Resumo

The textile industry is characterized by a diverse range of products, encompassing everything from natural fabrics to synthetic fibers, whose use has intensified in the face of the environmental crisis. As highlighted by Menegucci et al. (2015), it is a sector with high solid waste generation, predominantly in the form of fabrics of plant, animal, or synthetic origin. Globally, the industry produces approximately 100 billion garments annually, of which around 33% are discarded within the first year of use (Monash University, 2021).

The adoption of sustainable standards is imperative, and the transition to circular models requires technological innovation and integration throughout the supply chain (Jena & Sarmah, 2014). In this context, the Reverse Supply Chain (RSC) plays a strategic role by enabling the reintegration of waste into the production cycle, requiring a systemic and competitive approach (Das & Posinasetti, 2015; Elia & Gnoni, 2015). Accordingly, the present study aimed to assign the RSC components relevant to stakeholders’ functions, establishing a reference for the efficient operation of the textile RSC.

Research and practice in supply chain (SC) management tend to focus on tangible processes, a tendency that extends to environmental sustainability approaches (Ashby et al., 2012), with little recognition of the importance of the stakeholders relationships in its development (Jena & Sarmah, 2014). These relationships, or organizational arrangements, are critical for organizations, for strategic reasons (Lane & Beamish, 1990; Amato, 2007; Balestrin & Verschoore, 2016) and for sociocultural alignment (Farkas & Avny, 2005).

To achieve the research objective, the study considered, such as components, stakeholders, operational or strategic activities and practices, supporting strategies, technologies, concepts, principles, and circularity guidelines that influence the RSC. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of Tranfield et al. (2003), Building on the results of the SLR and with the aim of identifying the relationships between SC components and stakeholders, the subsequent step involved mapping stakeholders to the respective components.

The RSC is a complex and dynamic system involving the actions and interactions of multiple stakeholders, whether dependent or independent. These actions influence both the structuring and performance of the RSC through their connection with the components that support its operation and the circularity of materials. Among the components identified in the literature, some can determine the pace and effectiveness of the RSC, as well as establish the active participation and responsibilities of stakeholders.

In summary, the effectiveness of the RSC is directly related to the coordination between stakeholders and the various RSC components that structure its functioning. These components achieve scalable and expanded outcomes only when supported by public policies, appropriate technologies, and institutional support strategies. Similarly, the concepts, principles, and guidelines of circularity can provide the normative and ethical foundation to align the interests of different stakeholders and guide their decisions.

BOSCHMEIER, E.; IPSMILLER, W.; BARTL, A., 2024. Market assessment to improve fibre recycling within the EU textile sector. Waste Management & Research, v. 42 (2), 135-145. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0734242X231178222. CHOUDHURY, K.; TSIANOU, M.; ALEXANDRIDIS, P., 2024. Reciclagem de tecidos mistos para uma economia circular de têxteis: separação de fibras de algodão, poliéster e elastano. Sustentabilidade, v. 16 (14), 2071-1050. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su16146206.