The green development of the Italian and Chinese fashion industry: analysis of the strategies, initiatives and standards to pursue a sustainable growth.

Abstract

The current thesis proposes a general overview of the growing and emerging social and environmental concerns that have induced the fashion and textile sector to develop strategic sustainable business models by encouraging corporations and consumers to recognize their ethical and social responsibilities. The objective of the thesis is to examine the practices and initiatives that characterize the current sustainable growth and future prospects of the Italian and Chinese fashion industry. Therefore, my aim is to represent and highlight some of the main features of these complex and thriving dynamics, which are spreading across the globalized world and leading to a brand-new concept of thinking, buying, and selling clothes. In the first chapter will be introduced the general notions related to the concept of sustainability and its implications within the fashion and clothing industry. Consequently, are provided examples of sustainable business practices and methods that allow Italian and Chinese fashion companies to pursue a social, environmental, and economic improvement. The analysis will finally be completed by the description and comparison of the different environmental certifications and standards that the Italian and Chinese textile industries must comply with to ensure their effective path towards a green development. In conclusion, the thesis focuses not only on the ecological growth of the fashion sector but on the general commitment towards sustainable progress.