Fashion is a dynamic industry. On a daily basis, there are new styles and trends that become a rage. To keep up with a fast-evolving sector, companies must be innovative, flexible, and techno-savvy to meet these ever-changing demands. But the greatest challenge for the fashion sector is developing sustainable and environmentally friendly fabrics and materials to leave the least possible carbon footprint.

Need for Sustainability in Fashion Industry 

With the advent of social media, the whole fashion industry is witnessing a sea of change. Influencers and consumers are becoming more aware and attentive to the creation and use of sustainable products, which automatically has a significant bearing on consumers who follow social media channels. This has necessitated companies to focus more on transparency, sustainability, and recycling. Any compromise on these factors can negatively impact the company's image and result in a loss of customer loyalty in an instant. So companies must invest and employ the latest technologies to deliver more sustainable and eco-friendly products.

In this article, we will try to understand some of the latest technological advancements in the fashion industry, from biotech textiles to predictive analytics that companies are adapting to make their products more sustainable.

Technological Advancement  

-    It has always been thought that technology is an accelerator of waste and is environmentally hazardous. But the same technology is now being employed to create newer, environmentally conscious products and reduce hazardous waste. Disruptive technologies like water and energy consumption tracking, 3D and AI-assisted design, and data analytics used for production and collection management are being implemented across the production, to the final packaging, and to delivery to end consumers. All these will have a significant impact on sustainability.

-    Synthetic fibers used in most clothing are significant contributors to the pollution produced by the fashion industry. They are non-biodegradable, are made from hazardous chemicals, and release harmful microfibres into our water systems when washed. With the demand for textiles projected to increase exponentially, a move towards more sustainable products has become critical. And although natural fibers such as cotton are the best alternative, they also come with problems, such as being highly water and land intensive.

-    A very innovative solution for this is biotechnology, wherein natural fibers are modified using technology and science to create more sustainable products. A great example is a textile that combines bio-waste and existing fibers using chemical processes.

-    One of the latest applications of biotechnology is lab-grown textiles which use bacteria, mycelium, and proteins. Mycelium, a leather grown from the root structure of mushrooms that can be modified to produce certain textures or features, is quickly gaining popularity. Mycelium is also a zero-waste product and is biodegradable.

-    AMSilk, is another technology that uses genetically engineered bacteria to produce spider silk protein, which is spun into fibers to create silk. These materials are artificial and engineered, allowing the manufacturer more control to modify the product as desired.

-    3D Printed Clothing - It is now possible to print leather and fur-like materials and to make shapes and geometries that have never been seen before at the click of a button. This reduces the reliance on synthetic hazardous materials. 

-    Technologies that turn plant-based and plastic waste resources into new textiles are the new recycling innovation in fashion.

One of the other problems that the fashion industry faces is overproduction, often leading to new, unworn clothes ending up in landfills. This is a significant environmental hazard. Again innovative solutions such as artificial intelligence and machine learning come to the rescue here.

-    AI and machines can determine the number of clothes they need to be produced and avoid overstocking and avoid wastage.

-    With technological advancements like 3D technology, designers can leverage this technology to create virtual samples of the new collection. These samples can be sent to buyers globally rather than finished goods to lower the carbon footprint. Since neither physical production nor travel is involved, it reduces carbon emissions. 3D modeling helps determine the exact measurements and dimensions, resulting in consumers receiving clothing that fits and avoids the problems of bulk returns of clothing pieces that are generally manufactured based on designs that are limited to average body sizes.

-    Virtual Clothes - With the rise in the Metaverse and digital technologies, brands have started to embrace virtual solutions that allow users to try on clothes virtually.

Nature to the Rescue

More and more designers and brands are accepting the power of nature that helps create a sustainable, safer, and healthier world with the help of plant-based innovations. Listed below are five new plant-based sustainable fabric technology innovations set to impact the fashion industry.

-    Eco Armour is one of the world's first sustainable air, plastic, and fabric antimicrobial technologies that kills 99.9 percent of bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus.

-    Insect Proof - A plant-based and permethrin-free bug-repellent technology for fabrics, skin, and hard goods.

-    Mindfully Clean - A self-cleaning fabric technology that allows products treated with it to stay fresh and clean regardless of use and rarely need to be washed.

-    Odour Safe - A plant-based technology that permanently destroys and eliminates bad odors on fabrics.

-    Natural Dyes derived from nature.

Overall the future of the sustainable fashion-wear sector looks bright, and with increased awareness amongst consumers, this demand and supply can only grow.