Blockchain's potential for waste management in textile industry

• Published in: Management of environmental quality Vol. 34; no. 4; pp. 1174 - 1197
• Main Authors: Dursun, Elif, Ulker, Yasemin, Gunalay, Yavuz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Publishing Limited 17.05.2023; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Blockchain; Circular economy; Consumption; Cryptography; Environmental quality; Literature reviews; Manufacturing; Municipal solid waste; Qualitative analysis; Qualitative research; Radio frequency identification; Raw materials; Recycling; Software; Supply chains; Sustainability; Technology adoption; Textile industry; Waste management; United States > US; Turkey; Supply chain; Waste management; Qualitative study; Sustainability; Textile industry; Blockchain
• ISSN: 1477-7835; 1758-6119
• DOI: 10.1108/MEQ-03-2022-0085

PurposeAll supply chains must address waste management since it is a crucial step toward a sustainable world. This article aims to analyze the potential of blockchain technology in waste management by focusing on the textile sector, which is one of the polluting industries. The study's main objective is to realize businesses' waste management practices and sustainability initiatives and then to comprehend how practitioners perceive the implementation of blockchain technology to waste management.Design/methodology/approachThe waste management procedures and actors' perceptions of blockchain technology are examined using a qualitative study approach that adopts an in-depth interview methodology. The collected data is analyzed by a qualitative analysis software (e.g. MAXQDA).FindingsFindings of the study show that blockchain technology is still in its infancy and needs to be communicated to the actors of the sector. The technology has low potential due to the barriers it faces during the development phase. However, it is considered to be an important technological development for the textile sector stakeholders.Originality/valueThis study is important to notice at what stage the waste management practices and how to develop better with modern technologies like blockchain. Blockchain technology has essential potential for supply chains, but sustainability concerns are becoming a major issue to be solved. Waste management is therefore an important subject to be analyzed and provided with innovative solutions that will contribute to sustainability efforts. To the author's best knowledge, this is the first attempt to comprehend the potential of blockchain in the textile industry in terms of waste management.