The Role of Consumers in Bangladesh’s Informal Circular Economy of Rejected Garments

Abstract

The paper examines consumer involvement in Bangladesh's circular market of export-rejected garments, exploring how informal secondhand distribution networks work and what social-economic and environmental effects they may have. Based on surveys of 128 consumers and interviews with more than 25 street vendors, the study notes that young people, students and women in particular, are the driving force behind demand because of preferences in trendy, affordable and eco-friendly clothing. The discussion indicates that the informal sellers use personal ties and opportunistic purchasing, developing an unstructured but flexible circular supply chain. The major difficulties are social stigma associated with turned-away clothes and lack of official mechanisms of quality management, traceability and labor protection. According to the research, rebranding, more transparency, storytelling and formalization of supply chains have the potential to promote participation, livelihoods and environmental performances. The results indicate the possibility to scale up informal circular practice towards a formal regulated process that contributes to sustainable consumption, waste minimisation and local growth. By focusing on consumers as key stakeholders in the circular economy, the paper can be relevant in the study that the grassroots market dynamics can be an informative area in industry development and environmental conservation programs.