Harshita Bhown
Assistant Professor
Department of Fashion & Textiles
IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur
Abstract:
India’s textile and apparel industry contributes significantly to waste generation and environmental pollution. To combat this issue, sustainable practices like textile recycling and upcycling have gained traction. This research paper delves into the utilization of pre-consumer textile waste to design and develop children’s wear, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of fashion products. It examines the concept of waste, particularly textile waste, its environmental ramifications, and the imperative for textile waste recovery. The study underscores the process of refashioning and delineates the stages of product design and development. By promoting the use of pre-consumer textile waste in children’s clothing, this study advocates for sustainable practices in the fashion industry, thereby curtailing environmental pollution. The objectives include identifying sources of waste fabric, fabric material development, designing children’s wear, and evaluating market acceptability, albeit acknowledging study limitations, such as a focus on boutique waste and a specific region.
Keywords: textile industry, textile waste, pre-consumer waste, children’s wear, sustainability, recycling, upcycling, refashioning, product design and development.
INTRODUCTION
- Textile and Apparel Industry in India
India’s textile industry is a vital sector, but it’s also one of the most polluting. Waste is omnipresent in textile production, including its consumption. To counteract this, the industry has embraced measures like recycling and upcycling. In India, textiles are the second-largest source of employment after agriculture, yet they also generate significant waste. The advent of terms like upcycling reflects a growing sustainability ethos. The disposal of textile waste contributes to environmental harm, necessitating sustainable interventions. Recycling is crucial due to the industry’s substantial pollution footprint. Utilizing textile waste for children’s wear can mitigate this impact and foster community economic development.
- Waste
Waste is a multifaceted concept with profound environmental implications. It encompasses discarded materials or substances no longer deemed useful, presenting challenges across various domains. Waste’s close association with consumption underscores the need for sustainable practices. By reducing waste, we can minimize its environmental footprint and foster sustainability.
- Textile waste
Textile waste pertains to materials discarded during clothing production and consumption. It spans fabric remnants, unsold items, and post-consumer clothing. The proliferation of textile waste poses a significant environmental challenge. Both pre-consumer and post-consumer waste streams contribute to this issue, necessitating recovery initiatives.
Types of Textile Waste
Textile waste encompasses pre-consumer and post-consumer categories. Pre-consumer waste originates from manufacturing processes, while post-consumer waste comprises discarded clothing and textiles. Understanding these distinctions is pivotal for effective waste management.
Textile Waste Recovery
Textile waste recovery entails diverting waste from landfills through recycling or upcycling. This practice minimizes resource depletion and environmental degradation associated with conventional production. By repurposing waste materials, we can foster sustainability in the textile industry.
- Refashioning
Refashioning embodies a sustainable approach to fashion design, involving the transformation of existing garments or waste materials into new products. This process extends the lifespan of textiles, curbing waste and promoting environmental stewardship.
- Product Design & Development from Waste
Designing products from waste mandates a systematic approach encompassing various stages. This involves sourcing waste materials, fabric development, product design, and market evaluation. By integrating waste materials into product development, we foster sustainable innovation and reduce environmental impact.
METHODOLOGY:
- The research methodology comprises three phases: exploratory, fabric and garment development, and evaluation. The exploratory phase involves surveying boutiques to identify waste sources. Fabric development entails collecting and sorting waste fabric, followed by product design using CAD software. Garments are then constructed using sustainable techniques. Market acceptability is gauged through consumer surveys, ensuring alignment with customer preferences.
Result Analysis:
The research presents findings from boutique and consumer surveys, elucidating perceptions and preferences regarding sustainable fashion and children’s wear. Respondents expressed willingness to embrace sustainable apparel, underscoring the viability of waste-based products. Consumer feedback informed product design and market positioning, ensuring market alignment and consumer acceptance.
Conclusion:
The textile industry’s environmental impact necessitates sustainable interventions to mitigate waste generation and promote responsible consumption. Utilizing textile waste for children’s wear offers a viable solution to this challenge. This research underscores the importance of recycling and upcycling in fostering sustainability within the fashion industry. By repurposing waste materials, we can create environmentally responsible products while supporting economic development. Moving forward, sustainable practices must be prioritized to ensure a greener, more sustainable future for the textile industry.
