Investigating knitwear product development in small and medium enterprises: A report of practices related to environmental sustainability

• DOI: 10.1016/j.clscn.2023.100105
• Publication Date: 2023-03-24T02:25:42Z
• Authors: Eleanor L. Scott; Tracy Bhamra; Mazher I. Mohammed; Andrew A. Johnson
• Keywords: Fast fashion; Dynamism; Sustainable products

There is rising interest into the inner workings of fashion supply chain due to increasing concern surrounding environmental impact, social responsibility, and economic growth. Studies designed understand industry often presume knitwear sector follow linear product development process woven garment sector. However, practitioners are profoundly aware many complex distinctions, one example being ability seamlessly create three dimensional garments with minimal finishing. In spite these differences, there little known research which specifically identifies current design manufacture system, or how such seamless production methods utilised. To bridge gap in knowledge, a quantitative questionnaire was for holistic overview key processes within small medium enterprises (SMEs). The had focuses, design, manufacture, retail, reflecting sectors dynamism. 31 companies varying sizes completed survey, these, 26 knitwear, 25 manufactured it, 21 retailed directly consumers. Results showed that sampled SMEs have keen developing sustainable products, albeit at surface level, most choosing reduce impact through their material fibre choices, less importance placed on manufacturing processes. Other revelations included low uptake 3D simulation software, need multiple prototypes reliance cut sew This study revealed several areas where can be reduced aims inform future studies focused use, life-cycle analysis, waste reduction digital technology adoption.