Willingness of Buyers to Buy Wearable Rejected Clothes from Clothing Manufacturers: Model for Fostering Sustainable Apparel Business

The apparel industry in Bangladesh produces rejected garments while manufacturing high-quality exportable garments. This industry faces challenges in managing rejected garments as they contribute to waste generation. The purpose of this study was to explore the current policy of managing rejected garments and look for a more sustainable business model or policy. This research collected opinions and information from 18 different garment manufacturing industries regarding rejected garments and buyers’ and manufacturers’ existing policies for managing the rejected garments. The results of the study show that there is no particular guideline from the buyers for managing rejected garments; consequently, the manufacturers handle these garments in their own way. A novel and more sustainable business model for the clothing business was proposed to align the business with the Sustainable Development Goal 12 (responsible consumption and production). This model urges collaborative efforts between buyers and manufacturers to capture more value from rejected garments and extend their lifecycle. The proposed framework will benefit relevant stakeholders, minimise waste generation and reduce the impact of fast fashion.