stdClass Object
(
    [id] => 16524
    [paper_index] => 202506-01-022405
    [title] => CONSUMER PERCEPTIONS ON CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN FASHION AND APPAREL INDUSTRY
    [description] => 
    [author] => Hithen A S, Anitha BM D Silva 
    [googlescholar] => 
    [doi] => https://doi.org/10.36713/epra22405
    [year] => 2025
    [month] => June
    [volume] => 11
    [issue] => 6
    [file] => fm/jpanel/upload/2025/June/202506-01-022405.pdf
    [abstract] => A Circular Economy (CE) is an economic model designed to eliminate waste and pollution by keeping products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible through recycling, repair, reuse, remanufacturing, and regeneration. It shifts away from the traditional linear economy ("take-make-waste") to create closed-loop systems that prioritize sustainability and resource efficiency. This study investigates consumer perceptions of circular economy (CE) practices in the fashion and apparel industry, aiming to bridge the gap between environmental concern and sustainable purchasing behaviour. Through a descriptive research design, data from 388 respondents were collected via a structured online questionnaire employing a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses, including independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and frequency-percentage analyses, were conducted using SPSS to evaluate awareness, attitudes, and barriers. Key findings reveal significant disparities in CE awareness, with urban and suburban consumers demonstrating higher awareness compared to rural populations. Socio-demographic factors such as education, employment status, and income strongly influence attitudes, with higher-income, educated individuals showing greater pro-CE inclinations. Critical barriers hindering CE adoption include affordability (72.4%), limited availability (73.5%), hygiene concerns (77.3%), and perceptions of style inadequacy (73.7%). These barriers underscore the misalignment between consumer expectations and current CE offerings in fashion. The study highlights persistent challenges in translating environmental awareness into actionable behaviour.To address these gaps, the research advocates for a holistic strategy integrating education, affordable pricing, trend-aligned designs, and quality assurance. Collaborative efforts among policymakers, brands, and communities are essential to create equitable CE ecosystems that prioritize inclusivity and balance functional-aesthetic demands. By addressing demographic disparities and perceptual barriers, the fashion industry can foster systemic behavioural change, aligning global sustainability goals with consumer needs. This research contributes actionable insights for stakeholders to enhance CE adoption, driving environmental and social resilience in the fashion sector. 
    [keywords] => Circular Economy, Fashion Industry, Consumer Perceptions, Sustainability Barriers, Sustainable Fashion, Textile Recycling
    [doj] => 2025-06-13
    [hit] => 
    [status] => 
    [award_status] => P
    [orderr] => 77
    [journal_id] => 1
    [googlesearch_link] => 
    [edit_on] => 
    [is_status] => 1
    [journalname] => EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR)
    [short_code] => IJMR
    [eissn] =>  2455-3662 (Online)
    [pissn] => - --
    [home_page_wrapper] => images/products_image/11.IJMR.png
)
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