Artificial intelligence and sustainability in the fashion industry: a review from 2010 to 2022

Abstract The fashion industry often falls short of sustainability goals, but contemporary technological advancements offer a wide range of tools to address this issue. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a particularly promising ally in promoting sustainability in fashion. This literature review explores how AI can contribute to the fashion industry’s sustainability, highlighting its potential benefits and limitations. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a review of scientific documents, focusing on the period from 2010 to 2022. After a meticulous selection process, we analyzed 37 scholarly articles to distill their key insights and contributions. Our findings demonstrate that AI has diverse applications in different aspects of the fashion industry, enhancing sustainability efforts in supply chain management, creative design, sales and promotion, waste control, and data analysis. While AI offers significant potential, it is important to acknowledge limitations, such as the volume of data required and associated implementation costs. The reviewed literature aligns with the multifaceted nature of sustainability, emphasizing responsible resource management, accessible services, and efficient customer satisfaction, both now and in the future. In conclusion, despite some reservations, AI stands as a crucial partner in guiding the fashion industry toward a more sustainable future.