Advancing Business Strategy in End‐Of‐Life Management for the Fashion Industry

Fast fashion is disrupting circularity in the fashion industry, necessitating strategic business models fostering sustainable production. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding criteria for assessing the end-of-life (EoL) management of textile products. The present study aimed to identify the most effective EoL strategies to support fashion companies in closing the loop, comparing reuse, mechanical recycling, and chemical recycling against landfill disposal. Using multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA), the research engaged with diverse stakeholder categories (i.e., academics, industry professionals, consultants, and politicians) to evaluate several aspects of sustainability. The results highlight the dominant role played by sustainable policy considerations over economic and environmental factors and the relatively lower weight given to technological and social aspects. Reuse emerged as the most beneficial strategy, followed by mechanical recycling and chemical recycling. Additionally, the results underscore the urgency of avoiding landfill disposal. The findings offer a strategic framework for promoting textile EoL management, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 12.