Eco-Innovation: Definition and Categorization for Textile

We can define three main category to understand how eco-innovation shape the industry. They are product, process and social impact eco-innovations. Before that the eco-innovation will be highlighted to give foundational understanding.

In 1996, Fusser and James defined eco-innovation as "the process of developing new products, processes, or services that provide customer and business value but significantly decrease environmental impact." This definition broadly covers innovation and links it to reducing negative environmental impact.

Another definition of eco-innovation comes from the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme of the European Commission. According to their definition, eco- innovation is "any form of innovation aiming at significant and demonstrable progress towards the goal of sustainable development, through reducing impacts on the environment or achieving a more efficient and responsible use of natural resources, including energy."

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Japan has put forward a new perspective on eco-innovation distinct from previous explanations. According to METI, eco-innovation should reduce negative environmental impacts and consider social aspects and people's well-being. This broader perspective allows for a more inclusive approach to eco-innovation and encourages a shift away from solely functional processes. It explains the fields of technology, business models, and societal systems and identifies the targets of industry, social infrastructure, and personal lifestyles. Social perspective provides a holistic understanding of how an eco-innovation ecosystem can be designed and how the end-user can contribute to developing eco-innovative practices.  

Finally the classification of eco-innovations in textile industry can be outlined in three main categories with typed and examples can be seen at the chart as below.