## 4 Results and Discussion on the Survey
### Main Considerations on the Results  
The survey results provide a detailed overview of sustainability practices in the Italian textile sector, highlighting both progress and existing challenges. In particular, the survey pointed out that 57% of companies adopt fiber recycling practices, and 40% have implemented renewable energy solutions. However, only 14% have adopted water reuse systems, and a mere 4% utilize closed-loop chemical systems, highlighting significant opportunities for improvement in advanced technologies. To accelerate adoption, businesses can focus on less costly practices, such as material reuse and energy optimization. A notable 23% of companies express the need for sustainability training, while 21% demand tools for supply chain traceability. These figures reflect a growing awareness of the importance of digital tools for transparency. Technologies like blockchain, digital product passports, and automated sorting can significantly improve traceability and waste management. Blockchain provides a transparent and immutable record of sustainability practices across the supply chain, ensuring credibility and minimizing the risk of greenwashing. Digital product passports offer consumers and businesses access to crucial product data, such as sourcing, material composition, and recycling instructions, which promote circularity. Automated sorting technologies, using AI and machine learning, enhance the efficiency of textile waste management, making recycling processes faster, more accurate, and more scalable. The main barriers identified include financial constraints (20%) and organizational challenges (17%), with a clear disparity between northern and southern Italy. Companies in the northern regions have better access to advanced technologies, while those in the south could benefit from targeted incentives and financial support to bridge this gap. The limited adoption of advanced technologies, such as water reuse systems (14%), underscores the need for modular and scalable solutions tailored to small- and medium-sized enterprises. Real-time monitoring systems and digital platforms for life cycle assessment could assist businesses in identifying inefficiencies and defining more effective strategies. Although 57% of companies possess sustainability certifications, the application of circular economy models remains fragmented. Integrating circular practices throughout the production process is essential to meet global demand for sustainable products and comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Italian textile companies must expand their sustainability efforts to maintain competitiveness in the global market. Addressing regional disparities, policymakers should offer incentives to less industrialized areas, enabling companies to access necessary technologies and resources. To advance sustainability in the sector, businesses should focus on adopting scalable, cost-effective solutions such as material reuse and energy optimization. Investing in training and digital tools for traceability is crucial to enhance transparency and credibility. Adopting technologies like blockchain, digital product passports, and automated sorting can streamline the process of managing waste and materials, making it easier for businesses to operate sustainably and meet global sustainability standards. Encouraging regional collaboration and implementing public policies that promote knowledge sharing and innovation will further accelerate the adoption of circular economy practices. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and targeted investments, companies can enhance their sustainability efforts and strengthen their global market position. This revised analysis provides actionable insights to guide future strategies in research, policy, and business practices, contributing to the ongoing transition towards a circular economy in the textile sector.