Dress code: the digital transformation of the circular fashion supply chain

Heim, H and Hopper, C (2022) Dress code: the digital transformation of the circular fashion supply chain. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, 15 (2). pp. 233-244. ISSN 1754-3266

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Abstract

The overproduction and overconsumption of textile products has led to a call for systems and behavioural change towards a circular economy. Correct material flows through a circular system are difficult to achieve, but emerging technology may provide some answers. Among these technologies, blockchain, smart tags and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are showing promising solutions. However, adopting technology gives rise to certain challenges. Observing the global trend in digital transformation, this paper investigates the adoption of blockchain and its associated technologies. Through interviews with designers and technology providers, it identifies the challenges specific to the small and medium enterprise sector. It finds a number of areas that require focus–some outside and some within the control of the business owner. These include the need for more effective communication channels between the information systems (IS) sector and fashion industry stakeholders if the digital transformation of the circular economy is to be effective.