Benefits from sustainable development using bioplastics: A comparison between the food and fashion industries

The textile industry could become more sustainable by offering bioplastics-based fashion. The question arises if another product category can serve as a benchmark, provided that the two industries are sufficiently similar in their business models. Therefore, an in-depth empiric expert survey (n = 200) was carried out across sectors. For 20 items derived from the Industry-Economics and Resource-based Theory, the degree of consent was measured and by means of explorative factor analysis, the loadings were derived and put as weights for sector characterization. From this, the industry-specific regression equation was established and finally, the item-distribution was illustrated in a classification-matrix, divided into retail-sector and economic theory. The food sector is mainly market oriented in the plastics change, whereas clothing retailers tend to measure success in relation to company resources. Both saw bioplastics as a driver for new products, and for the textile industry it offers even more innovation potential. The demand for state intervention was also equally pronounced. All in all, it makes sense that fashion supply chains orient their transition on the food sector and achieve a change with bioplastics through differentiated and innovative products and, in particular, through strategic alliances with the retail industry.

Automated summary

Research suggests that the textile industry can achieve greater sustainability by offering bioplastics-based fashion products. Both the food sector and clothing retailers view bioplastics as a driver for innovation, with the potential to drive new product development in the industry.