Category: Field Trips

Denim Futures

Today, we learned about many ways in which the industry is striving for sustainable processing of denim. The session began from recycling cotton and sustainable ways to grow cotton, dyes and pigments, finishes of denim, and finally ways to upcycle denim post consumer. We saw some amazing technology which became a thought provoking journey for me.

For the business of my future, I am inspired to strive for sustainable approaches in every step of the way in my production. Although denim may not be the fabric I will mostly be working with, lessons learned today is still mostly applicable for other fabrics, such as cotton. In the future, I will be looking into detail of my fabric suppliers, ensuring not only the fabrics are produced sustainably, but also the legitimate traceability of the fabric production. Striving for fabric and production sustainability while avoiding green washing would be one of the challenges I will face in the future. In the end, I hope I can achieve 100% sustainability in my lines, such as from using all recycled materials.

12 October 2023

It’s the first field trip of the year! It was astonishing to see how AI and technology can assist the designing and manufacturing process for an apparel manufacturing company. Some highlight points:

• advanced machinery is expensive, requires economies of scale and retained earnings to purchase/lease
• AI introduces efficiency in the designing process
• printing can be done in an eco-friendly manner using specialized paints and equipment
• sewing is counted in minutes

Key Takeaway points: From the starting point of my business, it would be best and most efficient to partner with companies with existing machinery and equipment, or perhaps look into renting options. Due to the made to order nature of my future business, economies of scale would not be a consideration. Using AI and technology for form fitting and pattern design would be my focus areas where it can cut some of my manufacturing costs and processes. On a lower priority, I would investigate the types of textiles that can be printed using eco-friendly ink.