Background:

Steffen et al. (2015) introduced the concept of planetary boundaries, which consist of nine critical processes required to stabilize the Earth. Recent evaluations, however, show that human actions have already pushed the Earth system beyond these safe limits. This study focuses on how the sustainability practices of companies in the textile industry, which significantly impact the environment, can be mapped and linked to planetary boundaries to help companies operate within safe environmental limits.

Purpose:

This research aims to explore the interconnectedness of sustainability practices in the European textile industry with the planetary boundaries. The study includes the examination and analysis of textile industry sustainability practices within the scope of planetary boundaries.“How can sustainability practices within the textile industry in European countries be mapped and connected to planetary boundaries to aid companies in operating within safe environmental limits?”

Method:

This study employed a qualitative research design, utilizing secondary data through archival research. Sustainability reports from Europe's largest textile companies, known for their significant global operations, were collected and analyzed to examine their alignment with planetary boundaries. A sampling technique was used to select relevant reports from these leading companies. The collected data were analyzed to identify patterns and themes related to sustainability practices within the context of planetary boundaries.

Conclusion:

This study examined how major European textile companies with global operations manage sustainability practices with planetary boundaries by analyzing their sustainability reports. The reports were analyzed to identify and evaluate the sustainability practices that these companies have implemented and their targets. These practices were then matched and tabulated against the planetary boundaries framework. The results indicate a strong general commitment to sustainability, although the extent and focus of practices vary across companies. Common initiatives include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, optimizing water usage, and sourcing sustainable materials.