Evaluation of Potential for Textile Waste Management using the PROMETHEE Method
Authors: Ashish Karnad Vishaka 
Published: October 2023

Textile waste management is a critical component of sustainable practices in the fashion and textile industry. It encompasses the responsible handling and disposal of discarded textiles, including clothing, fabrics, and related materials. The goal of effective waste management is to minimize the environmental impact of textile production and consumption. Several strategies are employed in textile waste management: Recycling involves transforming used textiles into new products or materials, reducing the need for virgin resources. Clothing and textiles in good condition can be donated or sold through second-hand markets, extending their lifespan. Natural fibers like cotton and wool can be composted, returning them to the natural cycle. As the fashion industry continues to grow, so does its environmental footprint through landfill decomposing. Understanding and implementing effective waste management strategies in the textile sector can lead to several crucial benefits. Developing innovative ways to manage textile waste can lead to the creation of new industries and job opportunities. This includes recycling facilities, resale markets, and companies focused on sustainable fashion. Consumer Awareness Research in textile waste management helps raise public awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry. This knowledge empowers consumers to make more informed and sustainable choices when purchasing clothing. Regulatory Compliance enforced by governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly focused on sustainable practices within industries, including fashion. Research in waste management provides valuable insights for developing and enforcing policies to ensure compliance. Circular Economy Promotion is required for effective textile waste management that supports the transition towards a circular economy and a sustainable life cycle, where resources are reused and recycled rather than disposed-off after a single use. By extending the life of textiles through reuse and recycling, the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of new clothing is reduced. Innovation and Technology Advancement through research in textile waste management drives innovation in recycling technologies, fabric design, and sustainable production methods, which can have broader applications beyond the fashion industry. Textile waste is a global issue, and effective waste management practices can have positive repercussions on a worldwide scale, contributing to broader sustainability goals. The PROMETHEE method encompasses several aspects. Firstly, it considers diverse scales for evaluating different grounds. It allows for making decisions based on the best options, as illustrated by PROMETHEE I, which involves partial ranking. This involves identifying incomparable and neglected alternatives Ginning, Spinning, Sizing, Power looms, Dyeing and printing and Cotton waste, Blow room droppings, Cotton dust, Brass bora and Iron drums as per the ranking of Textile Waste Management for using the analysis of PROMETHEE Method. Power looms were considered the first rank whereas is the Spinning was ranked the lowest in the analysis.