, from initial design to final packaging. It underscores the need for designers and engineers to consider sustainability at every stage, while also pointing to research gaps, particularly concerning practices in developing countries and specific manufacturing techniques.
Source
Environmental Research Engineering and Management
A Systematic Review of Green Apparel Manufacturing
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about green manufacturing practices in apparel production: a decade in review?
- Integrate a holistic approach to green manufacturing by considering sustainable practices at every stage of the apparel production lifecycle, from initial concept to final packaging. Evidence: Environmental Research Engineering and Management (2023).
- Why does "Green Manufacturing Practices in Apparel Production: A Decade in Review" matter for design?
- Understanding the landscape of green practices in apparel manufacturing is crucial for designers and engineers aiming to reduce environmental impact. This insight provides a roadmap of existing strategies, enabling informed decision-making in product development and production processes.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Integrate a holistic approach to green manufacturing by considering sustainable practices at every stage of the apparel production lifecycle, from initial concept to final packaging.
- What were the main findings?
- A diverse range of green practices exists across product design, raw material procurement, fabric spreading, cutting, sewing, washing, printing, finishing, and packing.. There is a notable research gap concerning green manufacturing practices in developing countries, where a significant portion of apparel production occurs.. Further research is needed on specific garment manufacturing methods.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Literature Review and Content Analysis with 138 publications.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Environmental Research Engineering and Management.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a new apparel product or re-evaluating an existing production process, systematically assess each stage (design, material sourcing, cutting, sewing, finishing, packaging) for opportunities to implement or improve green practices.
- What are the limitations?
- The review primarily focuses on academic literature and may not capture all industry-specific innovations or practices, particularly those not yet published. There is also a lack of focus on developing countries.