Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Exploring Expert Opinion Regarding Energy Consumption in Apparel Assembling Process: A Qualitative Approach

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Abstract

Environmental sustainability practices in the textile and apparel (TA) industry are receiving greater attention as harmful impacts are becoming more evident. In order to identify pathways toward greater sustainability in the TA supply chain, this study investigated practical solutions for improving environmental sustainability in the apparel production segment of the industry from the practitioner view point. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate sewing process contributors to energy consumption (EC) as revealed by apparel assembling experts. The objectives were to (a) identify the most influential EC factors from the apparel assembling process and (b) identify steps to reduce EC. Qualitative method was employed, using semi-structured, open-ended interview questions to collect data via teleconferencing. Industry practitioners would make changes in practices once they understand the most influential EC factors. Experts provided factual solutions (with examples) to produce energy efficient apparel and battled between environmental gains versus incurred cost.

How to Cite:

Islam, M. I. & LeHew, M. L., (2017) “Exploring Expert Opinion Regarding Energy Consumption in Apparel Assembling Process: A Qualitative Approach”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 74(1).