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The fashion industry is grappling with the issue of sustainable production and consumption. This is not a new problem. Recent efforts have been made by brands to cut water usage during production, use less synthetic fabrics in favour of natural ones, and promote eco-friendly consumer habits to aid a circular economy. Whilst this has helped the industry become more environmentally conscious, fast fashion—including its effect on the labour market and the environment—is still a thorn in its side.
Science, too, continues to seek alternative materials and production methods that can help make the industry more sustainable. From researching and developing dyes that are more eco-friendly to materials that bio-degrade and in developing technologies that cut down the impact of mass production on the environment, science and fashion are inextricably linked and will continue to be so.
So, to make fashion more sustainable and to make the science behind sustainable fashion more fashionable, can print and scan assist?
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3D Scanning and 3D Printing: A Fashionable Combo?
During a recent edition of the BBC’s Inside Science program, Mark Miodownik (Professor of Materials & Society at University College London) explained how he was harnessing 3D scanning and printing technology to overcome traditional hurdles associated with disposing of unwanted clothes and enabling clothes to fit better particularly for those with disabilities. He explained that by taking a 3D scan of the body, garments could be designed to an exacting specification and then 3D printed to achieve the precision of measurements in the garment. The 3D printer can use biodegradable materials to produce the garment, meaning that it can be put in the compost when discarded!
Miodownik has also been experimenting with inserting sensors in the fabric to facilitate extra support in the fabric when needed. If someone has an impairment in their arm, for example, the sensor can tighten the fabric when the arm is stretched and then relax when it is loose. The impact of this is enhanced for the user as the 3D scan of their body enables the garment to be designed to assist their need.
Can I Really Throw My 3D Printed Clothes in the Compost?
Over the last five years, companies such as Balena—a material science specialist working on biopolymers—have been developing compostable materials like BioCirflex 3D, which is made from castor beans and polysaccharides. These materials are fully recyclable and break down in less time than traditional oil-based fibres, leaving no hazardous waste in the ground.
Balena has also partnered with the 3D print label Variable Seams to showcase the durability and wearability of the biodegradable fabric. Whilst many consumers are concerned about how durable and fashionable these materials are, companies like Balena are keen to emphasise that the science world and fashion world can work together to produce fashionable, made-to-measure garments that are environmentally friendly. Working with designer labels such as Stella McCartney, Lemon Jelly, and Good Man have helped to market this partnership to consumers. And, as the technology becomes more widespread and affordable, it will become mainstream in the mass consumer market.
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Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
3D scanning and printing can help to produce sustainable garments and change consumer habits. More sustainable alternative materials continue to be developed, and the industry is considering the potential that 3D scanning and printing can bring by investing in and partnering with facilitators of this technology. As with many new technologies, it will take time for this to become a viable alternative to mass-produced fast fashion, with production practices needing to change drastically for the scanning and printing technology to become robust and cheap enough to produce clothing on scales we are currently used to.
Despite this, the trend is moving forward apace. Brands such as Vivobarefoot and Puma are now utilizing 3D scanning and printing to produce custom-fitting shoes made from compostable materials. Let’s see who will follow in their example.
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