The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Sustainability in the Fashion Industry: A 2012-2022 Review

Sustainability remains a challenge in the fashion sector, yet recent technological progress provides an array of solutions, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking a lead role. This review paper aims to explore how AI is being applied to foster sustainability in the fashion industry, while identifying its advantages and limitations. Through a qualitative analysis of 16 peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2022, we provide insights into how AI is being used across different domains within the fashion industry. Our findings reveal that AI has a transformative impact across different domains. In supply chain management, AI aids in supplier selection and optimizes distribution routes. Design strategies employ AI to better understand consumer preferences toward sustainable apparel. Analytics leverage machine learning techniques to dissect consumer behavior and optimize inventory management. In the realm of waste minimization, AI provides solutions for effective waste management and promotes the circular economy. However, the technology is not without limitations, including data privacy issues, high costs of implementation, especially for small and medium enterprises, and the environmental impact of AI systems themselves