Digitalisation and green strategies: a systematic review of the textile, apparel and fashion industries.

Orisadare, Emmanuel Ayo; Achukwu, Okechukwu Emmanuel; Ogunyemi, Abiodun Afolayan; Adedeji, Deborah Oluwayemisi; Diyaolu, Idowu Jamiu; Ugwu, Eunice Ifenyinwa; Oluwatope, Ayodeji Oludola; Bakare, Kudirat Oyebisi; Awoyelu, Iyabo Olukemi

Abstract

The textile, apparel, and fashion (TAF) industries are vital to national economies, providing employment and fostering global economic development. On the other hand, TAF industries contribute to approximately 20% of global pollution. The rise of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies—including the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robotics—aims to enhance production efficiency and resource management. However, this transition brings several challenges, such as potential disruptions from automation, concerns regarding energy efficiency, and escalating sustainability demands. In response, Industry 5.0 (I5.0) emphasises the integration of human-centric and sustainable practices, encouraging collaboration between humans and machines. While some existing studies highlight the potential of these technologies as enablers of the circular economy (CE), they often fall short of comprehensively linking these technologies to specific operational and strategic elements of CE. Furthermore, they do not sufficiently address how these digital tools fit within a broader sustainability framework in the context of CE principles. This review study aims to explore how digital transformation through I4.0 and I5.0 technologies can enhance circular economy practices in the TAF industries while alleviating the environmental and social challenges associated with industrial growth. The study examined 42 peer-reviewed studies from 2013 to 2023, employing a descriptive and theoretical literature review methodology to analyse the strategies, impacts, and challenges of digitalisation and green transition in the TAF industries. Findings reveal a significant disparity between firms in the Global North, which focus on technology advancement, and those in the Global South, facing implementation barriers. The study advocates for an approach that contextualises the integration of I4.0 and I5.0 technologies, ensuring that sustainable production practices align with regional needs.

Citation

ORISADARE, E.A., ACHUKWU, O.E., OGUNYEMI, A.A., ADEDEJI, D.O., DIYAOLU, I.J., UGWU, E.I., OLUWATOPE, A.O., BAKARE, K.O. and AWOYELU, I.O. [2025]. Digitalisation and green strategies: a systematic review of the textile, apparel and fashion industries. Circular economy and sustainability [online], Online First. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-025-00555-x

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Mar 20, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Apr 4, 2025
• Deposit Date: Apr 22, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2026
• Journal: Circular economy and sustainability
• Print ISSN: 2730-597X
• Electronic ISSN: 2730-5988
• Publisher: Springer
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-025-00555-x
• Keywords: Digital transformation; Textile, apparel and fashion industries; Circular economy; Green strategies; Industry 4.0; Industry 5.0
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2801089