PRODUCT-SERVICE SYSTEM FOR SUSTAINABILITY: REFLECTIONS FROM AN APPLICATION ON THE FASHION SECTOR

Abstract

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 deepened the economic and social discrepancies throughout the world, especially in developing countries that presented severe difficulties in controlling and combating the virus, such as Brazil. It resulted in an increasing number of people in situations of social vulnerability. The fashion industry has suffered harsh consequences due to the confrontation and combat of the coronavirus. This article describes how a sustainable fashion company guided by the Ecodesign strategy can offer more equity and social cohesion to women in vulnerable situations. Through this perspective, companies could collaborate to reintegrate these women into remote working activities, recovering their self-esteem and supporting local culture. This article aims to share the identified barriers and highlight recommendations for companies that seek to contribute socially with artisans in situations of social vulnerability. This research concludes by proposing design guidelines, resulting from the application of the Design Science method and oriented to services for sustainability to create or adapt services during and after the pandemic, aiming at a better balance between equity and social cohesion for local community groups.