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Textile and Apparel Industries

If Not Now, When? Critical Reflections on the Future of Sustainability Among Apparel Industry Leaders

Authors
  • Elena E Karpova orcid logo (University of North Carolina at Greensboro)
  • Nancy J. Hodges (University of North Carolina Greensboro)
  • Haeun (Grace) Bang (University of North Carolina at Greensboro)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to consider the future of sustainability within the apparel industry from the perspectives of high-level industry professionals. In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 industry executives representing 21 global companies and a combined revenue of more than $87 billion. Participants had an average of 26 years of industry experience and held titles ranging from President and CEO to Senior VP. Thematic analysis of the data through the conceptual lens of the Natural Resource Based View of the Firm revealed five emergent themes, which, when posed as questions, offer critical and reflective insight into the issues that are operating to inhibit industry change. Findings shed light on the extent to which executives with strategic decision-making responsibilities face challenges not just in making decisions that could lead to sustainable industry practices, but in envisioning an industry that is truly sustainable.

Keywords: sustainability, sustainable future, white space opportunities, industry executives, Natural resource based view

How to Cite:

Karpova, E. E., Hodges, N. J. & Bang, H., (2025) “If Not Now, When? Critical Reflections on the Future of Sustainability Among Apparel Industry Leaders ”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18570

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Published on
2025-01-13

Peer Reviewed