Should the fashion industry confront the sustainability challenge with 3D prototyping technology

Abstract

In this paper, coming out of a broader research project on how the digital prototype can be effectively integrated in the product development process of the clothing industry, the authors investigate the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Collective Actions on Sustainability and the environmental impact of the new model of fast and accelerating fashion. Extensive research was contacted with personal interviews and analysed primary data shows how new technology solutions like Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), 3D visualisation or 3D prototyping can work with and across supply chain partners to reduce the environmental footprint of their processes. The final phase of the paper involves the conceptualisation of a new apparel product development model, encompassing various digital tools which aim at addressing fit problems, extending the useful life of clothes and reducing the environmental impact of clothing in use through design and services.

Keywords:

• Design decision support tools
• Product life cycle
• sustainable business models

Acknowledgements

Τhe authors would like to express their gratitude to the participants of this research who kindly agreed to be interviewed.

Notes

1. WRAP: Waste Resource Action Programme.

2. GRI is an international independent organisation that helps businesses, governments and other organisations understand and communicate the impact of business on critical sustainability issues such as climate change, human rights, corruption and many others. https://www.globalreporting.org/Information/about-gri/Pages/default.aspx.

3. https://apparelcoalition.org/

4. The Higg Index (the core driver of SAC) (launched for the first time in 2012), is a suite of tools designed to allow fashion users – from factor managers to designers and sourcing teams – to drive meaningful change in their methods, and to minimise their negative impact on workers and ecosystems worldwide. It delivers a holistic overview of the sustainability performance of a product or company) (https://apparelcoalition.org/the-higg-index/).

5. EPSRC is the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences. The Centre for Industrial Sustainability operates out of four Universities – Cambridge, Cranfield, Imperial College and Loughborough – with a track record of success in the core elements needed in sustainable manufacturing (https://www.epsrc.ac.uk).