Virtual and augmented reality can make a big difference to the sustainability of the textile and fashion industry, especially through wastage reduction at the design stage to even reducing wasteful purchases (and adding to reverse logistics woes) at the downstream end of the value chain.
How does it work?By digitizing apparel designing and evaluation through virtual and augmented reality, companies can derive benefits in terms of speed of design as well as in terms of lowering the cost of design. |
Sustainability benefitsThrough VR and AR, designs can be converted into 3D renderings and viewed from anywhere in the world. That could potentially spare significant amounts of material waste. |
Highlights/USPVR/AR to enhance textile sustainability could be especially important in this age of increasing e-commerce / online purchases of apparel |
Stage of commercializationCommercialized |
Types of professionals who can improve the solutionComputer science engineer, Virtual Reality researcher, Visual designers, Artists
|
Specifically relevant to any geography?Nil
|
Decarbonization PotentialModerate
|
Value ChainRetail , Product use , |
Although fashion tends to be conceived digitally through flats and tech packs, designs are then transformed into physical pre-production and production samples before factory orders are placed. Final garments (or production samples) are then shown to prospective buyers. This blog discusses how technological innovators are imagining ways that virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can make for a more environmentally-friendly fashion industry.
Several brands are exploring how digital design can deliver ?customized clothing? and are even digital clothes that consumers can ‘wear’?. This blog investigates the role that 3D digital design and augmented reality can play in reducing textile waste in the fashion industry.
In the context of fashion education for sustainability, VR-based modules can allow for immersive experiences across the fashion value chain. It can potentially help the brain to bridge the disconnect and distance between ugly industry practices and a beautiful piece of garment. A nuanced experience with a physical or sensory element(haptic) can create a long-lasting impact.