03/26/2021
Similar to a zero-waste lifestyle, zero-waste fashion is about finding new ways of reusing existing materials, designing products in a circular system and leaving no trash behind at the end of the production cycle. New technology or materials have little to do with this sustainable approach that forces designers to rethink existing techniques to design out waste. Zero-waste fashion isn’t just an afterthought to recycle scraps but has to be implemented at the design and production stage for existing materials to be used to their full capacity.
Compared to other zero-waste products such as reusable water bottles or coffee cups that are made from eco-friendly materials to help consumers avoid single-use, zero-waste fashion is more about how the fashion items are produced and sourced, addressing waste before it reaches the customer.
There are two approaches to consider when creating a zero-waste garment:
Zero Waste Design where designers can use special pattern-cutting techniques to reduce or eliminate textile waste.
Zero Waste Production where designers reuse excess fabric from garment production for new pieces or smaller accessories. - source Econyl
