Sustainable Fashion from Fabric Scraps in Garment Industries

What is Sustainable Fashion?

Sustainable fashion, also known as eco-fashion, is part of a growing movement focused on creating a design system that supports environmental and social responsibility. The goal is to minimize negative human impact on the environment while promoting ethical practices in production and consumption.

Developing a More Sustainable Future

Our commitment to a sustainable future includes rethinking how we produce and consume clothing, footwear, accessories, and textiles. This shift encourages increased reuse and recycling at the user level.

Many garment companies now emphasize sustainability during production. CSR managers and sustainability heads are actively working to realign business models, manufacturing practices, and retail strategies toward greener outcomes.

In Sweden, for instance, many fashion companies offer second-hand clothing or rental services. Others focus on producing timeless, high-quality designs to ensure longevity. Major brands like H&M, Adidas, Jack & Jones, Puma, and The North Face have also partnered with recycling initiatives like ICO to support textile recycling efforts.

Recycling of Textile Materials

The recyclability of textiles depends heavily on their composition:

• Polyester: Buttons and zippers are removed, garments are shredded, granulated into pellets, then polymerized into chips. These chips are melted and spun into new polyester fiber.
• Cotton: Traditionally difficult to recycle, cotton garments were often used for insulation. New eco-friendly solvent-based methods now dissolve old cotton into fiber-ready material for spinning new yarns.

Challenges in the Fashion Industry

One of the biggest challenges is how to meet the fashion needs of a growing global population while minimizing environmental harm. The entire supply chain—from design to retail—needs to be addressed holistically.

(Image or diagram about supply chain issues can be inserted here)

Environmental Impacts

• Manufacturing: Uses dyes, solvents, and both natural and synthetic yarns. Wastewater and energy consumption are significant concerns.
• Post-production: Washing and garment use can further impact the environment.

How Can We Reduce the Impact?

• Minimize Waste: Design patterns to use fabric efficiently and reduce unnecessary seams or hems.
• Enhance Recyclability: Choose materials that are easy to recycle or opt for timeless, durable designs.
• Reduce VOCs: Use eco-friendly dyes and inks to lower the release of volatile organic compounds.
• Adopt Eco-Design: Designing with the environment in mind can reduce both impact and long-term costs.

Value-Added Products from Fabric Waste

1. Lay fabric scraps over water-soluble fusing in an embroidery machine.
2. Cover both sides of the fabric using water-soluble fusing material.
3. Stitch the layers with triple-run stitches for durability.
4. Apply an enzyme wash for a finished effect.
5. Create garments such as jackets, outerwear, shirts, and bottoms.
6. Add appliqués for aesthetic and commercial value.
7. This process is both cost-effective and eco-friendly.

Conclusion

The purpose of this article is to raise awareness and encourage action toward green, sustainable fashion. As citizens of developing nations, we must take individual responsibility to keep our communities clean and make eco-conscious choices—such as avoiding banned plastics and harmful materials. Every effort counts toward a healthier planet.