Exploration of the Supply Chain in the Fashion Industry Under the Sustainability Concept

Abstract

The carbon emissions of the fashion industry account for 4–10% of the global total, exceeding the total emissions of international aviation and shipping industries. Greening the fashion supply chain has become an urgent priority. The annual greenhouse gas emissions of China's textile and clothing industry are about 220 million tons, accounting for 2.7% of the total industrial emissions in the country, placing significant emission reduction pressure across all supply chain stages. This paper analyzes path selection and implementation outcomes for fashion supply chain restructuring, drawing on sustainability frameworks, EU policy documents, China's 14th Five-Year Plan, and real-world practices from H&M, ANTA, Patagonia, and other enterprises. As of 2024, data shows that China's production of recycled fibers exceeded 10 million tons, accounting for over 20% of the total fiber processing volume; 90% of textile enterprises have set clear climate action targets, with an average reduction of over 14% in carbon emission intensity across the industry in the past two years. The EU's ESPR Regulation, which will come into effect on July 19, 2026, prohibits the destruction of unsold clothing, forcing the restructuring of the global supply chain system. Against persistent industry headwinds—including fragmented regulatory standards and disproportionate cost burdens on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—cross-stakeholder collaboration will serve as the core driver of the fashion sector’s transition to a circular economy.