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Defining Drivers and Barriers of Sustainable Fashion Manufacturing: Perceptions in the Global South

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  • Nthabeleng Caroline Monyaki

    (Faculty of Informatics and Design, Applied Design, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town 8000, South Africa)

  • Ryna Cilliers

    (Faculty of Informatics and Design, Applied Design, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town 8000, South Africa)

Abstract

The practices of reuse and repurposing as sustainability measures are on the rise, particularly in the Global North, emphasizing environmental sustainability. In the Global South, however, the approach to circularity is more inclined towards livelihoods, employment, and education. In the North, remanufacturing and upcycling have been instrumental in promoting sustainable design and manufacturing. Research on circular fashion in Africa, however, tends to be limited to the second-hand clothing market, with a lack of focus on remanufacturing and upcycling as part of circular fashion practice. Thus, this study aimed to explore perspectives on the challenges and enablers of sustainable fashion manufacturing, specifically focusing on remanufacturing and upcycling, within four Cape Town-based fashion businesses. This study also aimed to build upon a previously established conceptual framework, identifying the key barriers and drivers using a tool from the Theory of Constraints. The findings suggested that funding is the primary driving force behind sustainable manufacturing practices, whereas a lack of education on remanufacturing and upcycling was identified as the main barrier.

Suggested Citation

  • Nthabeleng Caroline Monyaki & Ryna Cilliers, 2023. "Defining Drivers and Barriers of Sustainable Fashion Manufacturing: Perceptions in the Global South," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:13:p:10715-:d:1188966
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dissanayake, Geetha & Sinha, Pammi, 2015. "An examination of the product development process for fashion remanufacturing," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 104(PA), pages 94-102.
    2. de Jesus, Ana & Mendonça, Sandro, 2018. "Lost in Transition? Drivers and Barriers in the Eco-innovation Road to the Circular Economy," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 75-89.
    3. Kyungeun Sung & Tim Cooper & Sarah Kettley, 2019. "Factors Influencing Upcycling for UK Makers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-26, February.
    4. Andrew Brooks & David Simon, 2012. "Unravelling the Relationships between Used-Clothing Imports and the Decline of African Clothing Industries," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 43(6), pages 1265-1290, November.
    5. Alessandra Vecchi, 2020. "The Circular Fashion Framework-The Implementation of the Circular Economy by the Fashion Industry," Current Trends in Fashion Technology & Textile Engineering, Juniper Publishers Inc., vol. 6(2), pages 31-35, February.
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    1. Patrizia Gazzola & Enrica Pavione & Rainer Hillebrand & Vincenza Vota & Rebecca Rosa, 2025. "The Circular Economy and the Role of Technology in the Fashion Industry: A Comparison of Empirical Evidence," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-29, April.
    2. Yajuan Deng & Haina Shen & Xiaofen Ji, 2024. "Exploring Virtual Fashion Consumption through the Emotional Three-Level Theory: Reflections on Sustainable Consumer Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-24, July.
    3. Eve Man-Hin Chan & Jenny Cheung & Catherine Amoroso Leslie & Yui-Yip Lau & Dawson Wai-Shun Suen & Chi-Wing Tsang, 2024. "Revolutionizing the Textile and Clothing Industry: Pioneering Sustainability and Resilience in a Post-COVID Era," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-17, March.
    4. Sahar Aamir & Syed Waqar Haider & Sarwat Jahan & Hammad Bin Azam Hashmi & Abbas Issa & Aamir Raza, 2025. "Sustainable style: “Unleashing the power of slow fashion orientation in driving purchase intentions for ethical apparel choices”," International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, Springer;International Association of Public and Non-Profit Marketing, vol. 22(3), pages 663-692, September.
    5. Muhammad Babar Ramzan & Muhammad Salman Habib & Muhammad Omair & Jawad Naeem & Hajra Mustafa & Muhammad Waqas Iqbal & Asif Iqbal Malik, 2023. "Role of Design for Disassembly in Educating Consumers for Circular Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-19, October.

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