A grey approach to assess the challenges to adopting sustainable production practices in the apparel manufacturing industry: Implications for sustainability

The apparel manufacturing industry (AMI) significantly contributes to the economic growth of various developing nations. However, unsustainable production practices remain a major concern in this sector. Therefore, this study investigated the most significant challenges to adopting sustainable production practices in the apparel manufacturing sector from the perspective of an emerging economy like Bangladesh. Initially, the study identified the significant challenges through an extensive literature review and expert validation. Later, by utilizing a Grey Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Grey DEMATEL) framework, the challenges were analyzed, and the interrelations among them were explored. The findings revealed that the ‘slow return on investment’, ‘lack of proper waste management systems’, and ‘reluctance to adopt advanced manufacturing processes’ are the top most significant challenges to adopting sustainable production practices in the apparel manufacturing sector. A sensitivity assessment was also performed to appraise the robustness of the obtained result. The outcomes of this research are expected to assist managers and practitioners in the AMI and other relevant industrial sectors in strategic planning to achieve various sustainable development goals (SDGs).