DefinePK

Abstract

The textile industry is an important part of the global economy, but it is also one of the largest polluters on the planet. Beginning a move toward sustainable practices, in light of the global issues: climate change, resource limitation and social inequality, there is a need for the apparel and textile industry to have a balance among economic growth, eco-logical balance, and social equity.  This research would provide a holistic understanding of the sustainability challenges and benefits in the textile industry and best practices by tackling the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. This study employed a qualitative content analysis methodology. The analysis was performed on 47 peer-reviewed articles between the years of 2020 and 2025 using NVivo 14. Using a mix of bibliometric techniques, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and thematic coding, this analysis identifies primary sustainability challenges, benefits, and best practices. The major challenges include high production cost, the absence of policy enforcement, and high carbon emissions. Sustainability projects can have tremendous benefits, including increased brand reputation, decreased costs, and improved worker well-being. Best practice examples discussed in the research include circular economy models, sustainable innovation, ethical employment policies, and green financing. Creating a microcosm of sustainable textiles requires policymakers and industry leaders to implement more rigid regulations, provide financial incentives, and invest in new technologies. The paper contributes existing literature regarding sustainability in the textile industry from the economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Through these insights, stakeholders can reproduce and implement good practices that allow for a sustainable textile sector.