Services, Second Hand and Superstars: A Typology of Modern Sustainable Business Models in the Textile Domain

Abstract

This qualitative study identifies seven main archetypes of modern sustainable business models in the textile domain. Each archetype has its own distinct operational model and typical ways of addressing different sustainability attributes.

The empirical data used in this study is comprised of 51 business models. Information on the business models was gathered online, mainly from the web pages of the companies. The typology was created with thematic analysis, using the Triple Layered Business Model Canvas as a base reference to differentiate between separate sustainability functions.

The seven main archetypes are Business-to-Business Raw Material Recyclers, Modern Second Hand, Sell Products, Services, Renting, Textiles as a Service, and Marketplaces. Despite the unique features of each category, the archetypes typically share some common qualities, such as aiming to lengthen the useful life cycles of products and minimizing resource use and emissions in the production and use phases. None of the archetypes can be described circular in and of themselves, but together the categories form a circular ecosystem of business models.