Sustainable fashion or sustainability of appearance? A critical analysis of Greenwashing in the textile industry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34630/tth.v6i1.7309Keywords:
Sustainable fashion, Greenwashing, Textile Industry, Sustainability, Ethical Consumption, TransparencyAbstract
The growing emphasis on sustainability has led the textile industry to adopt environmental discourse that often does not translate into concrete action. This article offers a critical analysis of the phenomenon of greenwashing, examining how “green” communication is used to create an image of environmental responsibility without truly promoting changes in production processes. It explores the development of sustainable fashion, identifies the most frequent greenwashing practices, and investigates the factors that contribute to their expansion, such as the complexity of supply chains and the lack of oversight. The discussion highlights how this phenomenon affects consumer trust and the progress of sustainability, arguing that greater transparency, environmental literacy, and regulation are essential.
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