Textile and Apparel Industries

Harnessing Blockchain for Transparency and Sustainability in the Fashion Industry: A Systematic Review

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Abstract

This study reviews the growing body of research on blockchain adoption in the fashion industry, a field that continues to face challenges related to low transparency, weak traceability, and sustainability issues. Using a systematic review guided by the PRISMA 2020 protocol, the authors identified 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and analyzed them through keyword co-occurrence mapping and content analysis. Four main research themes emerged: privacy, sustainability, transparency, and trust. The review also highlights key benefits of blockchain, including improved data security, enhanced sustainability verification, greater supply chain visibility, stronger consumer trust, and more efficient operations. However, adoption remains limited due to high implementation costs, technical incompatibility, skill shortages, and weak stakeholder coordination. Overall, the review offers a clearer understanding of the current state of blockchain research in fashion and provides guidance for future studies and industry adoption.

Keywords: blockchain, privacy, sustainability, transparency, trust

How to Cite:

Liu, S., Lang, C. & Liu, C., (2025) “Harnessing Blockchain for Transparency and Sustainability in the Fashion Industry: A Systematic Review”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 1(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21385