The Social Impacts of Circular Strategies in the Apparel Value Chain; a Comparative Study Between Three Countries

The apparel value chain is essential for the livelihood of millions of workers around the globe. However, human rights violations and the lack of a sustained income by apparel workers demonstrate the poor working conditions present in this sector. Circular economy (CE) has been used by incumbent businesses and startups as a framework to achieve sustainability, thus contributing to its economic, environmental and social dimensions. However, there is a lack of knowledge on its social impact. Most of the literature assesses CE’s social impacts by focusing only on the number of jobs created. However, the majority of studies agree on the need to analyse further the quality and inclusivity aspects. This paper explores the social impact of the different circular strategies implemented in three countries. It assesses social impacts related to the quality of jobs, workers’ sustainable livelihood and gender equality and inclusion. Results corroborate that CE social ambition is low, and that current circular strategies follow the same feminisation and precariousness of working conditions found in the linear apparel value chain. Thus, policymakers and businesses alike need to strengthen their CE social ambition; coordinate policy and strategies with different countries stakeholders of the apparel value chain to minimise trade-offs; and safeguard a just circular transition. This research contributes to the body of literature on CE by introducing a social impact assessment framework for circularity called SIAF-CE⚥. Additionally, it provides evidence on the current CE social impact implemented by startups and incumbents in regional and global contexts

Transformative circular futures in the textile and apparel value chain: Guiding policy and business recommendations in the Netherlands, Spain, and India

Circular economy practices are gaining importance in the global textile and apparel value chain to promote sustainability. However, the lack of attention paid to the circular economy's social dimension is concerning, given its expected global implementation for 2050. Neglecting this social impact undermines both environmental and social sustainability, perpetuating industry inequalities. To address this problem, this study develops Transformative Circular Futures (TCFs) to inform policy and business decision-making in the textile and apparel value chains of India, the Netherlands and Spain. TCFs are co-created circular economy scenarios that are diverse, systemic, and embedded with social impact considerations. This research employs participatory methods to blend system-change, Circular Economy, social impacts (through a gender lens), and positive desirable futures approaches, resulting in 16 scenarios. The results emphasise the pivotal role of diverse stakeholder engagement in reshaping the textile and apparel value chain towards equitable and transformative circular economy futures. The TCFs-derived recommendations to reduce inequalities and improve workers' well-being are critical steps towards a more inclusive and equitable transition to circular practices in the textile and apparel sector. Common recommendations include normalising living wages for direct, indirect, and informal workers, implementing regulations challenging patriarchy, eliminating gender pay and establishing permanent global committees of social actors. This ensures that social considerations are integrated throughout national and international negotiations within the circular textile and apparel value chain

Correction to: The Social Impacts of Circular Strategies in the Apparel Value Chain; a Comparative Study Between Three Countries (Circular Economy and Sustainability, (2023), 3, 2, (757-790), 10.1007/s43615-022-00203-8)

The name of the third author was misspelled (Ernst Worrel), an extra l was added at the end of the surname as it should read: Ernst Worrell