Life cycle thinking for advancing sustainable development Goal 12 in the textile sector

Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) serves as a framework for supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) by promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns. This review analyzes the contribution of LCT to sustainability in the textile sector from a systemic perspective. The findings indicate that LCT facilitates the adoption of circular economy strategies through more efficient resource use, the development of circular business models, the promotion of sustainable consumption behaviours, and the optimization of end-of-life product management. Furthermore, advances in sensor-based sorting technologies, Digital Product Passports, and digital traceability systems enhance circularity by improving material identification, quality control, transparency, and regulatory compliance. However, the transition to circular textile systems requires attention to human health protection, particularly regarding hazardous substances in recycled materials, and closer collaboration among businesses, institutions, and consumers. Integrated approaches combining circularity, traceability, safety, and collaborative governance will be essential to accelerating progress toward SDG 12.