An examination of the product development process for fashion remanufacturing

• We examine the process of fashion remanufacturing that uses waste apparel and textiles.
• We explore the key stages of reverse logistics and product development processes.
• Implications for the business to become a more mainstream model are discussed.

Fast changing fashion trends have led to high consumption rates of clothing, shortening of life-spans for many fashion products and increasing amounts of textile waste. Addressing the problems caused by the unsustainable landscape of the fashion industry requires alternative solutions, new business models or whole systems rethink. Fashion remanufacturing is one such strategy that supports material recirculation and thus reduces land filling of fashion waste. This paper examines the concept of fashion remanufacturing, the requirements for a reverse supply chain and the barriers and opportunities that exist for future growth of this sustainable business. The investigation reveals that although collaboration among key players along the reverse supply chain is essential for business growth, the extent of this growth is dependent on the commitment and involvement of large fashion retailers and the fashion consumer. We conclude the paper by considering the implications for the fashion industry if fashion remanufacture were to become a more mainstream business model.