Taking Steps Towards A Sustainable Supply Chain
For years, many components of the fashion supply chain have been overlooked and seen little to no improvements. From a leather alternative made of cactus to a single-step solution for direct-to-fabric printing that eliminates the need for pre and post-treatment, these highlighted manufacturers are finding environmentally-friendly solutions for the industry’s problematic supply chain that can also keep up with demand.
New Closed-Loop Recycling Process
Circulose®
By: Re:newcell AB
A chemical process for the closed-loop recycling of cellulosic textiles, that was developed in response to the waste generated by the fashion industry. It aims to reduce the fashion industry’s reliance on virgin cotton, oil production, and trees by reusing discarded textiles to create an innovative material. The finished material is certified organic, biodegradable, recyclable, and similar to conventional cotton fibers.
This recycling system is vastly more sustainable than existing processes used to manufacture clothing fibers, as it uses less water and chemicals, emits less CO2, and helps preserve the world’s resources. Applications include textiles for apparel, footwear, accessories, furniture, and automotive upholstery, and stationery.
Leather & Fur Substitutes
DESSERTO®
By: ADRIANO DI MARTI SA DE CV
100% bio-derived durable leather-like material made from cactus plants. It is free of phthalates, PVC, heavy metals, and is colored using natural pigments and uses an environmentally friendly production process with a reduced carbon/water footprint. It provides a soft touch, high tensile strength, and tear and abrasion resistance, and is skin-safe, breathable, and completely customizable. Applications include footwear, handbags, accessories, and upholstery for furniture and automotive markets.
Hemp Fur
By: DevoHome
A vegan, natural alternative to animal and faux fur that is 60% viscose and 40% hemp. Hemp requires 75% less water than cotton to grow, and absorbs an abundant amount of CO2, making it an environmentally friendly option. The viscose is combined with hemp fiber and knitted to a recycled polyester or cotton base depending on the application. The resulting faux fur is hypoallergenic, warm, lightweight, and smooth to the touch. Applications include bedding, pillows, fashion, and toys.
Print Like Never Before
Direct to Fabric Printing with NeoPigment Robusto Ink
By: Kornit Digital Americas
The only industrial single-step solution for direct-to-fabric printing that eliminates the need for pre and post-treatment. It does not consume any water during the printing process and comes with the best pigment-based ink, making it the most environmentally friendly solution available today. This low-maintenance system can easily be operated by a single person and is available in multiple speeds. It can be used on natural, synthetic, knit, and woven fabrics for a variety of industries, including fast-growing segments within the on-demand fashion and home décor markets.
VEGA-VISION
By: Atexco
The world’s first machine that digitally prints the same design on both sides of a fabric. It saves on water, energy, and ink and can create a range of complex designs on a variety of fabrics, especially silk and silk blends. However, any fabric that is sheer enough for the system to recognize the print from the back will work. Applications include accessories (i.e., scarves) and apparel.
