The Socio-economic and Environmental Impacts of a Just Transition to a Circular Economy: Sudan’s Cotton as a Case Study, Dr Ramadan Mohmmed, Prof. Hasabo Ahmed, Dr Azzam Ahmed

Dr Ramadan Mohmmed Ahmed Awed 
Textile Department, College of Engineering and Technology of Industries
Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum (Sudan)
Istanbul Technical University, Department of Mechanical, 34437 Istanbul (Turkey)
ORCID: 0000-0002-9319-2413
Professor Abdelbagi Mohamed Ahmed
Textile Department, College of Engineering and Technology of Industries
Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum (Sudan)
Istanbul Technical University, Department of Mechanical, 34437 Istanbul (Turkey)
ORCID: 0000-0002-5095-8650
Dr Azzam Ahmed Mohammed
Textile Department, College of Engineering and Technology of Industries
Sudan University of Science and Technology
Khartoum
Sudan
ORCID: 0000-0001-9454-1921

Purpose: This study examines the socio-economic and environmental implications of transitioning to a circular cotton economy in Sudan, emphasising how recycled cotton integration influences employment, community livelihoods, and resource sustainability.
Methodology: Using a mixed-methods approach combining policy review with secondary data on cotton production and trade, the research highlights both opportunities and challenges within Sudan’s agriculture-dependent context.
Findings: Results show that circular practices significantly reduce water use, pesticide reliance, and energy consumption, improving environmental performance across the cotton value chain. Socio-economically, the shift creates new green jobs in recycling and repair, although traditional farming and textile roles may be affected. Applying a just transition framework, the study underscores the need for inclusive policies to ensure equitable distribution of benefits among workers and local communities.
Originality/Value: As one of the first analyses linking circularity and social justice in Sudan’s cotton sector, this work informs sustainable policy development despite limitations in local data availability.
Keywords: Circular Cotton Economy; Just Transition; Environmental Impacts; Sudan’s Cotton; Textiles and Apparel.