SPACE

Volume 04, Issue 04, 36 Pages

December 2023

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Europe's Fashion Industry

Accelerates Shift Towards
Circularity & nearshoring in 2024

Stella McCartney Braskem’s tech gives UPM x Vaude launched

introduces world’s first old shoes new life with world’s first bio-based
biologically recycled recycling grant fleece jacket
parka
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 Volume 04, Issue 04, 36 Pages
December 2023

Editor in Chief
Tareq Amin

Executive Chief
Eousup Novee

Managing Editors
SK Saha
Rahbar Hossain
Akhi Akter

Executive Editors
Sadman Sakib
M A Mohiemen Tanim
Sayed Abdullah
Arif Uz Zaman

Special Editors
Muddassir Rashid
Setara Begum

Head of Business
Amzad Hossain

Design
Easen Miah
Hasan Miah

Cinematographer
Ashraful Alam

A Textile Today Innovation Hub publication.

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© All rights reserved to Textile Today Innovation Hub 2023

Volume 04, Issue 04 (December 2023)
 Volume 04, Issue 04, 36 Pages
December 2023

Content December 2023

5 Europe's Fashion
Industry Accelerates Shift
Towards Circularity &
16 Project Re:SUEDE,
PUMA’s biodegradable
compost sneaker
29 Reebok and Futureverse
launch AI-powered
Metaverse platform
nearshoring in 2024

8 Stella McCartney
introduces world’s first
biologically recycled parka
18 Vegan leather, an eco-
conscious choice 30 AI predicts shopper
behavior for smarter
retailing

10 Paisley Museum Project:

A story bringing ancient
20 UPM x Vaude launched
world’s first bio-based
fleece jacket 32 Trust Protocol’s farm
data exploration and key
textile collections back to
findings on soil carbon
life
metrics

12 Braskem’s tech gives

old shoes new life with
22 Recycled shoes take center
stage in 2023 as major
brands embrace trash-to-
33 Diesel announces
sustainable collaboration
recycling grant with Lee
treasure

13 BioFluff – future of fur is

here! Say no to animal fur 26 Algaeing™ and Birla
Cellulose Join Forces to
34 Minimalistic Fashion: A
Philosophy of Elegance,
Quality, and Sustainability
introduce Algae-powered
fibre

14 Apparel’s cleanup mission

2023: Battling ‘textile
zombie’ and ‘fossil
28 Algaeing™ and Birla
Cellulose Join Forces to
introduce Algae-powered
fashion’! fibre
Europe's Fashion Industry Accelerates Shift
Towards Circularity & nearshoring in 2024
M A Mohiemen Tanim & Sayed Abdullah

The European fashion scene, long admired for its elegance

and trendsetting innovations, is facing a shift towards
circularity. Driven by environmental concerns, shifting
consumer values, and forward-thinking policy, the
continent's textile and apparel industry is shedding its linear
"take-make-dispose" model and embracing a closed-loop
approach that promises to benefit both people and planet.

At the same time, for some years now the fashion industry
has been moving away from an outdated sourcing model
‘characterized by long lead times, maximizing order sizes,
and low flexibility.’ Adopting to a new method known as
‘nearshoring.’ Especially the pandemic has accelerated
that fashion companies in Europe and North America to
produce clothes closer to home.
investment. Consumer behavior also needs to evolve, with a
This transformation is fueled by a potent cocktail of factors. move away from the disposable mentality ingrained in fast
The environmental footprint of the fashion industry is fashion.
staggering. Textile production alone accounts for roughly
10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater However, the momentum is undeniable. Experts predict
discharge. Mountains of discarded clothing, often laden that by 2030, circular models could account for up to 20%
with harmful chemicals, end up in landfills or incinerators, of the European textile and apparel market. This translates
releasing potent toxins and microplastics into the to substantial reductions in waste, emissions, and water
environment. Consumers are increasingly aware of these consumption, not to mention the creation of new green
impacts and demanding more sustainable options. jobs and a more resilient industry.

European policymakers are heeding the call. The EU's At the heart of this transformation lies a vibrant realm of
2022 Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, coupled innovation, where scientists and engineers are weaving
with national regulations like France's Extended Producer magic with machines that breathe new life into textiles.
Responsibility (EPR) scheme, are pushing brands to take One revolutionary concept is biofabrication. Imagine
accountability for the entire lifecycle of their products. clothes spun from the threads of mushrooms, pineapple
This includes designing for durability, promoting reuse and leaves, or even food waste. Bio-based materials offer a
repair, and investing in efficient recycling technologies. sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived synthetics,
But the real change is happening on the ground, where significantly reducing the carbon footprint of production.
innovative minds are redefining the possibilities of Companies like Mycotex and Bolt Threads are pioneering
circularity. Textile engineers are pioneering bio-based this field, crafting leather-like fabrics from fungal mycelium
materials derived from mushrooms or waste food, while and silky yarns from cellulose extracted from agricultural
others are developing revolutionary recycling methods waste.
capable of transforming old clothes into pristine new fibers. wwNext comes the realm of mechanical alchemy.
Brands, from high-end labels to fast-fashion giants, are Innovative sorting and recycling technologies are
adapting their models. Some offer take-back programs, transforming mountains of discarded clothing into a
inviting customers to return unwanted clothes for valuable resource. AI-powered robots like those developed
refurbishment or recycling. Design itself is being rethought, by SORTER can identify fiber blends, colors, and condition
with a focus on timeless silhouettes, durable materials, and with remarkable precision, directing garments towards
modularity that allows easy repair and customization. specific recycling pathways. This level of accuracy allows
This shift towards circularity is not without its challenges. for high-quality recycled fibers that can be rewoven into
Infrastructure for textile recycling is still nascent, and new textiles, minimizing the need for virgin materials.
scaling up innovative technologies takes time and Companies like Re:newcell and Infinited Fiber are pushing

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 5
the boundaries of fiber regeneration. Their cutting-edge to the growing demand for vintage and unique pieces.
processes break down used cotton and polyester into
their molecular components, essentially creating virgin- Engaging Consumers:
quality fibers from old clothes. This closed-loop approach Consumers are at the heart of the circular fashion
significantly reduces water and energy consumption revolution. Brands are fostering a dialogue about
compared to traditional cotton production, marking a sustainability, educating customers about the impact of
major step towards circularity. their clothing choices and empowering them to participate
in the closed-loop system.
But the future isn't limited to recycling. Upcycling is
gaining traction, offering creative ways to breathe new life Transparency is key. Brands like Everlane and Patagonia
into pre-loved garments. Companies like MUD Jeans and are showcasing their supply chains and production
Nudie Jeans offer repair and renewal services, extending processes, building trust and encouraging informed
the lifespan of clothes and fostering a culture of conscious consumer choices. Platforms like ThredUp and Depop
consumption. Designers like Martine Rose and Gabriela democratize the secondhand market, making it easier for
Hearst are champions of upcycling, incorporating vintage individuals to buy and sell pre-loved garments, extending
pieces and reworked materials into their collections, their lifespan and promoting conscious consumption.
showcasing the beauty and potential of pre-loved textiles.
Reward programs and incentives play a role too. H&M and
These technological advancements are just the beginning. Levi's offer in-store garment take-back programs, providing
Researchers are exploring enzyme-based recycling methods, discounts for returning unwanted clothes. Such initiatives
3D printing of recycled fibers, and even nanotechnology to not only divert textiles from landfills but also create a
improve the properties of recycled materials. valuable resource for recycling and upcycling.

Stitching Together Change: Brands and Nearshoring

Consumers in the Circular Web
Over 7 out of 10 fashion brands and retailers say they
The shift towards circularity in the European textile and are turning to nearshoring because of the influence on
apparel industry is not just about technology and policy; it's their global supply chains instigated by the pandemic and
about a fundamental change in how we think about fashion. shipping disruption, according to a new report.
Brands are playing a crucial role in shaping this new paradigm,
Turkey is named as one of the top three most promising
adopting innovative models and engaging consumers in the
sourcing locations for Europe. And a three-quarters of
journey towards a more sustainable wardrobe.
companies see shipping disruptions as the greatest threat
Rethinking Design and Production: to flexibility and speed, followed by demand volatility and
the pandemic.
Gone are the days of fast fashion and throwaway trends.
Forward-thinking brands are taking a conscious approach The study, entitled 'Revamping fashion sourcing: speed
to design, prioritizing durability, timeless styles, and and flexibility to the fore' by consultants McKinsey and
modularity. Stella McCartney, for example, utilizes recycled Company, says that 71% of fashion companies are planning
and organic materials in her collections, while Patagonia to surge nearshoring by 2025.
focuses on creating garments built to last, offering repair
It should be noted that fashion making is unlikely to
services and lifetime warranties.
wholly relocate. With the growth of economies like
Circular design principles are gaining traction, with brands China and India comes a higher demand for fashion, so
like Eileen Fisher and Filippa K incorporating features like international brands will want to keep at least some of their
detachable zippers and buttons, allowing garments to be manufacturing operations closer to those countries than
easily disassembled and repurposed. This not only extends traditional markets in Europe and North America. For
the lifespan of clothing but also simplifies recycling and them, it will be more about diversifying their supply chains
upcycling processes. than simply moving them.

Innovative business models are emerging to challenge the The Road Ahead:
traditional ownership model. Clothing rental services like
The European fashion industry's shift towards
Nudie Jeans and Dresslender provide access to high-quality
circularity is still in its early stages, but the momentum
fashion without the burden of ownership, promoting
is undeniable. While challenges remain, from scaling up
responsible consumption and reducing textile waste.
innovative technologies to changing consumer behavior,
Subscription services like Le Tote offer curated boxes of
the collaborative efforts of brands, policymakers, and
pre-loved garments, giving them a second life and catering
consumers are paving the way for a more sustainable future.

6 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 7
Stella McCartney introduces world’s
first biologically recycled parka
Homayra Anjumi Hoque

A new era of sustainable fashion has begun with the debut

of the world's first garment made using biological recycling,
a revolutionary technology that transforms plastic waste
into new polyester. The parka jacket, designed by British
Fashion Designer, Stella McCartney and Protein Evolution,
was unveiled at COP28, the UN climate change conference,
to showcase how artificial intelligence and biology can
create circular and low-carbon solutions for the fashion
industry. It will feature soft natural tones and reference
parachute models that have appeared in the British brand's
collections, combining a sustainable and sporty attitude.
This jacket serves as a proof of concept highlighting new
innovation in textile circularity.

The jacket is made from fabric that was produced by

breaking down rigid packaging and industrial textile
waste into their raw ingredients, without the need for
fossil fuels. The process, called Biopure, is capable of
handling various waste streams, from plastic bottles to
industrial textiles. Biopure claims to offer a sustainable
solution across multiple sectors. Protein Evolution’s
initial fundraising round was led by Collaborative Fund’s
climate-focused Collab SOS, which is in partnership with
McCartney and LVMH. In late 2022, Protein Evolution Figure: Protein Evolution and Stella McCartney parka made using biological recycling
Source: Protein Evolution/Stella McCartney
and Stella McCartney announced a R&D collaboration
for Protein Evolution to turn unused polyester fabrics from 1. Once these raw materials are re-integrated into the
Stella McCartney’s previous collections into virgin-quality manufacturing process, the result is an infinitely
polyester, piloting a circular solution for the fashion recyclable polyester with a meaningfully lower carbon
industry. The team has marked a major breakthrough and footprint than polyester produced from petroleum.
milestone for the partnership in less than a year.
2. Biopure is capable of handling a variety of waste
Protein Evolution was founded in 2021 by entrepreneur streams, from plastic bottles and clam-shells, to
Connor Lynn and Jonathan Rothberg, a world-renowned industrial textiles and garments.
scientist, entrepreneur and National Medal of Technology
3. To create the Parka, Protein Evolution transformed rigid
and Innovation recipient. It has claimed to be the “only
packaging and industrial textile waste into textile-grade
company in the world” to validate bio-recycling technology
polyester. Working with partners in the EU, the polyester
through a garment that can be integrated into the existing
was then spun into yarn and woven into new fabric by
supply chain, positioning it as a real solution to decarbonise
Stella’s team to be used in the design of the coat.
plastic production and address the plastic waste crisis.
What’s the collaboration, Protein Evolution
How does the Technology work?
x Stella McCartney promising for:
Protein Evolution’s Biopure technology leverages AI-
The collaboration Protein Evolution x Stella McCartney is
designed enzymes to break down polyester waste into the
aiming for applying Biopure technology to process leftover
raw materials of new polyester that are indistinguishable
polyester and nylon fabric from Stella’s collections. The
to the petroleum-derived raw materials used in polyester
partnership will take the technology from the lab into a
manufacturing today. When the enzymes are combined with
real-world setting, an important step toward seamlessly
plastic waste, they break it down into what Protein Evolution
integrating PEI’s technology into existing global brands’
calls “building blocks” – these are blocks of plastic-based
manufacturing processes. Ultimately, this collaboration
waste produced by a low-emission, eco-friendly process.

8 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

Fig: Stella McCartney’s Parka jacket’s walkshow in Paris street Source: Hypebeast

will demonstrate for the first time how complex fabric waste into infinitely recyclable polyester.
types, such as nylon and polyester blends, can be fully re-
“Over the last year, Protein Evolution has taken unused
used to make new plastic material in a low-energy, cost-
fabrics from my past collections to test and prove their
effective way.
textile-to-textile circular process. This allowed my atelier
With brands producing almost twice as much clothing as to design and create the beautiful, airy parachute parkas
in 2000 – and much of that growth coming from clothing made from biologically recycled polyester that you can see
made from plastic-based fibers. The possibility of fully at our Sustainable Market at COP28.”
recycling textile waste in this way can open up a wide
Connor Lynn, co-founder and chief business officer of
solution for the existing problems in both the fashion
Protein Evolution, said in a statement: “This marks a
industry and our environment.
pivotal moment in the move towards textile-to-textile
According to concerned Personnel’s circularity in the fashion industry.” “Not only is this
saying: coat validation for the utility and quality of bio recycled
polyester – specifically polyester chips created using
Commenting on the collaboration, Stella McCartney, Biopure – it also offers companies an alternative to the
Designer and Founder of Stella McCartney said: “Anybody landfill or incinerator for their fabrics, extending the life of
who knows me knows that I hate waste, which is why I am their materials indefinitely,” he added.
so thrilled about our collaboration with Protein Evolution.
Sophie Bakalar, Collaborative Fund partner, commended
Through my SOS Fund, we were among the first to invest
Protein Evolution’s achievements and said, “We’re excited
in their pioneering biological recycling technology; one that
for the world to learn about a company we’ve believed in,
has the potential and power to transform the world's plastic
and backed from day one. Protein Evolution’s breakthrough
technology delivers a cost-effective, high-quality way to
combat plastic waste and create a truly circular product,
not only in fashion, but across industries. It’s remarkable
what the company has achieved in less than a year of this
collaboration with our partner Stella McCartney.”

In October, the Stella McCartney brand was named an early

adopter of Materials Impact Explorer (MIE), a risk assessment
tool designed specifically for the fashion, textile and apparel
industry. This was preceded through a partnership with the
organization Non-profit Textile Exchange, global technology
company, Google, NGIS, a location technology company and
Fig: Protein Evolution, Inc. (PEI); PEI co-founders Scott Stankey and Connor Lynn with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
their innovation

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 9
Paisley Museum Project: A story bringing
ancient textile collections back to life
Homayra Anjumi Hoque

Figure: Student from University of Glasgow conserved ancient piece ranging from Egyptian mummy to Dhakai muslin, Source: Renfrewshire Council

A group of students from Scotland is working to restore internationally-significant cultural and heritage offer to
and display some of the country’s most precious fabric change its future. For this collaboration, The Clore Duffield
collections as a part of reviving the country’s rich and Foundation has committed £200,000 towards the creation
diverse history of textiles. The students, from the University of a dedicated learning space for children and young people
of Glasgow and the Glasgow School of Art, are part of a in the ‘new’ museum.
£45 million project to transform the Paisley Museum into
Kirsty Devine, Project Director at Paisley Museum Re-
a world-class cultural destination. As part of the project of
Imagined, said staff were "thrilled" to have the support
refurbishment of Paisley Museum, the textile conservation
of Clore Duffield. Ms Devine added: "This will further
students have conserved items of clothing dating from the
enhance our learning programme, inspiring a new
1830s through to the early 20th century. The students are
generation through creativity and culture at the heart of
working with experts and curators to research, conserve
our new museum space.”
and interpret the museum's textile treasures, ranging from
ancient Egyptian mummy wrappings to rare Dhaka muslin. "The Clore Learning Room will be a place of joy and
They also include a children’s dress and bonnet, as well as a education, where we work to reduce the poverty-related
crinoline ‘cage’ skirt and even a knitted woollen water polo attainment gap and challenge levels of child poverty
uniform. through the huge potential that our cultural programme
can offer.” "We’re already creating genuine, long-lasting
The Museum, which is due to reopen in 2024, is
relationships with learners, teachers and stakeholders,
undergoing a £45 million refurbishment which will create a
working with them to design a learning programme that
world-class attraction with the local community firmly at its
will make a significant difference to our young people
core. The work is taking place as part of a wider investment
– and the endorsement from Clore Duffield is hugely
by Renfrewshire Council aimed at using the town’s
appreciated,” she added.

10 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

The museum refurbishment is funded by Renfrewshire
Council, the Scottish Government, the National Lottery
Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland and
supported by a fundraising campaign led by a charitable
trust, Paisley Museum Reimagined Ltd. The local
authority says it will “transform the future of the city”
with cultural and heritage sites of major international
importance.

Vision of the project:

In many cases, the textiles are dirty, filled with decades
of industrial dirt and soot, and require meticulousness
and effort to transform. The results were described as
"phenomenal", with a noticeable difference between
before and after photos. However, the job of a textile
restorer is not to make the object look like new.
Figure: A crinoline 'cage' skirt was among the items restored by the Paisley Museum
Regarding this issue, the Programme convenor and textile project Source: Paisley Museum

conservator, Karen Thompson described in a statement, items preserved is the early 20th century knitted swimsuit
“Conservation is about stabilizing and requires a lot of of a member of the Irish international water polo team.
decision making.” "We’re not the Repair Shop; we’re It was exchanged with William G Peacock, an Olympic
not trying to make something pristine, it’s all about the water polo player who trained at Paisley's Corporations
context – sometimes you don’t want to remove a stain or Baths in Storie Street.
a mark, as that’s part of the story.” "By preserving these
objects, it gives the opportunity for people in the future to What are the project participants saying:
learn from them,” he added.
Caitlin Hartmann, 24 from North Somerset, worked on
Karen’s colleague at the Kelvin Centre for Conservation two textile pieces. She said: “I was phenomenally happy
Research and Cultural Heritage, Sarah Foskett, added: with the results achieved; the soiling was significantly
“Textiles are really rich sources of evidence – as you get reduced. I was grateful for the trust Paisley Museum put
a direct link to the past – people wore these pieces and in me as a student to achieve these results and it was a
they have stories.” “The students have been able to apply great experience to be able to present this treatment to
their learning to real objects, providing a fantastic learning representatives from Paisley Museum.”
curve for them. I have never seen objects clean as well in
Hannah Lacaille, 25, from Canada, also worked on textiles for
my career. There’s a lot of satisfaction that comes from
the project. She said: “It is always exciting to see evidence of
that and the long term preservation of these pieces and
use in an object because one can better imagine the lives of the
enabling the object to have a new lease of life.”
people who used it. I will be proud to be able to say that I took
The team helped conserve a total of 13 items, with more part in making this happen in a way that is safe for the object
expected this school year. One of the most extraordinary so that it may be displayed for generations to come.”

Sean Kelly, Collections and Conservation Manager at

OneRen, said: “The work done by the students and the
team at the University of Glasgow has been exceptional,
helping to bring these incredible objects back to life. This
has been a fantastic partnership, bringing benefits for
both the conservation and care of these textiles and for
the next generation of conservators.”

The refurbishment project of the museum involved

around 70 local organizations and community groups in
developing the plans. Paisley's industrial past and global
importance in textiles will be explored in new exhibition
spaces, which will increase in number by more than a
quarter thanks to the contributions of architects who
worked at the V&A in London.
Figure: Before and after of an item of clothing restored by the Paisley Museum
project, Source: Paisley Museum

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 11
Braskem’s tech gives old shoes
new life with recycling grant
Sayed Abdullah

Braskem, a leading producer of polyolefins in the

Americas and a pioneer in biopolymers, has received
a significant boost for its innovative EVA recycling
technology. The company’s research partnership has
been awarded a $504,000 Research, Demonstration,
and Development (RD&D) grant from the REMADE
Institute; a public-private partnership established by the
United States Department of Energy (DOE).

EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a common plastic

used in footwear soles, and its post-consumer waste
poses a significant environmental challenge. Braskem’s
technology offers a potential solution for recycling and
reusing this material.

This dynamic crosslinking will produce secondary feedstock

from recycled EVA as a sustainable solution for footwear.
Figure: This grant will support the development of a new pathway for recycling
ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), a commonly used plastic found in footwear soles.
Braskem Research Partnership Supports the U.S. Courtesy: Braskem

Transition to a Circular Economy RD&D Partnership

bridging government and industry to accelerate the path
includes Braskem America, adidas, Allbirds, and the
forward to a more sustainable economy and society,”
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
McLoughlin added.
Braskem is the largest polyolefins producer in the
The REMADE Institute enables the early-stage applied
Americas and leading producer of biopolymers in the
research and development of key industrial platform
world, today announced Braskem’s polymer recycling
technologies that could dramatically reduce the embodied
technology research partnership has been awarded a
energy and carbon emissions associated with industrial-
$504,000 Research, Demonstration, and Development
scale materials production and processing. By focusing its
(RD&D) grant from the Reducing Embodied Energy and
efforts on the technical and economic barriers that prevent
Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) Institute, a public-
greater material recycling, recovery, remanufacturing, and
private partnership established by the United States
reuse, the REMADE Institute seeks to motivate industry
Department of Energy (DOE).
investments to advance technology development and
The winning RD&D project is focused on innovating a new support the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem.
pathway for recycling ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) as a
REMADE-funded research projects seek to innovate
sustainable materials solution for the footwear industry. The
industrial-scale materials production and processing,
project is a partnership between Braskem America, adidas,
achieving multiple positive impacts among the following
Allbirds, as well as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Target Technical Performance Metrics (TPMs), including:
(MIT). REMADE is the first institute in the U.S. dedicated to
accelerating the nation’s transition to a Circular Economy. • Reducing primary feedstock consumed

Kimberly McLoughlin, Principal Engineer, Braskem, • Reducing secondary feedstock energy

stated, “Braskem and REMADE share a vision for
• Increasing embodied energy efficiency
building a more sustainable future, all built upon the
creation of a carbon neutral circular economy. With • Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
a mutual passion for R&D-driven innovation, we are
• Facilitating cross-industry reuse
creating the next generation of manufacturing and
materials science technologies.” • Balancing cost and energy party

“We commend REMADE for its leadership in effectively According to the U.S. Department of Energy,

12 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

manufacturing accounts for 25% of U.S. energy that forms the cushion of shoe midsoles, through the
consumption at a cost of approximately $150 billion. development of a dynamic crosslinking technology that
Based on data from the U.S. Environmental Protection facilitates both the direct reuse of process scrap and the
Agency, industry is the single largest contributor to recyclability of post-service parts.
greenhouse gas emissions in the nation, at 30%. By
The circular economy is a sustainable model that aims to
embracing the circular economy, REMADE’s investments
minimize waste by keeping resources in use for as long as
ensure that America’s manufacturing sector remains
possible, extracting their maximum value while in use, and
globally competitive while moving the nation closer to
then recovering and regenerating products and materials
meeting the clean energy goals set forth by the Biden-
at the end of a resource’s life cycle. Not only does this
Harris Administration including achieving a net-zero-
reduce environmental impact, but it also offers new
emissions economy by 2050.
business opportunities and economic benefits, supporting
This project aspires to reduce the waste generated by innovation, job creation, and global competitiveness.
permanently cross-linked EVA, the rubbery material

BioFluff – future of fur is

here! Say no to animal fur
Mashia Sahejabin

In recent times a significant revolution has been brought

about in the fashion industry by using genuine and reliable
animal fur – as the fashion sector is exploring sustainable
alternatives. And this is exciting because BioFluff ’s plant-
based fur sounds like a promising step forward.

While the majority of US consumers consider the use of

fur to be ethically acceptable, influential fashion brands
and retailers have now specifically decided to harden their
position. They stopped using real fur in their products,
which was considered a turning point in the ethical
approach of the industry today. Some such companies are:
Prada, Phillip Lim, Macy’s, Chanel, Burberry, and Net-a-
Porter Group, etc.

Turn to vegan options Courtesy: BioFluff

Lately in place of authentic animal fur, these fashion free fabrics that use natural- and mineral-based dyes.
heavyweights have turned their attention to vegan
Funding and future plans
alternatives.The fashion industry has a huge impact
on the entire environment, from production to BioFluff ’s innovative approach has particularly caught
transportation. Which is under increasing scrutiny the attention of investors. The startup recently raised $2.5
and the search for sustainable alternatives is a high million in a seed funding round led by Astanor Ventures.
priority. The funds are expected to support BioFluff ’s expansion
into other plant-based products such as interior design,
Introducing Biofluff packaging and toys.
Stepping in at the right time is BioFluff, a New York and
The move is part of a broader trend in which plant-based
Paris-based bio-materials startup. Meanwhile BioFluff
materials are increasingly used as sustainable alternatives
has launched a new luxury collection, most recently
to petroleum-based products. Innovations such as clothing
Savian, which features artificial fur made from natural
made from seaweed and all-natural sneakers are also now
plant fibers.
popular, gradually appearing on the market, promising
The collection stands for its commitment to vegan, GMO- a marriage of fashion and sustainability and hinting at a
progressive beautiful, modern future.
December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 13
Apparel’s cleanup mission
2023: Battling ‘textile
zombie’ and ‘fossil fashion’!
Mashia Sahejabin

The year 2023 has played a huge role in hyperfast fashion, The connection between fossil fuels and the synthetics in
with its huge carbon footprint and terrible waste ramping up. clothing really hits home. Bringing together a coalition of
organizations aiming to phase out fossil fuels from industry.
Beneath the glossy veneer of the fashion industry lies a
growing monster – the “Textile Zombie” of unsustainable Fossil Fuel Fashion – a new organization that launched at
practices. Imagine mountains of unsold clothes piling up, New York Climate Week in September Fossil-fuel based
releasing microplastics, and draining resources. polyester is cheap and the fiber of choice for hyper-fast
fashion, which now dominates the market – says, “Fossil
Also, dependence on fossil fuels for clothing production,
fashion is at the root of fast fashion’s worst problems: cheap
from nylon to dyes, fuels climate change and depletes
materials, an overreliance on synthetics, a spiralling waste
precious resources. With extreme price tags (both high and
crisis and spiking emissions.”
low) and the toxic spill of polyester clothing. (That was the
year the zombies in the room—the amount of clothing they But it wasn’t all bad news though. The link between
were making and buying—took on a life of their own.) agriculture and fashion was never discussed again;

14 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

“Reproductive” is one of the biggest buzzwords of the regulating fast fashion. In December, the European
year. Safia Mini, founder of Fashion Declare, explains Parliament agreed to ban the destruction of unsold
it as she calls for radical change in the industry. Fashion clothing, accessories and footwear as part of its new
is not just about ensuring farmers keep carbon in the “eco-design” framework, which is also expected to see
soil, but the entire process – how cotton, linen, wool and clothing given a digital product passport. Expected to go
leather are farmed to the end of the garment life. into effect in 2026, a QR code will give shoppers greater
transparency about materials, manufacturing and even
Then a triumph for regenerative fashion came in October,
how to repair their items. Without regulation, brands are
when Justine Aldersey-Williams presented the UK’s first
still not taking proper responsibility for their products, the
indigenous, home-spun jeans made from hemp and wood
materials they use and their supply chains. Soon the law
grown on the wasteland of Blackburn, Lancashire.
will begin to force them to take collective action.
Louis Vuitton links to some confusion that, for million-
According to a report by the Clean Clothes Campaign,
dollar handbags, the price tag still isn’t enough to justify
Shahidul Islam, a union leader for the labor rights
the Crayola-colored crocodile. It was the year that saw a
movement, was beaten to death in Tongi, Bangladesh
new focus on the dire pollution of waste colonialism.
on June 25 this year. Four workers died and at least 115
‘Terrible pollution of waste colonialism’ … Piles of workers and trade unionists were jailed in November as a
textile and plastic waste have been spotted on the beach in result of ongoing protests against the new minimum wage
Jamestown, Accra, Ghana. in Bangladesh. According to Maeve Galvin, Fashion
Revolution’s global director of policy and campaigns, “We
In September, Claire Press, founder of the Sydney-based
are so far from achieving social justice for workers that it
podcast Wardrobe Crisis, essential listening for anyone
is shameful.”
interested in sustainable fashion, released her latest book,
War Next: Fashioning the Future. He explored some ways On a more hopeful note, young people are increasingly
and terms to solve many such problems. “Overproduction buying their clothes second-hand, online or at car boot sales.
and hyperspeed are two big issues facing the fashion Fast fashion brands are finding that Depop, Vinted and
industry,” he says. In its annual Fashion Transparency eBay are their biggest competitors and are starting to turn
Index, Fashion Revolution reported that 88% of major valuable retail space into second-hand clothing. As the press
fashion brands still do not disclose their annual production at Wear Next observes, while the cost of fashion continues
volume. According to the index, there is enough clothing to rise, we’re also seeing the parallel rise of the slow fashion
globally and enough clothing for the next six generations. movement with the repair revolution (with repair and
alteration apps like Sozo and The Sim) and DIY fashion
But this year also saw European law dig back into
continuing to thrive. Now embark on that path of progress.

Figure: Plant-based fur – BioFluff sounds like a promising step forward.

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 15
Project Re:SUEDE, PUMA’s
biodegradable compost sneaker
Anjumi Hoque

Fig: Re: Suede, PUMA’s experiment in Biodegradability entry. Source: The Work

Puma, the global sports company, has achieved a compost under certain tailor-made industrial conditions”.
remarkable feat of sustainability: turning an experimental
In 2021, Puma created 500 test pairs of the Re: suede
version of its classic Suede sneaker into compost. The
sneakers, using Zeology tan suede, TPE outsoles and
sneaker, which was made from biodegradable materials
hemp. The sportswear brand then asked volunteers to
such as wood-based polyester, hemp, and Zeology tanned
wear the sneakers for six months to test comfort and
suede, was part of a two-year-long pilot project called
durability before sending them to a specially equipped
RE:SUEDE, which aimed to test the feasibility and
industrial composting area Operated by their partner,
benefits of biological recycling in footwear. This is the first
Ortessa Group in the Netherlands.
come project from PUMA’s circular lab and They claimed
that it has successfully turned its classic suede sneaker into How does PUMA does this work:
In early 2022, Puma invited consumers to participate
in the RE: SUEDE pilot project, selecting 500 people
from 2,000 applicants in Germany to wear the shoes
approximately twice a week for six months. There, Puma
sought to answer four questions:

1. Can Puma create a compostable shoe that people

actually want to wear?

-More than two-thirds of pilot testers said they would

recommend RE: SUEDE to others, although 57% said it
was uncomfortable.

Fig: Diagram of the materials within RE:SUEDE sneakers. Source: Puma

16 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

2. Did participants return shoes for composting?

-Four hundred and twelve of them did so.

3. Could the shoes transform into farm-ready compost?

-Not entirely. The uppers decayed well enough to be used

as standard compost but the soles took too long.

4. Can it evolve?

-Puma's Circular Lab is exploring new projects, including

Fig: Inside a composting tunnel at the Valor Composting Facility. Source: Ortessa
an effort to recycle RE: FIBER textiles with professional
football shirts. Puma also added that they have a plan to share the
insight of their project in a very detailed report, “So its
How the shoes are composted according peers and other interested stakeholders can learn from
to expertise saying: the experiment and apply the learnings to their own
Yet the project piqued the curiosity of Marthien van initiatives”.
Eersel, Ortessa’s manager of materials and innovations. Marthien van Eersel, manager of materials and
"We thought about it and said, what the heck, let's see innovations at Ortessa, added: “We learned a lot during
what it is," he said. "We have a special testing method, the Re:Suede trial and how to streamline our industrial
where we can introduce biodegradable materials into our composting process to include items that need longer to
terminal and they will not contaminate the rest of the turn into compost.” “While all Re:Suede materials can
green household waste or the compost that we make." decompose, the sole of the Re:Suede requires more pre-
Private Dutch company Valor's composting facility turns processing and additional time in the composting tunnel
50,000 tons of household food waste and garden waste to completely break down,” he added.
into 24,000 tons of Grade A compost for farms each year. The Re: Suede trial is the first programme, alongside the new
From March to June, Ortessa mixes Puma shoes with green Re: Fiber polyester recycling initiative. The program is to be
waste from households and makes them decompose at high launched as part of Puma's innovation center, 'Circular Lab',
temperatures in one of 14,150 square meter concrete tunnels. led by Leading sportswear brand's innovation and design to
Every two weeks, the company screens for decomposing create the future of the corporate circularity programs.
materials: anything less than 1.5 inches in diameter is
compostable; less than 0.4 inch becomes Class- A compost. Other ventures by PUMA towards
circularity goal:
PUMA reveals the result of project
RE:SUEDE: RE:SUEDE isn’t Puma’s first stab at a biodegradable
sneaker. Ten years ago the company launched an InCycle
Anne-Laure Descours, chief sourcing officer at Puma, said design featuring organic cotton and linen, with soles of
in a statement: “While the Re:Suede could not be processed APINATbio plastic.
under the standard operating procedures for industrial
composting, the shoes did eventually turn into compost.” Since then, the technology has improved, Puma’s senior head of
She added, “We will continue to innovate with our partners innovation, Romain Girard said, "The RE:SUEDE is a simple
to determine the infrastructure and technologies needed shoe, comprising only a few pieces and components.” "We are
to make the process viable for a commercial version of the currently working on exploring a similar concept but based on
Re:Suede, including a takeback scheme, in 2024.” more complex products that have higher functional benefits."

Puma has talked to many of these startups, Girard said.

"We share the same goals yet here at Puma we are looking
at developing innovations that can be applied at scale,"
"We see the opportunity to scale up giving more people
access to these types of products. We also see the chance
to expand the product portfolio in this field with different
silhouettes and product types."

Puma's circularity goals for 2025 include product recall

in major markets; halving the amount of manufacturing
waste sent to landfill; and developing recycled materials
Fig: Puma's original "Crack" running shoe from 1968. Source: Puma for leather, rubber, cotton and polyurethane.

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 17
Figure: Vegan- leather made from cactus plant

Vegan leather, an eco-conscious choice

Homayra Anjumi Hoque

Leather is one of the oldest and most popular materials polyurethane (PU), both of which are petroleum-based
used for clothing, footwear, accessories, and furniture. plastics. First produced in the 1920s, PVC was the earliest
It is valued for its durability, versatility, and elegance. form of faux leather. It is created by combining polyvinyl
Commercial leather is made from the skins of animals, chloride with certain chemicals that give the plastic a
such as cows, sheep, and goats, who are killed for their leather-like appearance and texture.
flesh and hides. Leather production also involves a lot
of chemicals, water, and energy, which cause pollution, Characteristics of vegan leather:
greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion. 1. Aroma: Part of the allure of quality animal leather lies
in its rich and earthy aroma: a product of the tanning
But what if there was a way to enjoy the look and feel
process. In contrast, synthetic leather has a plastic-
of leather without harming animals or the environment?
like smell (owing to the chemicals employed during
That's the promise of vegan leather, a material that
manufacturing) or no scent at all.
mimics the properties of animal leather, but is made from
plant-based or synthetic sources. Vegan leather is also 2. Durability: As vegan leather is normally thinner,
known as faux leather, artificial leather, or alternative it’s more prone to general wear and tear, as well as
leather. In recent years, high-street staples like H&M, discolouration. That said, developments in vegan
American Apparel and Topshop have thrust the material leather are being made all the time, so longevity should
into the mainstream by releasing a succession of eco- diminish as an area of concern in the future.
leather fashion collections; Adidas even dropped a vegan
3. Absorbency and longevity: Far from porous, synthetic
leather Stan Smith in 2018. A recent study predicts the
leather is actually water-resistant, meaning it is unable
vegan leather market will be worth $89.6 billion by 2025
to develop a patina (as the phenomenon is known, is
(Infinium Global Research).
revered by leather aficionados; for some it is the ultimate
What is vegan leather? How is it made: indicator of quality)

Vegan leather, or faux leather, imitates actual leather 4. Affordability: Common PU or PVC vegan leather
by using synthetic materials or plant-based fibers like is generally inexpensive where the higher average real
pineapple leaves, cactus, cork, and apple peels to get leather is really expensive.
a similar consistency. However, the majority of vegan
5. Finishing treatment and end usage: Vegan leather is
leather is made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and
an ideal material for creating anything from upholstery

18 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

 to clothes. Water and stain resistance are two more life to vegan leather, which to a certain degree makes it a
beneficial traits for manufacturers and consumers alike. more sustainable option, encouraging consumers to buy less
PU leather can also be treated with different finishing frequently and less wastefully. But while vegetable-tanned
treatments and dyes that alter the texture and color of leather will naturally biodegrade, chrome-tanned leather
the material, ensuring an unrivaled degree of versatility. products will spend hundreds of years in landfill sites.

Faux VS Real leather; Benefits and Flourishment of Vegan leather usage in

drawbacks: fashion industries:
1. Raw materials: Vegan leather has become increasingly popular in
recent years, as more consumers are looking for ethical
The majority of vegan leather is made from two types of
and sustainable choices in fashion. Many brands,
polymers (PU and PVC). Real leather is produced from
designers, and celebrities have embraced vegan leather
animal hides, which are considered a byproduct of the
as a way to express their style and values. Nowadays it's
livestock industry.
affordability and accessibility is raising the audience of
Commercial animal farming contributes 15% of global it. Brands are increasingly seeking vegan alternatives in
greenhouse gas emissions and there is an ongoing debate response to the growing demand for environmentally
about the extent to which demand for cowhide contributes friendly clothing. The sustainable fashion market is
to this phenomenon. A recent EU directive concluded currently valued at approximately $6.5 billion, and it is
that less than 1% of this amount should be allocated anticipated to increase to $10 billion by 2025. By 2030,
to the leather industry, due to the low monetary value that figure is expected to reach $15 billion.
of hides compared to other parts
of the cow, such as meat. We also
need to consider the additional costs
and environmental impact of using
alternative materials without leather
by-products. It goes without saying
that if using non-animal products is
the future motto, real leather clearly
can't compete with vegan leather.

2. Production Process:

Producing both vegan leather and

chrome-tanned animal leather requires a
significant amount of energy. This adds
to the carbon footprint of each material,
as fossil fuels are required and CO2 is
then released into the atmosphere.

There are other negative factors of

the production process of real leather.
Chromium tanning – the main method
of leather production, accounts for
90% of global production – involves
the use of extremely toxic chemicals
with carcinogenic properties. In
underdeveloped countries, dangerous
chemical byproducts such as sulfides
and lime sludge seep into local rivers,
killing marine life and animals, and
putting workers at risk. The same can be
said about toxins like phthalates that are
exploited to make vegan leather.

3. End usage and degradability:

Fig: Kylie Jenner’s Fashion line; Khy, offers a wide range of faux leather products
Real leather has a far superior shelf

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 19
UPM x Vaude launched world’s
first bio-based fleece jacket
Homayra Anjumi Hoque

Figure: World’s first Bio-fleece jacket produced from biomass

Fleece jackets are cozy, comfortable, and versatile, but the environment. The UPM Biochemicals and VAUDE
they also have a dark side. Most of them are made from have showcased their innovation at ISPO Munich 2023,
synthetic materials, such as polyester, which are derived the world’s largest sports trade show, where the worldwide
from fossil fuels and contribute to climate change, business sports community comes together to share their
pollution, and waste. Moreover, fleece jackets shed perspectives about future trends and industry practice.
microplastics when washed, which end up in the oceans
and harm marine life.
What is Bio – based fleece jacket and how
is it made?
But what if there was a way to make fleece jackets from
renewable and biodegradable materials, such as wood? UPM and VAUDE are producing bio-based fleece fabric
That’s the question that UPM Biochemicals and VAUDE, by using wood-based polyester, which is made from
a German outdoor clothing company, set out to answer. wood pulp that is converted into bio-monoethylene glycol
Together, they developed the world’s first fleece jacket (BioMEG) and then polymerized with terephthalic acid
made from wood-based polyester, a groundbreaking (PTA) to form polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This
innovation that could transform the fashion industry and PET resin contains 30% of BioMEG. The PET resin

20 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

 fossil-based materials also ensuring their longevity and
sustainability.

Vaude, known for its commitment to sustainability,

VAUDE is a leader in advancing
sees this collaboration as an affirmation of the appeal
sustainable products – addressing all
of its sustainable product portfolio. By growing their
aspects of sustainability from longevity biorefinery business to supply bio-based renewable
through repairability and alternative use materials, they aim to help global brands reduce CO2
options to truly responsible materials. This emissions and move away from fossil-based products.
collaboration confirms the strong appeal of
our novel product portfolio to changemakers
in the outdoor and sports industry but Collaboration that goes worldwide
also beyond. By building a first-of-its-kind UPM’s €1,180 million investment to build the world’s first
biorefining business to offer a new generation industrial-scale biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, reflects a
broader commitment to the transition to renewable materials.
of bio-based renewable materials, we can
The biorefinery will convert sustainably sourced hardwood
help global brands to reduce their CO2
into biochemical products, contributing to the transition from
footprint and defossilize their products.” fossil to renewable materials in various industries.
“We recognise the acute challenge faced
Partnerships across the whole value chain are a
by the fashion and footwear industries
prerequisite for enhancing sustainable innovations across
to find more sustainable solutions for the various industries. In this case, Indorama Ventures Public
textiles and materials used in their products. Company Ltd. (IVL), Bangkok/Thailand, will polymerize
Today’s launch of the first ever bio-based and spin a polyester yarn containing UPM’s BioPura
fleece jacket is a milestone in responding to BioMEG at its German site in Guben. Pontetorto SpA,
Prato/Italy, will then process this yarn into a novel, bio-
that challenge, enabling fashion industry
based polyester fabric which Vaude will use to produce the
leaders to take action now and move beyond
final garment. Sustainably sourced, certified hardwood
fossil-based materials will be converted into next-generation biochemicals,
facilitating the critical transition from fossil to renewable
Michael Duetsch
Vice President of Biochemistry at UPM materials across many industries. The biorefinery is now
aiming to produce a total of 220,000 tons of bio-fleece
is then spun into fibers, woven into fabric, and brushed fabric from biomass per year.
to create the fleece. This identical process replaces the
fossil-based monoethylene glycol (MEG) that is normally
used in polyester production with a renewable and
biodegradable alternative. It’s a drop-in solution that can
be used on a molecular basis and also go for corresponding We have partnered with UPM as
recycling streams as well. partnerships across the whole value chain
UPM and VAUDE claim that this innovation can reduce the are a prerequisite for enhancing sustainable
environmental impact and increase the circularity of the textile innovations. This initial milestone marks
industry. Approximately 60% of all materials currently used the first step in our journey to create a
by the fashion industry are made from fossil-based polymers.
polyester derived from non-fossil ingredients.
While there is a need for synthetic polymers especially for
key performance materials it is hoped that this prototype Producing outerwear made with bio-based
will inspire and motivate brands to exit fossil-based materials chemicals is part of our shift towards using
for more sustainable bio-based solutions, accelerating the
renewable materials in the textile and
sustainable transformation of the textile industry.
apparel value chain – we want 90 percent
Re- shaping the future; What are VAUDE of all our products to be bio-based or have
and UPM saying recycled content of more than 50 percent
VAUDE and UPM have collaborated to bring solutions René Bethmann,
for challenges that the textile and footwear industries are Senior Innovation Manager at Vaude
facing. Their initiatives are to take movements for making

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 21
Heimtextil 2024 announces
“New Sensitivity” theme,
focusing on sustainability
AH Monir

The upcoming Heimtextil trade fair,

from January 9 to 12, 2024, in Frankfurt,
Germany, has unveiled its theme for the
2024/25 edition: “New Sensitivity.” This
theme marks a significant shift in the event’s
focus, moving away from trend forecasting
and towards a more holistic exploration
of transformation and sustainability in the
textile industry.

“New Sensitivity” goes beyond mere

aesthetics, delving into the deeper emotional
and psychological connections we have
with textiles. It encompasses themes of
mindfulness, well-being, and a renewed
appreciation for nature. This shift reflects the Figure: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Thomas Fedra
growing awareness of the environmental and
The “New Sensitivity” theme will also be reflected in
social impact of the textile industry and the
the Heimtextil Trend Space, a curated exhibition that
increasing demand for products that are both beautiful and
showcases the latest trends and innovations in the textile
sustainable.
industry. The Trend Space will feature four distinct
“The world is changing, and with it, the way we live and theme worlds:
the textiles we choose for our homes,” explains Olaf
• “Embrace Nature”: This world will explore the
Schmidt, Vice President of Textiles & Textile Technologies
connection between textiles and the natural world,
at Messe Frankfurt. “With ‘New Sensitivity,’ we want to
featuring organic materials, biophilic design, and
explore this transformation and inspire the industry to
earthy colors.
create textiles that are not only functional and aesthetically
pleasing but also good for the planet and the people who • “Nurture Wellbeing”: This world will focus on textiles
make them.” that promote well-being and relaxation, such as soft
textures, calming colors, and natural materials.
Visitors to Heimtextil 2024 can expect to see a diverse
range of exhibits that embody the “New Sensitivity” • “Celebrate Craft”: This world will showcase the beauty
theme. This includes: of traditional craftsmanship and handmade textiles,
highlighting the importance of cultural heritage and
• Sustainable materials and production processes:
sustainable production practices.
Innovative fabrics from recycled materials, organic
fibers, and biodegradable dyes will be displayed. • “Reimagine Tech”: This world will explore the future
of textiles, showcasing innovative technologies that are
• Mindful design: Products that promote well-being and
transforming the industry.
relaxation, such as biophilic design elements and textiles
with calming colors and textures. Heimtextil 2024 promises to be a thought-provoking and
inspiring event for anyone interested in the future of textiles.
• Artisan craftsmanship: A focus on traditional
With its focus on “New Sensitivity,” the fair will provide a
techniques and handmade textiles that celebrate cultural
platform for innovative ideas, sustainable practices, and a
heritage and support local communities.
renewed appreciation for the role of textiles in our lives.

22 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 23
Figure: Danny Pormes and Erna Pordes-Redecker, CEO of FastFeetGrinded, working in their company shoe recycling. Courtesy: Business Insider

Recycled shoes take center stage in 2023

as major brands embrace trash-to-treasure
Homayra Anjumi Hoque

According to a report by the World Economic, more than upper are separated or damaged, the relationship between
50 billion pairs of shoes were produced in 2022, and most the parts are over. A cement shoe can’t be resoled and
of them ended up in landfills or incinerators. The footwear therefore its lifespan is very limited.
industry is one of the most polluting and resource-
Another example is vulcanization – the process of turning
intensive sectors, consuming large amounts of water,
rubber into a polymer – commonly found in skate shoes.
energy, chemicals, and materials, and emitting greenhouse
Vulcanized shoes cannot be resoled because the upper,
gasses, microplastics and toxic substances.
outsole and strap bond together during the vulcanization
Why it is difficult to recycle shoes process, making them inseparable.

In every pair of shoes, there is a long list of materials. These are the things that are making shoes extremely difficult,
Sometimes there’s found up to 40 different materials are and often impossible to recycle. But what about being less bad?
in one pair of shoes including plastic, rubber, metal, and
How Shoe Recycling is Evolving to Meet
ethylene-vinyl acetate (foam), among others; where many
of which are sewn or glued together. This makes them
the Challenges of Sustainability
extremely difficult to recycle. In this regard, some shoemakers are trying to change
this situation by adopting more sustainable practices and
Some materials don’t have the necessary recycling facilities
innovations. Companies like Adidas, Asics and Thaely
in place. Leather is a popular material choice for shoes
are leading the way in creating shoes that are made
– more than 60% of the UK shoe sales are leather-based
from recycled or renewable materials, designed for easy
shoes, and yet the recycling of leather from post-consumer
disassembly and recycling, and aligned with circular
shoes has not been commercially exploited.
economy principles. These companies are reducing
Planning for post-consumer shoe recycling is often not their environmental impact and creating value for their
included in the design process, it’s an afterthought. customers, stakeholders, and society. One Dutch company,
An example (usually associated with cheap shoes) is FastFeetGrinded, has developed a method to combat
cementing construction, where the sole is glued to the waste while the industry searches for more sustainable
upper. Luxury brand Bally claims that once the sole and

24 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

materials, which can process upto 2,500 shoes per hour.

What does FastFeetGrinded do?

FFG, located in the Netherlands, collects shoes from
the Dutch military, collects boxes from stores, and
manufacturers pay the company to destroy defective shoes.
The company then separates the shoes into different types
before putting them through an automated system that
uses heat and friction to separate them. Once the shoe is
broken down, the materials are sorted by type, such as
rubber, which is ground into fine particles, and fabric,
which can be spun into yarn to create new laces.

The fully automated shoe recycling machine (SRM)

at FastFeetGrinded grinds down athletic shoes and
separates all foam, rubber and textile components. The
machine returns from 1 ‘000 kg of athletic shoes 380 kg
of foam, 230 kg of textiles and 170 kg of rubber. The
grinded materials are reused in different products, such
Figure: Deconstruction of Major shoe parts and converting them into recycled products.
as sports flooring, picnic tables, or even outsoles of new
shoes. From Waste to Value: How Fashion for Good, With demand for raw materials expected to triple by 2050,
FastFeetGrinded, and Brand Partners are Transforming urgent action is needed to reduce dependence on raw
the Footwear Industry with Circular Solutions: resources. FastFeetGrinded, as a key recycling innovator,
Fashion for Good launches a new pilot program with brand plays a key role in supplying the industry with secondary
partners Adidas, Inditex, Target and Zalando, as well as raw materials, meeting growing market demand and
footwear recycling innovator FastFeetGrinded to test and regulatory requirements for content Recycling. To meet
validate innovative footwear recycling processes to support demand, FastFeetGrinded operates from a 40,000-square-
the adoption of recycled content into shoes, thereby driving foot facility and plans to expand its facilities globally.
a shift towards a more circular footwear industry. What are the brands saying about this initiative?
“This project will be a first in the footwear industry Following the request from the Dutch government,
to allow us to understand the sustainable recycling FastFeedGrinded started working with Asics to develop
technologies and infrastructures needed to accelerate new shoes from recycled materials. Asics says that while
the transition towards a circular future. By fostering it can create new shoes from recycled materials, they can’t
collaborative partnerships like this, where companies be used for high performance.
come together to share knowledge and validate
innovation, we pave the way for scalable solutions,” said “If we take our highest performance running shoe, making
Katrin Ley, Managing Director, Fashion for Good. that entirely from circular recycled materials, it won’t have
the same functional properties still,” Asics manager of
FastFeetGrinded has the unique ability to deconstruct any sustainability Romy Miltenburg told Business Insider.
type of footwear before and after consumption, breaking it
down into its macro ingredients. These macro-ingredients Miltenburg said Asics hopes to get to a point where it can
are then ground into smaller, high-purity pellets that manufacture high-performance shoes from recycled materials.
FastFeetGrinded can use to create material streams “Hopefully, it will not be just a cool side project, but
for reuse. Through this collaborative pilot project, the something we can implement into the way we make shoes
partners will transfer pre- and post-consumer footwear to at large,” Miltenburg said.
FastFeetGrinded, which will process them into a variety
of new material pellets. Other major shoe manufacturers, like Adidas, are also
working to make their shoes more durable by using plastic
The next step involves FastFeetGrinded’s extensive network that floats in the ocean. Adidas released the Futurecraft
of supply chain partners, who will manufacture the output Loop in 2021, a shoe made entirely from recyclable plastic
products, such as outsoles, midsoles and flip-flops. and requires no glue. The plastic is ground into pieces before
Brands will closely evaluate product quality and purity, aiming being heated and spun into the polyester used to create
to showcase the potential of FastFeetGrinded’s footwear the shoe’s upper. The shoes use only one material and are
recycling technology and pave the way for scalable solutions. designed to be recycled into future versions of the shoe itself.

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 25
26 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023
 With some creative planning, a common screen-
printed white underbase can be used with varying

digital print data to produce completely different

images in the same print run. It can also result in

savings in the production process in various aspects.

Digital Squeegee inks can be cured in conventional

gas dryers, such as the Sprint® 3000, Sprint 3000

D, and Sprint 3000 DHZ

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 27
Algaeing™ and Birla Cellulose Join
Forces to introduce Algae-powered fibre
M A Mohiemen Tanim

Imagine a world where fabrics shimmer with natural

hues extracted from algae, where clothes decompose
harmlessly after their lifespan, and where fashion embraces
a future free from harmful chemicals and environmental
exploitation. This vision, once relegated to the realm
of science fiction, is now taking a giant leap towards
reality thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between
Algaeing™, a pioneer in clean textile innovation, and Birla
Cellulose, a global leader in man-made cellulosic fibers.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the textile

industry, heralding the arrival of an innovative algae-
powered fiber poised to disrupt the status quo. But what
exactly is algae-powered fiber, and why is it such a game-
changer? • Skin-Friendly Sensation: Ditch the itch! Algae-based
fabrics are renowned for their softness and gentle
Harnessing the Power of Microscopic touch on the skin. This makes them ideal for sensitive
Marvels individuals and adds a luxurious feel to every garment.

Algae, often dismissed as pond scum, are nature’s tiny • Naturally Vibrant: Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and
powerhouses. They thrive in diverse environments, grow embrace the beauty of nature’s palette. Algaeing™’s
rapidly, and possess remarkable properties that have natural dyes extract vibrant colors from algae,
long captivated scientists. Algaeing™ has harnessed this eliminating the need for harmful synthetic dyes that
potential, unlocking the secrets within these microscopic pollute waterways and endanger ecosystems.
marvels to create sustainable and eco-friendly textiles.
A Powerful Partnership
Their patented technology transforms algae into both
The union of Algaeing™’s innovative technology and
fibers and natural dyes, eliminating the need for harmful
Birla Cellulose’s expertise in fiber production creates a
synthetic materials and dyes that plague the conventional
synergy that amplifies the impact of this revolutionary
textile industry. This not only reduces reliance on
material. Birla Cellulose’s vast experience and global reach
petroleum-based products but also significantly shrinks the
will accelerate the development and scaling of algae-
industry’s carbon footprint.
powered fiber, making it accessible to a wider audience.
A Symphony of Sustainability
Beyond the Fabric
The benefits of algae-powered fiber extend far beyond
reduced environmental impact. Here’s how this
revolutionary technology is weaving a symphony of
sustainability:
Our collaboration with Birla Cellulose marks a significant
• Biodegradable Bliss: Unlike their synthetic counterparts,
milestone in our joint mission to detoxify the textile
clothes made from algae-powered fibers decompose
industry and promote sustainable innovation. Joining
naturally when their time comes. This means no
hands with a global leader like Birla Cellulose amplifies our
more microplastics polluting our oceans and landfills,
impact, allowing us to bring affordable, superior products
contributing to a cleaner and healthier planet.
to consumers and branch into new industries. Together, we
• Renewable Resource: Algae are incredibly fast-growing are carving a path for a brighter future, where fashion and
and require minimal resources like water and land sustainability seamlessly converge.
compared to traditional crops like cotton. This makes
Renana Krebs
them a sustainable and readily available alternative,
Co-founder and CEO of Algaeing™
reducing the burden on our planet’s precious resources.

28 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

The implications of algae-powered fiber extend far beyond a powerful precedent for the future of the textile
the realm of fashion. This technology has the potential to industry. It demonstrates that innovation and
revolutionize various industries, from medical textiles to collaboration can pave the way for a more sustainable
home furnishings, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly future, where fashion embraces environmental
alternative to traditional materials. responsibility and clothes become a symbol of our
commitment to a healthier planet.
Algaeing™ and Birla Cellulose’s collaboration sets

Reebok and Futureverse launch

AI-powered Metaverse platform
Ahosanuzzaman Roni

Reebok and Futureverse Team Up

to Create Next-Gen Digital Fashion
Experiences Reebok, the iconic sports
culture brand, and Futureverse, the
leading AI and metaverse technology
and content company, have unveiled
an exclusive partnership to create
cutting-edge artificial intelligence,
web3, blockchain gaming, and
metaverse experiences for consumers.
The partnership aims to revolutionize
digital fashion by launching Reebok
Impact in 2024, a digital shoe
experience that will immerse mass
consumers in artificial intelligence and
digital wearables. Figure 1: In 2024, Reebok and Reebok Impact will create a mind- and heart-bending digital shoe experience that will
allow mass consumers to dive into artificial intelligence and digital wearables.

“We are beyond excited to announce

our partnership with Reebok; a Reebok and Futureverse share a community and our efforts to weave
testament to our shared belief that life vision of active life participation, as their unique stories into the fabric
is a journey of active participation, reflected in Reebok’s motto “life is not of our products. Our partnership
not observation. This collaboration is a spectator sport” and Futureverse’s with Futureverse and the upcoming
a groundbreaking fusion of AI, web3, “play-to-learn” approach. Their launch of Reebok Impact enables us
gaming, and metaverse technologies, partnership aims to offer consumers to transcend traditional boundaries of
set to transform how consumers new experiences that combine digital innovation to engage our consumers
define digital fashion. It’s an invitation fashion, AI, web3, gaming, and in the digital evolution of our
for consumers to step into a world metaverse technologies. products in ways that redefine the
in which their digital footprint is realm of possibility.”
“Reebok is deeply entrenched in
as significant as their physical one.
consumer trends and transformative This partnership signifies the initial
Together, we’re pioneering digital
technology,” said Todd Krinsky, CEO step in a long-term collaboration
possibilities where every step tells
of Reebok. “Our ethos champions between Reebok and Futureverse,
a story, and every story shapes our
the principle of moving with purpose with plans to expand, enhance
world,” said Shara Senderoff and
and stepping out into the world as a functionality, integrate new
Aaron McDonald, co-founders of
participant, not a spectator. At the features, and introduce further
Futureverse.
heart of our brand is our vibrant groundbreaking experiences.

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 29
AI predicts shopper behavior
for smarter retailing
Ahosanuzzaman Roni

AI has the potential to predict what shoppers will buy in

the retail sector. By utilizing data analytics and machine
learning, AI can analyze customer behavior, preferences,
and past purchase history to make accurate predictions
about their future buying patterns. AI technologies such
as big data, facial expression analysis, and IoT can capture
and analyze vast amounts of data from various sources,
enabling retailers to better understand their customers.
This data can then be used to perform predictive analysis
and forecast consumer demand and behavior. However,
it is important to note that AI in retail is still in its
preliminary stage, and retailers need to strategically
implement AI based on their specific business needs.
conventional methods and is best thought of as a way to
Examples of AI in Action in Retail
support experienced merchandisers and creative teams,
Sparkbox.ai Company is a retail planning, price not replace them.
optimization, and insights platform powered by machine
AI and machine learning are not just used for forecasting
learning. This Company helps busy merchandising teams
demand and setting prices; they are increasingly
make data-driven pricing and inventory decisions to
being leveraged to dynamically recommend products,
improve profitability and reduce waste.
personalize pricing, and predict individual consumer
Sparkbox’s team consists of former retail data experts behavior. By analyzing massive and constantly evolving
and merchandisers. The team uses user experience to data sets, including purchase histories, product
enable merchandisers to get value from data quickly and preferences, competitor pricing, and inventory, retailers
sustainably. can offer timely recommendations. Connected devices,
such as smart assistants and IoT devices, further enhance
SandStar Retail Technology is an artificial intelligence
the potential for predictive commerce.
company that provides leading computer vision
technology for the retail industry. The company aims to Predictive commerce adapts to user habits and
make retail more efficient and profitable by using AI as environments, making shopping seamless and
the “eyes” and big data as the “brain”. SandStar offers personalized. However, retailers need to balance this with
three solutions: 1) AI Vending Machine, 2) Smart Store, human-centered design, privacy, and trust. They must
and 3) CV Unattended Shop (A low-cost vision system create engaging and transparent ecosystems that respect
that recognizes actions semantically). These solutions help and reward consumers.
retailers reduce costs by 10%-70% and increase revenue by
10%-300%. AI's Capabilities in Predicting Shopper
Behavior
AI's Potential to Predict Shopper
1. Data Collection: AI gathers data from various
Behavior in Retail
sources such as transactional data, customer data, and
A key insight for using AI in retail is that customers environmental data.
buy fashion items based on their feelings, newness,
2. Analysis: AI utilizes data analytics and machine
and product quality, so past sales data, even for similar
learning to analyze customer behavior, preferences, and
products, has limited value. Additionally, it's important
past purchase history.
to note that AI forecasts are probabilistic, meaning
they can have varying levels of confidence and need 3. Real-time Decision Making: AI can process and
to be judged accordingly. Proponents of AI emphasize analyze data in real time, enabling retailers to make
that the technology can still be more effective than data-driven decisions on-the-fly. This facilitates

30 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

 dynamic pricing, inventory management, and from new data. For example, the system might learn
personalized promotions to maximize sales and the performance of one red shirt so well that it can't
customer satisfaction. make reliable predictions about a new batch of similar
shirts.
4. Continuous Learning: AI systems continuously learn
and improve over time. As new data is generated, AI 3. Need for accurate data sets: To make reliable
algorithms adapt and refine their predictions to better predictions, AI needs precise data sets. The predictions
align with changing customer preferences and market will suffer if the data is faulty or missing.
trends.
4. Lack of transparency: AI models can be difficult to
5. Simulation: AI can run simulations using virtual AI interpret, and it can be challenging to understand
shoppers to reveal behavior and preferences for various how they arrived at their predictions. This lack of
products and searches, enabling retailers to optimize transparency can make it difficult for retailers to trust
website layouts and product displays. the predictions and make informed decisions.

By leveraging these capabilities, AI can accurately predict 5. Limited historical data: AI models rely on historical
what shoppers will buy, enabling retailers to optimize their data to make predictions. If there isn't enough historical
inventory, improve customer satisfaction, and increase sales. data available, the predictions will be less accurate.

Limitations of AI in predicting shopper 6. Emotion-driven purchases: Fashion purchases are

behavior often driven by emotion, novelty, and the strength of
the particular products.
1. Probabilistic nature: AI forecasts are probabilistic,
Despite these limitations, AI-powered demand forecasting
meaning they can have varying levels of confidence and
has been shown to improve the accuracy of forecasts,
need to be judged accordingly. Forecasts should come
customer satisfaction, and logistics in the retail industry.
with confidence scores since a prediction might only
Retailers need to strategically implement AI based on their
have 40 percent confidence.
specific business needs and be aware of the limitations of
2. Overfitting: AI models can learn irrelevant data in AI in predicting shopper behavior.
their training and can't make accurate generalizations

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 31
Trust Protocol’s farm data exploration
and key findings on soil carbon metrics

Mashia Sahejabin

Specific data and accurate

measurements are important tools
for US growers in improving cotton
production and their environment.
As the saying goes, you can’t improve
what you can’t measure. Trust
Protocol is keen to empower and
develop farmers with this information.

The program annually provides data

against six key environmental metrics
and produces new reports measuring
them. In an annual report through
the 2021-22 fiscal year, aggregate
data from U.S. farmers, including soil
carbon content, is explored. But what
does soil carbon measurement mean?

Soil carbon refers to the total

amount of carbon in both organic
and inorganic forms that is stored in index ranges from -1.0 to +1.0. If the So now the question is – how can trust
the soil of a plant, such as natural calculated index is a negative value, a protocol farmers raise their soil carbon
fiber cotton. In fact, plants such as decrease in soil organic matter levels is levels and take better care of the soil?
cotton absorb carbon dioxide from accurately predicted. However, if the
There are various steps and methods
the atmosphere and store it in the soil index is a positive value, soil organic
to ensure planting of cover crops when
carbon pool as they grow, thereby matter levels are predicted to increase
land is bare and susceptible to erosion
increasing soil carbon levels through under current production systems.
prevention and practicing minimum
the process of sequestration. Sunlight Soil organic matter is extremely rich
and no-till systems to preserve soil
then synthesizes nutrients from in soil carbon. Soil carbon is often
structure and encourage biodiversity.
carbon dioxide and water through measured based on how much organic
In 2021/22, 82% of Trust Protocol
photosynthesis. Plants then store matter is present in the soil.
land adopted conservation tillage,
the carbon in their leaves and roots, The national target for soil carbon and 57% of acres were planted with
locking it in the soil, where it will measurement in FY 2025 is to achieve cover crops which directly contributed
remain for as long as the land remains positive SCI improvement of 30% to reducing soil erosion by 78%
free. Although soil carbon may not be of farmers. For the 2021/22 crop compared to the 2015 Trust Protocol
the primary source of energy for most year, 70% of Trust protocol grower baseline. Reducing soil erosion
soil microorganisms, increased levels members were assigned a positive improves both groundwater and
of soil carbon specifically support index value, meaning well-maintained surface water quality, thereby reducing
water infiltration, water, and nutrient soil health with high soil organic negative impacts on ecosystems.
holding capacity and increase crop matter levels and an abundance of
productivity. US cotton farmers understand that
diverse soil microbiomes.
in order to take care of the land,
Soil carbon metrics are a USDA Healthy soil has many superpowers they must take care of it, and they
Natural Resources Conservation and provides the necessary nutrients are working hard to improve their
Service tool, calculated by the Soil to meet the nutrient needs of an environmental impact, including their
Conditioning Index (SCI). The SCI environment and plants to thrive. soil carbon.

32 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

Diesel announces sustainable
collaboration with Lee
Hasan Mia

Figure: Diesel Announces Collaboration with Lee Under Diesel Loves Initiative

Italian fashion brand Diesel has announced a through the OTB Foundation—the philanthropic arm
collaboration with denim competitor Lee as part of of Diesel’s parent company, which actively engages in
its Diesel Loves initiative. This program, conceived by various projects with UNHCR worldwide.
creative director Glenn Martens, aims to redefine brand
The inaugural collaboration under the Diesel Loves
collaborations by addressing overproduction through
program features American denim company Lee. The
shared creative and manufacturing resources.
limited-edition capsule collection showcases jeans with
Diesel Loves is an open invitation to fellow brands, encouraging a distinctive twist—some pairs feature Diesel denim on
them to collaborate by sharing materials, manufacturing the front and Lee on the back, while others reverse the
capabilities, and creative expertise. In a departure from combination. Each of the 3,000 pairs of Diesel Loves Lee
traditional collaborations, Diesel plans to contribute its unsold jeans is a one-of-a-kind creation.
stock to a joint creative team, inviting its collaborators to do
A preview of the Diesel Loves Lee capsule is currently
the same. The result will be a unique limited-edition capsule
available on Diesel.com for Europe and Japan, with the
collection crafted entirely from existing materials, embodying a
full collection set to launch in March 2024 on both brands’
true partnership between the two brands.
websites. Through this initiative, Diesel aims to encourage
For each Diesel Loves collection, all profits will be positive change within the fashion industry and contribute
donated to UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, to meaningful causes.

Key Highlights
• Diesel and Lee collaborate on upcycled • 100% of profits benefit UNHCR, the
denim collection UN Refugee Agency
• Diesel Loves initiative tackles • Sets a precedent for collaborative,
overproduction through creative reuse sustainable fashion partnerships
• Limited-edition capsule features unique
“half-and-half” jeans

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 33
Minimalistic Fashion: A
Philosophy of Elegance,
Quality, and Sustainability
Homayra Anjumi Hoque

Figure: Minimalistic fashion for all body size of people

Minimalist fashion is a lifestyle choice that involves individuals can challenge the relentless discourse of
wearing fewer clothes and accessories but with more consumerism, reduce stress, ease financial burdens, and
specific intentions. It’s about creating a wardrobe of contribute to a more sustainable future.
quality, curated pieces and also feeling comfortable. This
encourages people to think carefully about what is truly Benefits of Minimalistic Fashion
necessary, rather than just buying for the sake of buying. • Having fewer clothes to choose from means less decision
Minimalist fashion rejects the chaos caused by fast fatigue in the morning and spending less time thinking
fashion, specifically the widespread water pollution caused about what to wear for the whole day.
by the use of cheap and toxic dyes and textiles matters.
• Less clutter in the closet, which helps reduce stress and
Minimalism encourages individuals to eliminate overwhelm and makes cleaning a lot easier.
unnecessary clutter and keep only items that bring value
• When anyone has fewer clothes they can easily take
and joy. In fashion, the principle of minimalism involves
better care of their pieces, making them last longer.
keeping a minimal amount of clothing that fits personal
style and promotes personality. By embracing minimalism, • It can end up saving a lot of money.

34 Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy December 2023

• Decluttering the excess can also help anyone discover It is a way of dressing, thinking, and being that values
their style as he/she starts to understand what it is like substance over style, and quality over quantity.
wearing and feel comfortable.
Brands that are practicing minimalistic
Why Minimalistic fashion is to be chosen fashion trends
over Fast fashion
1. Armedangels: German brand Armedangels’s quality
Environmental concern and long-lasting pieces are made from lower-impact and
certified materials, like Global Organic Textile Standard
Fast fashion is a term that describes the mass production (GOTS) certified cotton.
and consumption of cheap, trendy, and disposable clothes.
Fast fashion hurts the environment, the workers, and the 2. NAE: NAE is a Portuguese footwear, bags, and
consumers. A study showed that Fast fashion is one of the accessories brand using innovative materials to create
most polluting industries in the world. It consumes a lot of goods with “No Animal Exploitation”. Its lower-impact
water, energy, and chemicals, and produces a lot of waste, materials include recycled PET from bottles, OEKO-
emissions, and microplastics. According to the United TEX® certified microfibres, recycled car tires, natural
Nations, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of cork, etc.
global carbon emissions, 20% of global wastewater, and 3. A.BCH: A.BCH is a Melbourne-based, Australian-
24% of insecticides. made fashion label that utilizes renewable, organic, and
recycled materials.
Minimalistic fashion enhances personal
well-being: 4. Mila.Vert: Mila.Vert offers timeless, minimal, and
chic clothing, adding sophisticated details that give the
Fast fashion is not only harmful to the environment and
garments a modern feel.
the workers but also to the consumers. Fast fashion creates
a culture of overconsumption, dissatisfaction, and stress. 5. CARPASUS: CARPASUS is a Swiss menswear
Fast fashion makes consumers feel pressured to keep up brand that makes fine shirts, ties, socks, and pocket
with the ever-changing trends, to buy more than they squares. CARPASUS uses GOTS-certified cotton and
need, and to discard what they have. manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint.

Minimalistic fashion, on the other hand, enhances 6. Colorful Standard: Colorful Standard is a
the personal well-being of the consumers. By having a Danish clothing brand that makes organic fashion
minimal amount of clothes that fit their style, personality, essentials for men and women that are also
and values, minimalistic fashion lovers feel more minimalist and chic.
confident, comfortable, and authentic.
They also feel more satisfied and
happy with what they have, and less
tempted and stressed by what they
don’t.

Less is more- The mantra

of minimalist fashion
It’s a movement that embraces
simplicity, quality, and sustainability.
Minimalist fashion lovers curate their
wardrobes with care, choosing pieces
that are timeless, versatile, and ethical.
They resist the temptation of fast
fashion, which floods the market with
cheap, trendy, and disposable clothes.
Fast fashion harms the environment,
exploits workers, and creates waste.
Minimalist fashion, on the other
hand, respects the planet, supports fair
trade, and reduces clutter. Minimalist
fashion is not a trend, but a lifestyle. Figure: Minimalistic fashion have been the new trend

December 2023
Sustainability - Precision - Automation - Circularity - Energy 35