Key takeaways from H1 2024
Design
1. Textile & apparel design software and processes are fast adopting GenAI tools to increase inspiration and bolster time-to-market and time-to-consumer efficiency. But contemporary GenAI uncontrollably spits out designs based on rudimentary text prompts, and therefore doubts abound about the technology regarding its value, consolidation and widespread use. Experts ask: should we strive for creative output that we cannot completely control, or something more?
2. 3D printing and other additive manufacturing processes are proving popular alternatives to traditional and unsustainable luxury garment design. For example, developments in robotic systems aim to reshore production closer to consumers. Meanwhile, the launch of sustainable 3D printing materials and 3D direct-to-textile technologies has pushed the proliferation of 3D printing as a viable design and manufacturing method for brands in numerous markets beyond luxury fashion, in locations such as France, Italy, Japan and the US.
Product life cycle
3. Technologists, academics, consortiums and brands are readying themselves in anticipation of the 2026 roll-out of DPPs under new EU regulation. While considerations are being made to validate the green claims on these platforms using integrated traceability technologies, others are anticipating additional positive environmental benefits such as a bolstering of the garment resale market. Some, however, posit DPPs as nothing more than a bureaucratic task that cannot directly improve the sustainability of industry – nevertheless, their impact on trade will be felt for all who import and export from the EU.
Carbonfact’s automated environmental reports
The changing supply chain
4. The contemporary consumer requires the modernisation of value chains. For example, the creator economy – also known as the influencer economy – with its high demand for merchandise requires the availability of digital printing hubs close to various global audiences, meaning digital design platforms with networks of print houses could soon become highly attractive to consumers and a lucrative business model for printers.
5. As new standards and regulations push traditional textile factories to modernise – or face becoming obsolete – ongoing efforts exist to completely digitalise supply chains to embrace said modernity and enable real-time, people-centred, environmentally compelled business models.
Author: Otis Robinson, WTiN
