Sustainability and circular economy in the textile sector: analysis of consumption of secondhand clothing as a sustainable alternative: Sustainability and circular economy in the textile sector

Abstract

Fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world. With the aim of minimizing its negative impact, this project is focused on the sustainability and circular economy concepts, applicated to the textile sector. Two goals are proposed: 1) to analyze the degree of knowledge of the SDGs and their possible influence on the textile sector, and 2) to explore the behavior of the sample regarding second-hand clothing. 332 participants (41.80% men and 58.20% women), with a mean age of 39.67 (SD = 12.81) answered a questionnaire that included sociodemographic variables, knowledge of the SDGs and their impact on the textile sector and behavior related to the purchase in second-hand stores. The data reflects that half of the interviewees are aware of the SDGs and the concept of circular economy. However, they are unaware of how the textile industry and its practices go against sustainable development and, therefore, the possibilities for improvement in this field. Likewise, most of those surveyed are familiar with secondhand clothing stores, but more than half of the population interviewed have never shopped in these stores and report negative beliefs about buying used clothing. While buying and selling second-hand clothing helps support sustainable policies, it is necessary to reduce the associated negative beliefs. Different lines of action are presented to improve the sustainable behavior of the sample in the textile sector.