Unlocking Circular Potential: A Systematic Exploration of Barriers to Recycling in the Protective Clothing Industry and Pathways Forward
通过系统文献综述，识别出防护服行业采用循环经济（特别是回收）的655个障碍，归类为11个主题簇，发现技术、知识和经济障碍最突出，并揭示了安全要求与循环目标之间的紧张关系。
ABSTRACT This study investigates barriers to adopting circular economy ( CE ) practices, specifically recycling, within the protective clothing industry (PCI). Through a systematic literature review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 framework, 70 peer‐reviewed articles were analyzed, identifying 655 barriers. These were categorized into 11 thematic clusters, with technical/technology, knowledge/awareness/education, and economic/financial barriers emerging as the most prominent. The findings of this research reveal a critical tension between stringent safety performance requirements and circularity goals, which complicates the adoption of recycling practices. This study highlights interdependencies among barriers, underscoring the need for integrated strategies. It contributes insights for policymakers and managers, advocating for harmonized standards, technological innovation, and collaborative business models to advance circularity. Theoretically, this study extends CE theory by introducing safety as a fundamental condition, redefining the limits of circular business models in the PCI. By addressing these challenges, the PCI can align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 9 and 12, fostering both sustainability and resilience.