Smart clothing and end-of-life: bibliographic review on hardwares, structures and production technologies

Smart clothing differs from conventional garments due to the integration of electronic components, which directly influences their structure, durability, and end-of-life management. This paper analyzes the state of the art in hardware, textile structures, and production technologies related to smart clothing, focusing on sustainability and circularity. A systematic literature review identified key strategies for integrating electronic components into textiles while ensuring disassembly and recyclability. The results indicate that different approaches, such as perceived technology and seamless technology, present distinct challenges and opportunities. Seamless technology, where electronics are embedded directly into the textile structure, requires greater attention to disassembly to ensure components can be separated without compromising materials. On the other hand, perceived technology, which often relies on modular or externally attached solutions, may simplify this process but still demands design strategies that ensure maintenance and durability. The study emphasizes the importance of strategically selecting materials and integration methods, reinforcing the need for Design for Disassembly and Design for End-of-Life approaches for sustainable smart clothing development.