Impact of sustainable solutions in the textile industry: A systematic literature review

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the impact of sustainable solutions implemented in the textile industry, assessing their effectiveness in reducing pollution and improving environmental performance. A systematic review design without meta-analysis was employed, following PRISMA guidelines and the PICO framework. The search was conducted in the Scopus database, considering publications between 2021 and 2025, and applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 32 articles meeting the eligibility criteria were selected for detailed analysis. The results revealed that the most frequent issues are associated with textile waste, chemical waste, and high resource consumption. The most widely implemented sustainable solutions include textile recycling, cellulose recovery, bioprocesses, the use of natural dyes, and the valorization of agricultural waste, achieving notable efficiencies such as dye removals exceeding 97%, reductions in environmental impact close to 48%, and significant decreases in water and energy consumption. Furthermore, it was identified that these solutions are primarily applied in large and medium-sized enterprises, while digital technologies, although less frequent, are oriented towards environmental monitoring and traceability. In conclusion, recycling and material recovery technologies constitute the most effective strategies for promoting cleaner processes in the textile industry, while strengthening digital tools and validation in real-world environments represent key opportunities for advancing towards a more integrated circular economy.