Material circularity of pre-consumer textile solid waste: Learning from Bangladesh

This study explores the practical application of material circularity in Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry, focusing on pre-consumer textile solid waste management. While much of the existing literature discusses circular economy (CE) models theoretically, this research presents an actual case where a material circularity is implemented. Through a detailed examination of market clusters dealing with the resale, reuse, recycling, and the waste material matrix, the study uncovers the complexities of sorting, processing, and repurposing textile solid waste. Despite challenges like inconsistent sorting practices, informal market operations, and limited recycling infrastructure, the findings highlight significant scopes for material circularity. The study emphasizes the need for standardized regulations and targeted interventions to scale up circular practices. By showcasing real-world examples of material circularity, this research contributes to the development of a systematic, policy-driven approach to sustainable waste management in the textile industry, moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical, actionable insights.This study focuses on Bangladesh’s apparel industry and an experimental view on textile solid waste management. Focusing on the practical implementation, analysis is done on several clusters, and the detailed overview on solid waste processing is collected. The study’s reliance on data from informal and decentralized market sources in Bangladesh, coupled with the challenges in obtaining comprehensive and reliable information, limits the generalizability of the findings and may affect the overall reliability of the conclusions. However, by offering a real-world case study on material circularity in Bangladesh’s textile industry, this research provides valuable insights into practical applications of circular economy principles, making it a timely and relevant contribution to the resource management practices.