Referring to the production of clothing and accessories in an environmentally friendly manner, sustainable fashion aims to protect the environment, reduce emissions and pollution, as well as encourage more mindful practices. And even though sustainable fashion is already quite beneficial to the health of our planet, it seems like the industry can be improved even further. With the advancement of technology, new and innovative solutions are constantly being implemented in this industry sector, having the potential to fully transform sustainable fashion in the near future.
Digital samples for waste reduction
Before garments can be produced, samples need to be made first, to allow companies to make any final design changes and decide which products will actually be offered and sold. But although necessary, this process is also quite time-consuming, and tends to generate plenty of unnecessary waste.
In an effort to combat this issue, digital 3D samples have become one of the biggest sustainable trends that will shape the future of fashion. Apart from being quick and significantly more affordable to make, digital samples also help to drastically reduce waste, as no fabrics are used in their production. What’s more, they could also prove to be quite a realistic alternative, as aspects like fits, cuts, styles, and even draping can all be represented in 3D models.
Blockchain for higher transparency
Transparency is an important aspect of sustainable fashion, and blockchain is a novel technology that might help in this area as well. As a public and permanent registry, a blockchain allows the transmission of information in a safe and impenetrable manner, meaning that the record can never be changed once it’s written into the database.
In terms of sustainable fashion, blockchains could be utilized to promote transparency. From the supply of raw material to water and energy use, and even the eco-friendliness of the final product, every step of the supply chain could be written into a blockchain, allowing customers to easily track the chain of production and verify the sustainability of their favorite brands.
Mobile apps for sales and growth
Mobile applications have become the norm in the fashion industry, with each brand having its own, unique app. As most consumers appreciate the convenience of shopping from the comfort of their homes, sustainable companies are now developing apps that not only serve as m-commerce platforms, but also attract customers with special deals and discounts, thus presenting a great opportunity for growth.
Recently, sustainable companies have been choosing native app development as the most popular option. Designed to run on a single platform or operating system, the development of native applications puts an emphasis on analysis, strategic planning, seamless user experience, and a brilliant design. In turn, companies receive fast, efficient, and reliable apps that can effortlessly keep up with evolving consumer needs.
Virtual dressing for reduced emissions
The best online fashion stores are currently utilizing virtual dressing rooms, a feature that might be able to promote sustainability in the fashion industry. Until very recently, we were only able to match the measurements of our bodies to the measurements of garments by trying on several sizes, but novel 3D technology has allowed us to simplify that process.
By combining mobile body scanning with virtual try-ons, this tool gave us the opportunity to accurately determine the fit of a garment digitally. In turn, customers are now able to be more selective about sizes when shopping online, ordering what they know will fit them well and preventing future returns of various sizes, thus significantly reducing shipping emissions, at the very least.
Innovative fabrics and new materials
Textiles used in the production of eco-friendly clothes are an incredibly important aspect of the fashion industry. However, with the majority of fabrics used in the industry today being made from synthetic, non-biodegradable fibers, the sustainable fashion sector had to find a better solution, and technology seemed to be beneficial here as well.
Offering a biodegradable answer to growing textile needs, sustainable materials made with the help of innovative technology look promising. From vegan leather grown in labs or made using plants such as pineapples and mushrooms to bacteria-produced fabric dyes and kelp-based materials, truly anything seems possible now thanks to the advancement of technology, allowing companies to be more mindful of the environment and its native animals alike.
While technology has evidently had a great impact on sustainable fashion, the future of the industry will rely on us, as the consumers. Combined with these new technologies, increased awareness and a more eco-friendly mindset are also needed to make bigger, more significant changes.
