It has been widely accepted that 3D knitting technology, which is also known as seamless fashion, gives more sustainable solutions in apparel and fashion manufacturing. Here are a few pointers that may prove this point.
As per design and name of the process, in the 3D knitting process, all garments are produced in one entire piece. A three dimensional garment piece made directly on the knitting machine from yarn feeding to garment output.
Waste reduction:
In the 3D knitted garments, cut and sew processes are eliminated. 3D knitted products use only the required amount of yarn to knit. In the cut and sew process, a lot of wastes are generated in the cutting room as end bits, cut wastes (small part of fabric outside patterns). In 3D knitted garments those wastes are eliminated. Further in the fabric weaving and knitting process there is process loss and wastes are there. Additional wet processing of textiles is a concern of environmental impacts.
No use of sewing threads. So no wastes of sewing threads. No need of thread sourcing, no need of thread manufacturing and thread dyeing.
Low inventory (raw materials)
The cut & sew product follows a longer process cycle from concept to consumer. In the bulk cut and sew manufacturing, manufacturers buy fabrics in bulk plus additional fabric as a buffer. They make garments as per order volume. The order volume by the buyer is an estimated number based on the forecasting. The produced garments wait in the warehouse for a certain period (holding the money). Finally when the garments reached the retail store, there was also waiting time and dead stock. So the garments that are unsold are solid waste.
On-Demand Production
In the 3D knitted designs, the required number of products can be knitted when required based on the market demand. So, the inventory maintenance is near to zero. The process cycle is short. Optimised inventory yields minimal leftover products. Secondly, as brands can make the sweater (3D knitted) as per ordered size, they don’t need to knit sweaters in standard sizes. The result is a reduced inventory.
Labor Reduction
As cut and sew processes are eliminated, in 3D knitted garments one need less labour force in garment manufacturing.
Reduced and Less Transportation
Production on consumer markets saves on energy for shipping and transport and allows quick response production for the market. Reduced emissions when going for 3D knitted garments.
Related Articles:
The Future of Garment Production: 3D Knitting
History of Knitting and Important Facts
The Benefits of Sustainable Manufacturing for Businesses and the Environment